Pain in the hip and buttock region affects many people. Pain experienced in this area may originate in the hip itself or be referred from conditions outside the hip. Most hip and buttock pain is mechanical and can be resolved through conservative treatments, but some causes can be serious.

Hip pain can have many causes. The hip joint is a complex joint with a number of supporting tendons, ligaments and muscles. A weakness in any of the supporting structures can cause pain. Arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, muscle strain and nerve irritation can also be potential sources of hip pain.

Hip pain is a common musculoskeletal health complaint that may affect people of all ages. Hip pain, states FamilyDoctor.org, may be caused by numerous problems, including bruised hips, a hip fracture, arthritis, bursitis or a slipped capital femoral epiphysis.

Leg lifts can be performed in a variety of ways, with each variation working a different set of muscles. But all leg lifts involve the muscles and tendons of the hip joints, so if you're having pain from leg lifts it could be caused by an unrelated injury or because your form is putting too much stress on your hips.

The male hip region has bones, muscles, ligaments and nerves that can all be a source of pain. According to American Family Physician, the key to discovering the cause of each pain is knowing the patients history, as well as utilizing a thorough examination technique.

Shooting pain that starts in the hip and runs down the leg is often labeled as sciatica. Technically, sciatica is a specific type of nerve pain. While sciatica is a frequent culprit in radiating leg pain, other potential pain sources include problems originating in muscles, joints or bursae.

The hip joint contains bones, tendons, muscles, ligaments and fluid filled sacs called bursa. It is a ball and socket joint that allows the leg to be lifted out to the side, to the front, to the back, and it also allows a small amount of rotation.

Your hip flexors are the muscles that comprise the front of your hip; you use them when you bend your hip, run or kick. Your hip flexors are susceptible to pain or injury if you place excessive or repetitive stress on them.

The sciatic nerve is the largest nerve in the body and runs the entire length of the leg, from the hip to the sole of the foot. If the nerve is injured, or if muscles such as the piriformis irritate the nerve, you might experience pain in your hip or pelvis.

Numerous conditions can cause pain in the upper left hip. Hip pain may be felt in one or both hips, depending on the cause of the pain and the tissues involved.

There are many forms of arthritis, but the most common hip arthritis is ostereoarthritis, according to the University of Washington Department of Osteopaedics and Sports Medicine. Also called degenerative joint disease, this arthritic condition is characterized by a lack of articular cartilage in the hip.

Hip pain from arthritis, bursitis or a strained muscle can slow you down considerably. Your hips are one of the largest joints in your body and support your entire body weight as you walk. Swimming is an ideal exercise for those with hip pain, as the water can be soothing.