Why Do My Shoulder and Hip Joints Hurt?
Shoulder and hip pain can stem from various causes. Common culprits include arthritis (like osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis), bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs cushioning joints), and polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR), an inflammatory disorder causing muscle pain and stiffness, especially in the shoulders and hips. Fibromyalgia, while causing widespread pain, can also manifest as significant pain in these areas. Additionally, impingement (where structures around the joint are compressed) can cause pain in both the shoulder and hip.
- Osteoarthritis: This common type of arthritis, affecting many from middle age onward, results from cartilage deterioration in the joint, causing bones to rub together. [Osteoarthritis reference]
- Rheumatoid Arthritis: This autoimmune disease causes inflammation in the joints, leading to pain and stiffness. [Osteoarthritis reference]
- Polymyalgia Rheumatica (PMR): PMR is an inflammatory disorder causing quick-onset pain and stiffness in the shoulders, neck, and hips. The pain develops rapidly, often within days or weeks. [NHS, UW Orthopaedic Surgery, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic references]
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) around large joints like the hips and shoulders can cause significant pain. [Arthritis reference]
- Fibromyalgia: This disorder causes widespread aches and pains throughout the body, including "tender points." Shoulder and hip pain are frequent complaints. [Colorado Center reference]
- Impingement: In both the shoulder and hip, impingement—where tendons or other structures are compressed—causes pain. In the hip, groin or front hip pain is common. In the shoulder, pain typically radiates to the upper arm. [Henry Ford reference]
When to Seek Medical Attention
While at-home treatments may alleviate mild aches and pains, persistent or severe pain in your shoulders and hips warrants a visit to a physician. They can accurately diagnose the underlying cause and recommend appropriate treatment. [Beaumont reference]
