Hip Pain

The hips are among the most stable joints in the body — they bear body weight and enable walking, running, and rotation. However, precisely because of this they are susceptible to dislocations, degenerative changes, and fractures.

Causes of hip pain by age group

Children and infants

• Congenital hip development disorders (dysplasia)
• Perthes disease (impaired blood supply to the femoral head)

Adolescents

• Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis (SCFE)

Young adults

• Sports injuries and trauma
• FAI syndrome (femoroacetabular impingement)

Older adults

• Osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)
• Femoral neck fractures

Pain location

Hip pain can be localized in:

• The groin — most commonly indicates a problem within the joint
• The gluteal region (buttocks) — muscle problems or piriformis syndrome
• The lateral side of the hip — trochanteric bursitis or IT band syndrome

Diagnostic procedures

For precise diagnosis, orthopedic tests are used:

• FABER test — flexion, abduction, external rotation
• FADIR test — flexion, adduction, internal rotation
• OBER test — IT band assessment
• Thomas test — hip flexor assessment

Treatment and recovery

Conservative measures:

• Appropriate footwear with good cushioning
• Regular exercise — swimming and cycling are especially recommended
• Gluteal muscle and hip stabilizer strengthening exercises
• Manual therapy — hip joint mobilization
• Dry needling for muscle trigger points

Daily life tips:

• Avoid sitting with crossed legs
• When standing up, use your arms for support
• Sleep with a pillow between the knees

With proper therapy and activity adaptation, most patients achieve significant improvement.