Skip to content
Testmottagningen logo
en
sv
Testmottagningen logo

Hip

The hip is a stable ball-and-socket joint that supports the body's weight and enables walking, running, and other leg movements. It is central to the body's balance and mobility.

Contents

Quick version

What is the hip?

The hip consists of the hip joint, where the head of the thigh bone (femur) meets the pelvic socket (acetabulum). It is one of the largest joints in the body and has both stability and great mobility. The hip is surrounded by strong muscles, ligaments and cartilage.

Anatomy and structure

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint with a deep joint space for stability. The The head of the thigh bone is covered by articular cartilage that reduces friction. Surrounding the joint are the hip capsule, ligaments and important muscles such as the glutes and hip flexors. Nerve supply is from the sciatic nerve and other nerves in the lumbar spine.

Movements and function

The hip allows flexion, extension, inward and outward rotation, and abduction and adduction of the leg. This function is crucial for walking, sitting, standing, and performing physical activities.

Stability and load

The hip supports the entire body's weight when walking and standing. Its stability comes from the shape of the joint, surrounding muscles, and ligaments. Imbalances in the muscles or incorrect loading can lead to pain and wear and tear.

Common conditions and diseases

Pain in the hip can be due to osteoarthritis, inflammation of the bursae (bursitis), hip dysplasia, or muscle tension. In younger people, impingement (FAI) and overuse are common, while older people often suffer from osteoarthritis or hip fractures.

Examination and diagnosis

Diagnosis is made through history, physical examination and tests of mobility and pain. Imaging diagnostics such as X-ray, ultrasound or MRI of the hip are used to see cartilage, bone and soft tissues. Blood tests such as CRP and SR can rule out inflammation or infection.

Relevant symptoms

  • Pain in the groin, buttock, or outer hip
  • Stiffness in the hip, especially in the morning
  • Difficulty walking, standing, or bending
  • Clipping or locking in the hip joint
  • Radiating pain down the leg

Related conditions and diagnoses

  • Hip osteoarthritis
  • Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa)
  • FAI – femoroacetabular impingement
  • Hip fracture
  • Hip Dysplasia

Questions and answers

Hip pain can be caused by various conditions such as osteoarthritis, bursitis, muscle strains or hip joint injuries. The location of the pain can provide clues to the cause, for example, groin pain in joint problems.

Hip osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the articular cartilage in the hip joint. It leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. It is most common in the elderly and can sometimes require surgery with a hip prosthesis.

Treatment for hip problems includes exercise, weight loss, painkillers, cortisone injections and, if necessary, surgery. Physiotherapy is central to maintaining function and reducing pain.

In the event of prolonged, increasing or sudden hip pain, especially with difficulty walking or pain at rest, you should seek medical attention to rule out serious conditions such as fracture or infection.

Yes, young people can suffer from FAI, hip dysplasia, overuse or bursitis. Athletes are particularly at risk due to high levels of stress.

Hip dysplasia is a congenital condition in which the hip socket is shallow, causing instability. Such a condition can lead to early osteoarthritis and often requires early treatment or surgery.

The healing time varies depending on the diagnosis. Inflammation can heal in a few weeks with the right treatment, while osteoarthritis is chronic and is managed long-term with exercise and sometimes surgery.