ABSTRACT
This is a very mobile ball and socket joint that articulates between the lower limb and the pelvis, supporting the weight of the body in both static and dynamic movement. Pain is classically experienced in the groin region, and the patient often points to or places their hand in this region. Pain from the hip joint can also be referred to the knee, and hip pathology can then be missed if the focus is on the other joint. Inspect the patient’s surroundings, paying particular attention to any walking aids. If the patient’s footwear is available, a quick inspection will demonstrate whether there is a heel raise and alert you to a limb length discrepancy. When the hip joint is stiff, the range of movement may appear to be preserved by compensation from the surrounding joints.
