Hip pain can occur for a variety of reasons, including injuries, muscle strains, and underlying conditions such as arthritis. While both men and women can suffer from hip pain, the condition may be more prevalent in women, according to Dr Aashish Chaudhri, director and head of the orthopedics and joint replacement department at Aakash Healthcare, New Delhi. “ Women are more susceptible to hip pain due to dysfunction of the acetabulum or socket,” he says . “The socket may be too shallow or too deep, leading to discomfort.”
But the question is, what are the most common causes of hip pain in women and what are the strategies for managing the discomfort? Read on to find out what our experts have to say.
Read more: Arthritis Hip Pain: Practical Pain Relief Tips for Everyday Comfort
Common Causes of Hip Pain in Women
Hip pain is more prevalent in women than in men, and this has been noted in several studies.
Osteoarthritis, a common joint disease, appears to affect women more than men, according to a recent review published in Frontiers of Endocrinology . The researchers note that while men are more likely to have joint damage visible on an x-ray, women are more likely to experience hip pain and seek medical attention.
Another study highlighted that 10.3% of women experience hip pain compared to 6.8% of men.
According to Dr Choudhury, older women are more susceptible to hip fractures, which can lead to progressive disability, caregiving and death.
He explained that several hormonal changes affecting the musculoskeletal system have been identified as risk factors for fractures in postmenopausal women, particularly the vitamin D/parathyroid hormone (PTH) axis and the insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1)/growth hormone axis, adding that these hormones may play an important role in both hip fracture risk and fracture recovery.
Additionally, wear-and-tear arthritis is a leading cause of hip pain in women. Women are more likely to develop hip pain due to hip fractures associated with arthritis. Older women, especially those with osteoporosis, are more likely to develop hip fractures.
Additionally, tendonitis and bursitis are two other causes of hip discomfort, both of which are often caused by overuse.Women should be aware of gynecological and back conditions as well as inguinal hernias that can cause hip problems.
How to relieve hip pain in women
Dr. Chaudhry says gentle hip exercises can help reduce discomfort while improving joint mobility and strength.
The butterfly stretch stretches the adductors, the double hip rotation develops the glutes (butt muscles), and the leg swing stretches the upper hamstrings, upper quadriceps (top thigh muscles), and hip flexors.
External hip rotation works various muscles in the hip complex, as do four stretches that stretch the outer hip and hip, and yoga squats that stretch the calves, hips, hamstrings, and quads.
Read more: How to Deal with Postpartum Hip Pain: A Common Postpartum Discomfort
When should I see a doctor?
Women who frequently experience hip pain should see a medical professional if:
- Joints that appear misshapen or out of place
- I can’t move my legs or hips
- Inability to put weight on the affected limb
- Severe pain
- Swelling occurs suddenly
- Fever, chills, redness, or other signs of infection
If any of these symptoms occur, you can incorporate a rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) strategy. When hip pain first occurs, it’s often treated as a first line of defense, says Dr. Chaudhry.
He added that NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) can help reduce swelling and discomfort and can be effective in treating muscle tears, bursitis, arthritis, tendonitis and some meniscus tears, but you should check with your doctor before using them.
Additionally, physical therapy can help strengthen the hip joint and the muscles around it, reducing inflammation and discomfort in the hip joint.
