Hip Pain

You have indicated the following: you are at least 55 years old, you have joint pain other than in the hip, there is no pain when pressing over the hip area, and symptoms began suddenly.

Based on your answers, some of the most likely causes of your joint pain include

• polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR)
• degenerative joint disease (also called osteoarthritis)
• rheumatoid arthritis
• a viral infection.

Less likely is a "crystal-induced" arthritis, such as gout or pseudogout. Some combination of these or another arthritic disease is also possible.

While over-the-counter pain medicines, rest and ice may be helpful, it is important that you see a physician to evaluate these symptoms (unless they are improving on their own).

Continue for more information on conditions and treatments.

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Online Medical Reviewer: Shmerling, Robert H. MD Date Last Reviewed: 4/26/2006 Date Last Modified: 3/15/2006 Source: from Harvard Health Decision Guides, Harvard Health Publications, Copyright © 2007 by President and Fellows of Harvard College. All rights reserved. Used with permission of StayWell.

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