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.

Side view of the right hip

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.

Front 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.