This information is provided for guidance only and cannot be used as a diagnosis of your condition. It is designed to help you get some clarity about your problem, so you can discuss it further with an expert and obtain an accurate diagnosis.

The hip is a ball and socket joint between the bone in the top of the leg, called the femur, and the pelvis. The main purpose of the hip is to support the weight of the body and also is important in maintaining balance and posture.

Movement of the hip is controlled by muscles in the pelvis and upper leg. Positional stability is assisted by some of strongest ligaments in the body.

Hip joints tend to be susceptible to osteoarthritis (painful joint wear) and with osteoporosis (bone thinning) sufferers, one of the primary body sites for bone fracture.