Hip Stiff Health Article

Definition

Hip stiffness is the sensation that moving the hip joint is difficult.

Alternative Names

Hip stiff, hip stiffness.

Synopsis

Hip stiffness is a feeling that it is difficult to move the hip although the person may have no structural limitation to full range of motion in the joint.

Associated Diagnoses

• Arthritis
• Bursitis
• Ankylosing spondylitis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Kawasaki disease
• Polymyalgia rheumatica
• Sprains and strains
• Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
• Tendon inflammation
• Toxic synovitis
• Fractured hip

Treatments

Assess and treat the underlying condition. If there is not a fracture of the hip, acute severe arthritis, or an acute infection, stretching and movement to maintain joint mobility and increase the strength of the hip joints are part of the treatment. Swimming, applying heat and cold, weight control and good nutrition will help maintain joint mobility.

Call your provider if:

Stiff hip or hip pain is sudden in onset severe, or accompanied by fever, chills, skin rash or limited range of motion in the joint.

Call 911:

• The hip appears deformed or misshapen, particularly if this is associated with a fall.