The hip is a "ball and socket" joint. The femur is the largest bone in the body. It is located in the thigh. It narrows to form a "neck", which angles into the pelvis, and ends in a knob-shaped ball. This ball fits into the socket of the pelvic bone (acetabulum). This arrangement allows the joint to move freely in all directions. The socket is protected by the joint being located under large muscles. This anatomical arrangement causes two problems.…

There are many causes of hip joint pain. It is important to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and history. This will help you identify the root cause and take appropriate action. Some causes are minor and can be treated with over-the-counter medication, rest and immobilization, while others may require surgery. Part 2 will discuss common treatments for hip joint pain. But, in part 1, we'll look at the most common causes.Arthritis Arthritis in all its forms is…