The hip joint is a ball and socket synovial joint, formed by an articulation between the pelvic acetabulum and the head of the femur. The hip joint is the junction where the hip joins the leg to the trunk of the body. It is comprised of two bones: the thighbone or femur, and the pelvis, which is made up of three bones called ilium, ischium and pubis. The ball of the hip joint is made by the femoral head while the socket is formed by the acetabulum.

Hip pain is the general term for pain felt in or around the hip joint. It isn’t always felt in the hip itself but may instead be felt in the groin or thigh. Hip problems can cause pain and are a common concern for many people, particularly as we get older and maintain an active lifestyle.

The specific location of hip pain can help to pinpoint the underlying cause. This can include problems in the tendons, muscles, ligaments, and other soft tissues surrounding the hip joint, or an issue in the lower back or spine. Hip pain can be felt in the outer hip, groin, or upper thigh.