What Can Cause Hip Pain in Women: Common Conditions and Treatment Options

Hip pain in women can be caused by a variety of factors, ranging from hormonal imbalances to conditions like osteoarthritis. I used to have to stick my fingers in my hip to walk without pain. I first noticed a dull ache in my hip when running. At first, I thought it was just one of those fleeting pains that come and go, especially after going for a long run. But this pain was persistent, when I stood up, I felt like an old woman, like my leg was about to give way, I hobbled for a few steps and then it ease. But every morning, the ache was still there, like many of my clients, I hoped it would just go away, sort itself out over time. 

As someone who loves staying active, this pain an inconvenience, annoying but overtime —it was disheartening. For a while I bounced back and forth from GP to physio to to chiropractor to consultant where I was finally diagnosed with hip impingement. Little did I know this diagnosis would change my whole life.

For those of you who are new here, before my hip surgery I was a secondary school teacher (Design & Technology), yoga was my hobby and I had plans to have my own design studio!

Fast forward many scans and consultations later and trying a wide variety of treatment modalities from chiropractor to acupuncture I discovered KCR.  Where we met our mentors and friends Hugh Gilbert and Jane Wardlaw, which led to yoga teacher training which led to Ayurveda. 

This past decade of learning and working with clients has helped me to understand that hip pain in women can stem from a multitude of factors and requires a personalised holistic approach to treatment.

​​Understanding What Can Cause Hip Pain in Women: From Osteoarthritis to Hormonal Changes

Here are some of the key causes of hip pain in women;

Injuries and Strains

Sometimes, the simplest explanation is the correct one. A fall, a sudden twist, or lifting something heavy can strain the muscles and ligaments around the hip, leading to pain. It’s a reminder to always lift with your legs and not your back.

Hormonal Imbalance or Fluctuations

Believe it or not, our hormones can play a significant role in joint and muscle pain. After your period, estrogen levels rise and peak before ovulation. During ovulation, estrogen dips; then afterward, both estrogen and progesterone levels steadily increase as your body prepares for a potential pregnancy. Studies have shown that joint and muscle pain improve several days after and up to two weeks after their period and morning stiffness was reduced during the post-ovulatory phase, when these female hormones were high. Hormones change and we should be aware of the phases of our cycle and how we feel, joint pain could be the cause of a hormone imbalance. If you’d like more support to balance your hormones through Ayurveda, find out more here. 

Osteoarthritis

A common cause of hip pain, especially in women over 50. Osteoarthritis is the wear and tear of the cartilage in the hip joint, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. The labrum is the cartilage that lines the acetabulum (hip socket), this cushion between your bones is wearing out, making every movement a bit more painful.

Bursitis

If you’ve ever felt a sharp, intense pain on the outside of your hip. That could be bursitis, which is the inflammation of the bursa—a small, fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction between tissues. Activities that involve repetitive motion, like running or biking, can exacerbate this condition.

Tendonitis

This is the inflammation of the tendons around the hip joint. Tendonitis often results from overuse, which is why athletes or individuals who engage in repetitive activities might experience this kind of pain. It’s like your tendons are crying out for a break.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint — giving the bones an irregular shape. This means the bones do not fit together as they should, the bones rub against each other during movement. This causes pain and over time this friction can damage the joint, tear the labrum and limit range of movement and activity.

Hip Labral Tear

The labrum is the cartilage that lines the acetabulum (hip socket). A tear in this area can cause deep, achy pain, often felt in the groin area. It might also cause a locking or clicking sensation in the hip. This condition is common in athletes who participate in sports involving twisting movements, such as soccer or ballet.

Sciatica

If you feel a radiating pain that starts in the lower back and shoots down your leg, it might be sciatica. This condition occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed, often by a herniated disc or bone spur. It’s like an unwelcome zap of electricity traveling through your hip and leg.

Pelvic Floor Dysfunction

The muscles of the pelvic floor support the pelvic organs and help with bowel and bladder control. When these muscles are too tight or too weak, they can cause pain in the pelvic region, including the hips. Women who have given birth or who have pelvic organ prolapse might be more susceptible to this kind of pain.

Endometriosis

This condition, where tissue similar to the lining inside the uterus grows outside it, can cause significant pain and discomfort, including hip pain. The pain often correlates with the menstrual cycle but can be chronic in severe cases.

Stress Fractures

These tiny cracks in the bone can result from overuse or repetitive force, often seen in athletes. Women, particularly those with lower bone density, are at a higher risk. If you’ve been upping your workout intensity and notice persistent pain, a stress fracture might be the cause.

How to Find Out The Cause of Hip Pain? 

As an Ayurveda Practitioner and Yoga Therapist I don’t diganise, most of my clients go to their GP and then are referred onto physiotherapy through NHS, for scans or to see a consultant. During this waiting period which can be extensive, I recently had a client who is waiting 63 weeks before she sees a consultant. 

For some people there is no diagnosis which is where we can help, looking at your physical musculoskeletal structure, building strength,and improving flexibility through yoga therapy and treatments. And also exploring digestion, your diet and lifestyle, joint pain and hormones through Ayurveda.

In my case, the cause of my hip pain was a labral tear and FAI, however I was aware of pain hormones making pain worse. I required surgery however knowing what I know now I might have been able to avoid surgery but that’s my story and my journey. After surgery I focussed on a mix of physical therapy, KCR, myofascial release, rest, mediation, breathwork, yoga postures, strengthening. As well as implementing Ayurveda to improve my digestion and balancing my hormones.  

Hip pain in women is multifaceted and can be influenced by lifestyle, hormonal changes, and underlying medical conditions. If you’re experiencing persistent hip pain, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional to pinpoint the cause and develop an effective treatment plan.