I am 59 and have had mild hip paid for 20 years if involved in exercise that produces pounding on my hip joint (racket ball, tennis, etc.). I gave them up and only occasionally had hip pain if I jogged several consecutive days.

Recently, I was cleaning the office, carrying 20-30 heavy boxes down stairs and the following day my hip pain was the worst it has even been. I could hardly walk. I following by helping a daughter move the next weekend. Since then (a week or so) I have been taking it easy - no lifting, few stairs. This hip has gotten a little better but still hurts. It doesn't hurt much when I walk but I cannot sleep on the side where the paid occurs and when sitting there is pain.

Any ideas as to the cause and if acupuncture could help.