Healthy Hip / Damaged Hip

A Healthy Hip
The joint is formed where the rounded head of the thighbone joins the pelvis. The joint is covered with slippery tissue and powered by large muscles. When all of the parts listed below are healthy, a hip should move easily.

A Damaged Hip
When one or more parts of the hip are damaged, movement becomes stiff. Over time, cartilage starts to crack and wear away. When this happens, the bones making up the joint rub together. Stiffness and pain occur when the ball starts to grind in the socket. Any of the problems below may lead to joint damage.