Hip pain can be categorized into different types depending on the cause and location:

1. **Localized hip pain:**

- Pain that is confined to a specific area, such as the groin or the outside of the hip.

2. **Radiating hip pain:**

- Pain that originates from other regions, such as the lower back or the knee.

3. **Acute hip pain:**

- Sudden onset of discomfort, often due to injuries or inflammation.

4. **Chronic hip pain:**

- Long-lasting pain, usually caused by degenerative diseases.

The causes of hip pain are varied and can be divided into the following categories:

• Degenerative diseases:
  • Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis): Wear and tear of the hip joint, leading to pain and movement restrictions.
• Inflammatory diseases:
  • Trochanteric bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae in the hip, often caused by overuse.
  • Tendinitis: Tendon inflammation in the hip area, often due to repetitive strain.
• Traumatic injuries:
  • Hip fractures: Breaks in the femur, especially in older people after falls.
  • Labrum tears: Injuries to the cartilage rim of the hip socket, which can cause pain and instability.
• Mechanical causes:
  • Hip impingement: Mechanical pinching in the hip joint, especially in physically active individuals.
  • Leg length discrepancy: Different leg lengths lead to asymmetrical strain and pain.
• Circulatory disorders:
  • Avascular necrosis of the femoral head: Death of bone tissue in the femoral head due to impaired blood supply.

The symptoms vary depending on the cause and severity of the complaints:

• Pain:
  • Pain in the groin, buttocks, or outside of the hip, which may increase with movement or exertion.
• Movement restrictions:
  • Difficulty walking, bending, or climbing stairs.
• Swelling:
  • Visible or palpable swelling in the hip area, especially in inflammatory conditions.
• Grinding or rubbing:
  • Mechanical noises in the joint during movement.
• Gait changes:
  • Limping or an altered gait pattern to avoid pain.

The diagnosis of hip pain is made through medical history, physical examination, and imaging techniques:

- Medical history:

- The doctor inquires about the exact location of the pain, its duration, and possible triggers of the symptoms.

- Physical examination:

- Checking mobility, pain points, and gait pattern.

- Imaging techniques:

- X-ray: Visualization of bony changes such as osteoarthritis or fractures.

- MRI: Detailed examination of soft tissues and cartilage structures.

- Ultrasound: Visualization of bursitis or joint effusions.

Conservative Therapy

Most cases of hip pain can be treated without surgery:

• Physiotherapy:
  • Targeted exercises to strengthen the muscles and improve mobility.
• Medication Therapy:
  • Painkillers and anti-inflammatory drugs like NSAIDs.
• Injections:
  • Hyaluronic acid or cortisone to relieve inflammation and pain.
• Weight Reduction:
  • Relieving the hip joint by reducing excess weight.

Surgical Therapy

In severe or therapy-resistant cases, surgery may be necessary:

• Arthroscopy:
  • Minimally invasive removal of inflamed tissue or repair of labrum tears.
• Hip Endoprosthesis:
  • Replacement of the damaged joint with an artificial hip in advanced osteoarthritis.
• Corrective Osteotomy:
  • Adjustment of joint position in case of misalignments.

To prevent hip pain, the following measures are recommended:

1. Regular exercise: Joint-friendly sports such as swimming or cycling promote hip health.
2. Weight management: Reducing excess weight to relieve the hip.
3. Ergonomic adjustments: Avoiding poor posture in everyday life and at the workplace.
4. Strengthening the muscles: Exercises to stabilize the hip and pelvis.
5. Early treatment: Consult a doctor at the first signs of hip pain.