What causes pain at the junction of the leg and hip bone, and what should be done about it?
Under normal circumstances, the area where the leg connects to the hip refers to the hip joint. Hip joint pain may be caused by factors such as poor posture, overexertion during exercise, sciatica, hip arthritis, or avascular necrosis of the femoral head. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. Specific analyses are as follows:
1. Poor Posture
Prolonged poor posture—such as sitting for long periods, standing for extended durations, or crossing legs—can abnormally strain the muscles and ligaments surrounding the hip joint, leading to hip pain. This is often accompanied by local stiffness and restricted movement. It is recommended to improve sitting and standing postures and avoid maintaining the same position for prolonged periods.
2. Overexertion in Exercise
Excessive physical activity increases stress on muscles and ligaments, potentially causing minor injuries that trigger inflammatory responses, resulting in hip joint pain. Symptoms may include localized swelling and limited mobility. Applying ice to the affected area is recommended, as it can promote blood circulation and help relieve discomfort.
3. Sciatica
Sciatica occurs due to compression or inflammation of the sciatic nerve, which may disrupt nerve conduction and cause hip joint pain. It is typically accompanied by numbness and tingling sensations in the lower limbs. It is recommended to follow a physician's guidance in using medications such as ibuprofen sustained-release capsules, diclofenac sodium sustained-release tablets, or loxoprofen sodium capsules for treatment.
4. Hip Arthritis
Wear and tear of the hip joint cartilage may lead to hip arthritis, causing direct contact between joint surfaces and resulting in hip pain. Common accompanying symptoms include joint stiffness and reduced range of motion. Treatment may include medications such as aspirin sustained-release tablets, acetaminophen tablets, or Qingpeng ointment, used under medical supervision.
5. Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head
Due to trauma, long-term steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, or other reasons, blood supply to the femoral head may become obstructed, leading to bone death (necrosis) and subsequent hip joint pain. Symptoms may also include limited mobility and limping. It is recommended to visit a reputable hospital where surgical treatments such as core decompression or vascularized bone grafting may be performed under a doctor's care.
In daily life, appropriate physical exercise can be increased to enhance physical strength and boost immune function.