The most common cause of prolonged hip pain is arthritis.

There are several different types of arthritis.

Osteoarthritis. This is the commonest type of arthritis often referred to as wear and tear arthritis. Its incidence increases with age but can occur in young people. The articular cartilage lining the hip joint wears away. The bones then rub against each other, causing hip pain and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis.

This is an inflammatory affecting the joint. This chronic inflammation causes damage to the cartilage, leading to pain and stiffness.

Post-traumatic arthritis.

If the cartilage lining the joint is damaged by injury it can become irregular and wear away leading to arthritis.

Avascular Necrosis.

An injury or disease to the hip that interferes with the blood supply to the femoral head can cause the surface of the bone to collapse leading to pain and arthritis

Childhood hip disease.

 Some infants and children have hip problems. Despite the problems being  treated during childhood, they may still cause arthritis later on in life. This happens because the hip do not develop normally, and the shape of the  joint surfaces are affected leading to abnormal pressure on the joint causing arthritis.