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Your hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The ball of your thighbone fits into the socket of your pelvis. There are also ligaments, tendons, cartilage, and other soft tissues in and around the joint.
The hip is one of the largest joints in your body. It bears your body weight and supports all kinds of movements. When you have hip problems, it affects your entire life.
We offer comprehensive care for a wide array of hip conditions to help reduce pain and restore range of motion. If you’re looking for the expertise of an orthopedic specialist, Find a Doctor at Dignity Health.
Signs and symptoms of hip conditions and injuries depend on the specific problem. Hip pain is a common symptom, which can spread to the thighs, buttocks, or knees. The pain can be sharp, dull, or achy. Other symptoms include joint stiffness, decreased range of motion, and a popping or locking of the joint. For fractures and dislocations, the pain may be severe, and you may not be able to move or rotate your hip.
Causes of hip conditions and injuries depend on the specific problem. Overuse from repetitive motion can cause some hip conditions, such as bursitis. Trauma is the usual cause of hip injuries, including dislocations, fractures, and strains. Trauma includes injury from a fall, a direct blow to the hip, sports injuries, and motor vehicle accidents.
Chronic problems, such as arthritis, are degenerative conditions of the joint surfaces that develop over time. Osteoporosis — or thin, weak bones — can make hip problems more likely.
Dignity Health offers a wide variety of diagnostic tests for hip injuries, using the latest medical technology along with individualized care and human kindness.
Common hip injuries and conditions include:
Common risk factors for hip injury include:
Preventing hip injuries can be difficult, as they are often the result of accidents. However, you can manage your risk by:
The information contained in this article is meant for educational purposes only and should not replace advice from your healthcare provider.