Sneaky Hip Pain Causes That Might Surprise You

Many people experience hip pain and don't know why. You might be surprised to learn that some seemingly innocuous activities can actually lead to discomfort in your hips. If you wear high heels often, they may be the source of your pain. While they may look stylish, wearing high heels can put extra strain on your hips and cause them to flex forward, which can lead to discomfort (via Verywell Health). Sleeping on your stomach is another common practice that can cause hip pain (via Albuquerque Journal). This sleeping position can put pressure on your hips and lead to pain. Try sleeping on your back or side instead.

If you have a desk job or spend a lot of time sitting, this can contribute to hip pain as well (via Healthline). This discomfort can be caused by something as simple as stiffness or a serious condition like tendonitis. Be sure to get up and move around every so often to give your hips a break.

Although many everyday tasks can lead to hip pain, your discomfort may be coming from an underlying health condition. Arthritis is a common condition that causes inflammation in the joints. It can affect any joint in the body, including the hips (via Johns Hopkins Medicine). The two most common types of arthritis that affect the hips are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease that breaks down the cartilage in the joints. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that causes the body to attack its own tissues. Both types of arthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and swelling in the hips.

Other conditions that can cause hip pain include bursitis and tendonitis. Bursitis is the inflammation of fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. Tendonitis is the inflammation of the tendons, which are the thick cords of tissue that attach muscles to bones. Both bursitis and tendonitis can be caused by repetitive motions or overuse. Hip pain can also be caused by injuries, such as a dislocated hip, a broken hip, or a hip impingement (via Mayo Clinic). If you're experiencing hip pain, it's important to see a doctor so they can determine the cause.