How Your Hip Works

The hip joint is one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints. It’s a ball-and-socket joint. This helps the hip remain stable even during twisting and extreme ranges of motion. A healthy hip joint allows you to walk, squat, and turn without pain.

A Healthy Hip

The hip joint is formed where the rounded head of

the thighbone (femur) joins the pelvic bone. The

joint is covered with tissue and powered by large

muscles. When all of the parts listed below are

healthy, a hip should move easily.

Side view

of the

right hip

• Cartilage is a layer of smooth

tissue. It covers the ball of the

thighbone, and lines the socket

of the pelvic bone. Healthy

cartilage absorbs stress and

allows the ball to glide easily in

the socket.

• Muscles power the hip and leg

for movement.

• Tendons attach the muscles to

the bones.

Front view

of the

right hip