According to Consumer Reports, achy hips are common as the years pass. About 1 in 4 adults will have hip osteoarthritis by age 85, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The related pain and stiffness can make everyday activities like bending over to tie your shoes, getting up from a chair, and walking a challenge.

Older adults are more likely to have weak hip muscles, which can lead to tendon wear and tear and inflame the lubricating tissue called bursae, said Carlo Milani, MD, MBA, physiatrist at HSS. Hip tendinosis (the thickening and degeneration of the tissues that connect muscle to bone around your hip joint) has a variety of potential causes, including overuse, underuse, hormonal changes, and injuries.

Being overweight or obese raises your risk of hip OA and, potentially, bursitis. "Losing just a few pounds can make a big difference in the amount of stress placed on a hip joint," Milani explained. He also recommends a plant-based diet to help manage weight and reduce inflammation. 

Read the full article at consumerreports.org.