Hip Pain and Treatment

The hip is a stable ball and socket joint that is made up of the femoral head (ball) at the top of the femur bone that fits into the acetabulum (socket) in the pelvis. Strong ligaments connect these bones to stabilize the hip joint. Inside the joint is the labrum, which is like the meniscus cartilage in the knee, that helps to connect the bones of the hip joint. Overlying muscles and tendons help to stabilize the joint and provide mobility.

Normally, these parts of the hip joint to work perfectly together and the joint moves easily without pain. However, disease, arthritis or injury to any of the surrounding structures can disturb normal function of the hip joint and cause pain and disability with walking and performing daily activities.