By EKalman April 22, 2022 - 5:28am

Do your hips bother you? Like with other types of chronic pain, women are more likely to experience hip pain than men. However, because there are many possible reasons for hip pain, determining the correct one is critical to receiving effective treatment.

Continue reading to learn about the top five causes of hip pain in women.

1. Hernia
In women, groin hernias such as femoral and inguinal hernias can cause frontal hip pain. Femoral hernias are a type of hernia that develops close to the hip bone and can cause hip pain. Pregnant women may develop inguinal hernias as a result of increased pressure on the abdominal wall. A hernia in the inguinal canal can also lead to pain in the hip.

2. Arthritis
Arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear type that most people experience when they get older, is the most common culprit of persistent hip pain in women. Osteoarthritis of the hip causes pain and stiffness by wearing down the cartilage in your hip and reducing the protective space between the joints. Genetics, trauma to the hip, obesity, and developmental dislocation of the hip are all factors that raise your risk of getting osteoarthritis.

Arthritis pain usually starts in the front of your groin or groin area and spreads to your buttocks or knees. Wet season and strenuous exercise can sometimes aggravate your symptoms. Both arthritis and osteoarthritis can cause a reduction in hip flexion and extension, making it difficult to walk and triggering changes in your gait.

3. Hip fractures
Hip fractures are common among older women, especially those with weak or fragile bones. Being underweight, smoking, abnormal alcohol intake, and having hypoglycemia might all lead to an increased risk of fracturing your hip. When you try to put weight on your leg, your fractured hip may ache, making it difficult for you to walk or get up after a fall. Bruising, inflammation, and a shorter leg on the side of your broken hip are some signs and symptoms of a fractured hip. A violent impact from a car accident or a fall from a great height is the most prevalent cause of hip fractures.

4. Tendinitis and bursitis
Tendons surround your hip, connecting the muscle to the joint. If you strain these tendons or engage in strenuous activity, they can easily become inflamed. Tendonitis is most commonly caused by an overuse injury known as iliotibial band syndrome. Athletes that engage in the long-distance running are prone to this form of injury. Discoloration, soreness, and burning on the outside of your knee and in the outer hip are common symptoms of iliotibial band syndrome.

Another prevalent cause of hip discomfort in women is bursitis. Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that act as cushioning between bones and soft tissues like skin, muscles, and tendons. There are two of these sacs in each of your hips. You may have discomfort anytime you move your hip joint if your hip bursae become inflamed as a result of irritation or overuse.

5. Gynecological and back problems
Your hips can become painful due to a variety of health issues. Endometriosis is a painful gynecological disorder in which tissue that is comparable to the uterine lining grows outside of the uterus. This can result in pelvic soreness, which can be mistaken for hip pain. Back pain might also radiate to your hips and buttocks. Sciatica pain, for instance, might start in your lower back and spread to your lower extremities and buttocks.

The bottom line
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, don't wait for them to get worse; instead, see your healthcare provider to find out what's causing them and get treatment right away.