What is it?
Hip pain can be frustrating, limiting your mobility and affecting everyday activities. Whether you’re dealing with pain inside the hip joint, hip soreness, or sore hip pain, it’s crucial to understand the underlying causes and effective treatment strategies.
This guide will explore the common causes of pain inside the hip, how to identify different types of hip discomfort, and the best treatment options to help you move pain-free.
What Causes Pain Inside the Hip?
Hip pain can stem from various conditions, ranging from muscle strain to joint degeneration. Some of the most common causes include:
Hip Joint Impingement (FAI): A condition where excess bone growth causes pinching in the hip joint, leading to stiffness and pain.
Labral Tears: Damage to the cartilage surrounding the hip socket, often causing sharp pain inside the hip joint.
Hip Arthritis: Wear and tear in the hip joint that leads to chronic hip soreness and stiffness.
Muscle Strains & Tendon Injuries: Overuse of hip flexors, glutes, or adductors can lead to pain inside the hip.
Nerve Compression: Conditions like sciatica or femoral nerve compression can refer pain to the hip.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae around the hip, causing a deep, aching pain.
💡 When to See a Physiotherapist:
- Pain lasting more than two weeks
- Difficulty walking or putting weight on the hip
- Clicking, locking, or instability in the hip joint
Pain on the Inside of the Hip: Symptoms & Diagnosis
Different hip conditions present unique symptoms. Here’s how to differentiate them:
Labral Tear Symptoms:
- Sharp, catching pain deep in the hip joint.
- Increased discomfort with twisting or deep squatting.
Hip Impingement Symptoms:
- Stiffness and pain after prolonged sitting.
- Discomfort when bringing the knee toward the chest.
Hip Arthritis Symptoms:
- Chronic hip joint pain that worsens over time.
- Pain and stiffness in the morning or after inactivity.
Best Treatments for Pain Inside the Hip
The right treatment depends on the cause of hip pain. Here are the most effective approaches:
🔹 Manual Therapy & Physiotherapy – Hands-on treatment can improve mobility and reduce stiffness. 🔹 Targeted Strengthening Exercises – Strengthening hip stabiliser muscles reduces stress on the joint. 🔹 Stretching & Mobility Work – Helps alleviate hip soreness and restore normal function.
FAQs: Your Hip Pain Questions Answered
Q: What causes pain on the inside of the hip?
A: Common causes include labral tears, hip impingement, arthritis, and muscle strains.
Q: What exercises help relieve hip pain?
A: Strengthening exercises like glute bridges, hip abduction drills, and core stability work are beneficial.
Q: Should I see a physiotherapist for hip pain?
A: Yes, especially if pain persists for more than two weeks or worsens with activity.