Your hip is a complex ball-and-socket joint supported by cartilage, tendons, ligaments, muscles, and nerves. Pain in this area can originate within the joint itself or be referred from nearby structures, such as the lower back, pelvis, or knees. Understanding the possible source matters because early evaluation may lead to appropriate treatment and help preserve mobility over time.
Six Common Sources of Hip Pain
Osteoarthritis
What it feels like: Deep aching in the groin, stiffness after waking or periods of inactivity, and sometimes grinding or clicking during movement.
Why it
