Differential Diagnosis for Lateral Hip Pain
- Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Trochanteric bursitis: This is the most common cause of lateral hip pain, often resulting from inflammation of the bursa that cushions the tendons and bones near the hip joint. It can be caused by repetitive motion, direct trauma, or poor biomechanics.
- Other Likely Diagnoses
- Gluteus medius tendonitis: Inflammation of the gluteus medius tendon can cause lateral hip pain, especially with activities that involve hip abduction.
- Iliotibial (IT) band syndrome: Friction and inflammation of the IT band as it rubs over the lateral femoral condyle can cause pain on the outside of the hip and thigh.
- Piriformis syndrome: Compression of the sciatic nerve by the piriformis muscle can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the hip and leg.
- Osteoarthritis of the hip: Wear and tear on the hip joint can cause pain on the outside of the hip, especially with weight-bearing activities.
- Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Avascular necrosis of the femoral head: A condition where the blood supply to the femoral head is disrupted, leading to bone death and potentially severe hip pain.
- Stress fracture of the femoral neck: A small crack in the femoral neck can cause severe hip pain and may lead to more serious complications if left untreated.
- Septic arthritis of the hip: A bacterial infection of the hip joint can cause severe pain, swelling, and stiffness, and requires prompt medical attention.
- Rare Diagnoses
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome due to underlying conditions (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, gout): Inflammatory conditions can cause trochanteric bursitis and lateral hip pain.
- Neuroma of the lateral femoral cutaneous nerve: A benign growth on the nerve that supplies sensation to the outside of the thigh can cause numbness, tingling, and pain.
- Soft tissue tumors (e.g., lipoma, sarcoma): Rarely, soft tissue tumors can cause lateral hip pain and should be considered in cases where other diagnoses have been ruled out.