Surprising Causes of Hip Pain

Achy, creaky hips are strongly associated with age, but age certainly isn’t the only contributing factor. In fact, young patients may be susceptible to many conditions and diseases that can cause hip pain. Everything from early onset arthritis to gynecological problems may cause hip pain. Since it’s impossible to tell, without medical guidance, whether lingering hip pain is a sign of an underlying condition, patients are always advised to speak with their doctors about any new, persistent, or severe changes in their health.

Along with medical guidance, there are a few simple things patients can do to relieve their hip pain—from gentle stretching to improving comfort during sleep with a new mattress.

Gynecological issues

Endometrial tissue normally is only found in the lining of a woman’s uterus. During each menstrual cycle, the endometrium becomes thicker, then breaks down and is expelled. Women with endometriosis have displaced endometrial tissue. It can develop in the ovaries, fallopian tubes, or even beyond the reproductive organs. This displaced tissue responds to the monthly cycle the same way the main uterine lining does, but it can’t be expelled.

This problem can cause the development of cysts, scar tissue, and adhesions—all of which can be extremely painful. Pelvic pain is the main symptom of endometriosis, and many women describe it as affecting the hip joints. Treatments ranging from birth control pills to minimally invasive endometrial ablation are available.

Inguinal hernias

An inguinal hernia is a bulge in the lower abdominal wall. It occurs when a section of the small intestine, or a portion of abdominal fat, pushes through a weak area in the abdominal wall. This causes pain in the groin, and sometimes pain in the hip.

Juvenile rheumatoid arthritis

Children under the age of 17 may be diagnosed with juvenile rheumatoid arthritis—a chronic disease characterized by joint pain and stiffness, possibly including pain of the hip. It’s possible for these children to suffer from symptoms for their lifetime, while other children experience the pain temporarily. In either case, medications, physical therapy, and a new mattress may help ease the pain.

Soothing your aching joints

Hip pain can interfere with your quality of life, but getting the right medical treatment can help. Medical intervention depends on the specific condition and patient’s health, but may range from birth control pills for endometriosis, to physical therapy for arthritis, to surgical repair for inguinal hernias.

Some hip patients may find relief with heat or cold therapy, chiropractic care, and gentle stretching. Only a doctor can recommend the medical treatment that’s appropriate for a patient.

Best mattress for hip pain sufferers

An easy lifestyle change to make is to upgrade your old mattress. People with hip pain often find that a high-quality mattress that conforms to the shape of the body effectively relieves pressure points, such as the hip joint. For instance, memory foam and latex mattresses may help. Other hip patients may prefer a pillow top mattress, or a softer innerspring. Everyone’s preferences are a little different, so visit a mattress showroom near you in Portland to find the right bed to cradle your joints.

Mattress World Northwest offers multiple locations around Portland to serve our community better. We pride ourselves on offering an extensive collection of premium beds at rock bottom prices—including memory foam mattresses, latex, hybrid, and pillow top. Stop by today and ask us about free delivery!

More information on unexpected causes of hip pain:

1. Mayo Clinic, Hip Pain, https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hip-pain/basics/causes/sym-20050684
2. Mayo Clinic, Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/juvenile-idiopathic-arthritis/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20374088

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