Common causes of sudden hip pain without an injury

Older adult standing with a hand on their lower back
Older adult holding their lower back and hip

Hip pain is a common complaint, especially among older adults. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including injuries, arthritis, and other medical conditions. In some cases, hip pain may come on suddenly without any obvious cause. Here are some of the most common causes of sudden hip pain without an injury:

  • Arthritis: Arthritis is the most common cause of hip pain, especially in older adults. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis, and it occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint breaks down over time. This can lead to inflammation, pain, and stiffness in the hip.
  • Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of a bursa, which is a small, fluid-filled sac that cushions the bones, tendons, and muscles around the joints. Bursitis can occur in the hip, and it can be caused by overuse, injury, or infection.
  • Labral tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket. It helps to keep the ball of the thighbone in place. A labral tear can occur due to overuse, injury, or a developmental condition.
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): FAI is a condition in which the bones of the hip joint do not fit together properly. This can cause friction and pain in the hip joint.
  • Osteonecrosis: Osteonecrosis is a condition in which the bone does not receive enough blood. This can lead to the death of bone tissue and pain in the affected joint.
  • Infection: Infection of the hip joint can cause sudden and severe pain. This condition is rare, but it can be serious.

Other possible causes of sudden hip pain without an injury include:

  • Stress fracture: A stress fracture is a small crack in a bone that is caused by overuse. Stress fractures can occur in the hip bones, especially in athletes.
  • Tumors: Tumors of the hip bones or the surrounding tissues can cause pain. However, tumors are a rare cause of hip pain.

If you experience sudden hip pain without an injury, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.

When to see a doctor

You should see a doctor for sudden hip pain if:

  • The pain is severe or disabling.
  • The pain is accompanied by swelling, redness, or warmth in the hip joint.
  • You have a fever.
  • You have difficulty walking or moving your hip.
  • The pain does not improve with home remedies after a few days.

Your doctor will perform a physical exam and may order imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, to determine the cause of your hip pain. Once the cause of your pain is diagnosed, your doctor can recommend the right next steps.

Common approaches to sudden hip pain

What helps will vary depending on the underlying cause. However, some general options include:

  • Rest: Resting the hip joint can help to ease inflammation and pain.
  • Ice: Applying ice to the hip joint for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day, is a common home measure.
  • Over-the-counter pain relievers: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, are often used. Follow the label and talk with your doctor.
  • Physical therapy: Physical therapy can help to strengthen the muscles around the hip joint and improve range of motion.
  • Corticosteroid injections: A doctor may recommend corticosteroid injections in some cases.
  • Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address the underlying cause of hip pain.
  • Joint supplements: may help support joint mobility, support a healthy inflammatory response, support cartilage and joint structure, and support the body's own lubricating fluids in the joint — all of which contribute to everyday hip comfort.

If you have sudden hip pain without an injury, it is important to see a doctor to rule out any serious underlying medical conditions.

How Flexcin Supports Everyday Hip Comfort

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Flexcin joint care supplements

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Individual results vary. Consult your healthcare provider before beginning any new supplement.