The hip joint joins the thigh bone to the pelvis joint. It is a ball-and-socket joint where the ball-like top of the thigh fits into a cup like space in the pelvis. Normally, a healthy hip joint is usually quite stable and can only be injured by a strong force or impact. Such injuries are usually associated with sporting activities, running, or a fall. Other causes include bursitis, dislocations, and fractures. Overuse of the hip joint through repetitive activities exerting stress on the joint can also lead to hip injuries. The injuries happen when strains and sprains occur to muscles, tendons as well as ligaments supporting the joint. There are also diseases that create hip joint related problems. For example osteoarthritis not only causes pain when on the joint but also limits motion inside the joint. Osteoarthritis also weakens the hip bones making them susceptible to fractures in the event of a fall or accident. This is a common problem with older people.

Besides being fractured or dislocated due to heavy impact, the hip joint can also be adversely affected by other conditions such as such as tendonitis and bursitis. Fractures and dislocations are serious conditions that require examination by a medical practitioner and may even require surgery or a plaster cast. Multiple or compound fractures on the hip joint due to an accident, for example, will require a full hip replacement procedure. In such cases recovery may take a significant amount of time because of damage to nerves, blood vessels, and other organs around the hip.

Slips and falls from defective footpaths and ladders or other climbing equipment as well as sports are leading causes of hip injuries among young people. Hip injuries among older people are always associated with osteoarthritis, tendonitis, bursitis, and falls. In each case, it is important to consult an orthopedic doctor immediately after a fall or accident and whenever one experiences pain or limited motion in the hip joint.