Causes

• Hip joint pain originates from many causes, according to Jonathan Cluett, MD, at the Center for Pain Relief. Trochanteric bursitis is an inflammation of the bursa surrounding the joint. Arthritis (also arthritis hip) is an inflammation of the joint and has more than 100 specific types. Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendon.
  Osteonecrosis is caused by a lack of blood flow to the joint, causing the bone cells to die. Lumbar pain means spinal issues, but the pain can radiate into the hip joints. Snapping hip is an audible clicking or snapping sound that can become painful over time. Fractures are breaks associated with either a trauma, such as a car accident, or with an arthritic condition. Childhood conditions often include developmental dysplasia, a deformed or misaligned joint from infancy. Legg-Calve-Perthes disease is a degenerative condition leading to hip deformity.
  
  To determine the nature of the pain, see a health care professional. The pain may be felt in the hip, the surrounding muscle or tissue; however, hip pain could actually be from a spinal condition.
  
  

Treatments

• Therapies for hip joint pain include both traditional methods and holistic treatments. Typically, hip replacement surgery is recommended after other therapies have not alleviated the problem and are often considered a last resort.
  
  Depending on the condition, the first approach may include rest, ice and heat, stretching, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medicine. Hip joint injections can help relieve the pain and help determine the cause, according to Ray M. Baker, MD. During the procedure, pain medication combined with cortisone is injected directly into the joint via an IV. If pain symptoms are relieved over several days, the joint is where the problem originates. This procedure may temporarily increase hip pain when the numbing medication dissipates and the cortisone is starting to work.
  
  Alternative health therapies include supplements such as glucosamine, known to stimulate production of glycosaminoglycans, a cartilage builder. Vitamin B-12 and calcium as well as a diet of fresh fruits and vegetables are also considered important in healing hip issues.
  
  Acupuncture and chiropractic treatment may be helpful to alleviate symptoms. Chiropractic treatment helps relieve structural issues, such as sacroiliac alignment; one example that treats the underlying cause of the pain.
  
  Another treatment that is proving successful is cold laser therapy. This therapy is also called "laser acupuncture." It involves no medication, is not invasive and is a painless treatment. This treatment is a blend of ancient Chinese medicine and modern medical knowledge.
  
  Regardless of the therapies you try, whether traditional, holistic or a combination, be persistent as many causes of hip pain are degenerative. Addressing the pain now increases your current quality of life and your future.