If you are experiencing hip pain when sitting, you are not alone. Many adults report feeling this pain in one or both hips when sitting, and it could be caused by a number of factors.
Because the hip is one of the main weight-bearing joints in the body, it goes through significant wear and tear over the years. From bearing the weight of the body to balancing the body during daily movements and activities, the hip can be prone to natural degenerative changes as well as injury — both of which can cause hip pain when sitting.
The three main conditions that can lead to hip pain when sitting (and during other movements) are as follows:
- Arthritis in the hip — Arthritis is the slow degeneration of cartilage that surrounds the joints. The cartilage is meant to help protect the bones in the joints from rubbing against each other during movement, as well as cushion the joint during weight-bearing activities. When the cartilage in the hip joint deteriorates, the pressure on the hip when sitting or standing can cause sharp pain or a dull ache sensation.
- Bursitis — The bursae in the hips are small sacs that cushion the space between the bones and muscles connected to the joint. Bursitis is the inflammation of these small sacs, resulting in pain that extends from the hip down the outside of the thigh. This pain is commonly felt when standing after sitting for a longer period of time.
- Tendinitis — Sometimes during excessive activity or insufficient stretching, the tendons near the hip joint can become inflamed and irritated. This results in pain during movement, as well as hip pain when sitting and standing. Tendinitis in the hip may feel like pain more toward the front of the hip/groin area.
If you are experiencing chronic pain in the hip when sitting, you should contact your local physical therapist. Our team at Panther Physical Therapy can help you find relief from your symptoms and get back to your normal quality of life. Contact us today to schedule a free screening and learn more about the treatment options available to you.