7 Common Causes of Hip Pain in Adults Over 50

Hip pain after the age of 50 can make activities like walking or sleeping feel harder than they should. If you are feeling stiff, sore, or slowed down, Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn can help. 

As a board-certified orthopedic surgeon in New York City and Stamford, Connecticut, he specializes in diagnosing hip conditions and helping adults regain their mobility.

Common Diagnoses for Hip Pain in Older Adults

Hip pain can have many causes, especially if you’re over 50. Below are some of the most common diagnoses if you are experiencing hip pain:

1. Osteoarthritis: This is the most common reason for hip pain in older adults. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage inside the joint wears down. It often causes stiffness after resting, aching pain during movement, and general discomfort that worsens over time.
2. Bursitis: Bursitis affects the bursae, which are small fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction in the hip joint. When these sacs become inflamed, you may feel sharp pain, especially when lying on the affected side or putting weight on your joint.
3. Tendinitis: Tendinitis occurs when tendons around the hip joint become irritated or inflamed. This type of pain often worsens with repetitive motion or certain activities, such as climbing stairs.
4. Hip Labral Tears: The labrum is the ring of cartilage surrounding the hip socket. Tears in this cartilage can develop over time or after injury. You may feel pain deep in the hip, along with stiffness or clicking sensations during movement.
5. Avascular Necrosis: This less common condition happens when blood flow to the hip bone is reduced, causing bone tissue to weaken and die. It often causes significant joint pain and stiffness.
6. Hip Impingement: Also called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), this condition occurs when bone abnormalities in the hip limit joint movement and cause pain. You may experience discomfort during certain activities, such as sitting for extended periods or rotating your hip.
7. Stress Fractures: In more active adults, tiny cracks in the hip bone called stress fractures can develop from repetitive strain. This can lead to sharp pain with weight-bearing activities.

When to See a Specialist

If hip pain is persistent or interfering with your life, it is time to see an orthopedic specialist. Dr. McLawhorn uses advanced techniques to help adults over 50 manage hip pain and return to the activities they enjoy.

Call Dr. McLawhorn’s office to schedule your appointment in NYC at 212-606-1065 or in Stamford at 203-705-2113.