hip pain treatment options overview

Overview

Hip pain is discomfort in or around the hip joint, the area where your thigh bone meets your pelvis. It can come from the joint itself, the muscles and tendons around it, or even from your lower back.

Yes, hip pain is very common. It can happen at any age, but the reasons differ — younger people often have muscle or tendon issues, while older adults more often have joint wear and tear.

It affects active adults, older people with joint wear, and sometimes children and teenagers. Athletes, people with physically demanding jobs, and those with a family history of joint problems may be more likely to experience it.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dull ache in the hip, groin, or outer thigh
• Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
• Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
• Pain that spreads to the thigh or buttock
• Trouble sleeping on the affected side

Symptoms in children

• Limping or favoring one leg
• Pain in the hip, thigh, or knee
• Refusing to put weight on the leg
• A fever with hip pain (this needs urgent medical attention)

Symptoms in older adults

• Gradual onset of pain that worsens over time
• Morning stiffness that eases with movement
• Pain after activity or at night
• Reduced flexibility, making it hard to bend, tie shoes, or put on socks

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis — wear and tear of the cartilage in the joint
• Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint
• Tendinitis — irritation of the tendons around the hip
• Hip fracture — a break in the upper part of the thigh bone, often after a fall
• Referred pain from the lower back or sciatica
• Labral tear — damage to the ring of cartilage around the joint socket
• In children: conditions like Perthes disease or slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Risk factors

• Getting older
• Being overweight or obese
• Previous hip injury or fracture
• Repetitive high-impact activities, like running or jumping
• Poor muscle strength and balance
• Family history of arthritis or hip problems

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have sudden severe pain and cannot move your hip
• You have hip pain with a fever or feel generally unwell
• You had a recent fall and are unable to bear weight on that leg
• The hip area is swollen, red, or hot to the touch

Book a routine appointment if:

• Pain has lasted more than a week or two despite home care
• Pain wakes you up at night
• Stiffness in the morning lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Hip pain is affecting your daily life, work, or sleep

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any injuries or activities. They will look at how you stand, walk, and move your leg, and press on different areas around the hip to find what hurts.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to check for joint wear, fractures, or alignment problems
• Ultrasound or MRI scans to look at soft tissues like tendons and muscles
• Blood tests to check for inflammation or infection
• Sometimes a joint aspiration, where a small sample of fluid is taken from the hip

What to expect at your appointment

The appointment is usually straightforward. Wear loose clothing so you can move easily. Your doctor may ask you to lie down, sit, and walk a few steps. They will explain what they find and suggest next steps, which may include imaging or a referral to a specialist.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause. Most people start with simple self-care and gentle movement. If that is not enough, your healthcare team may recommend physical therapy, pain-relief options, injections, or — in some cases — surgery. The plan is tailored to you and your situation.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip for a day or two, but try to move gently to avoid stiffness
• Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for 15–20 minutes a few times a day
• Apply heat for muscle tightness or stiffness
• Avoid activities that make the pain worse, like running or heavy lifting
• Use a walking stick or crutches temporarily to take weight off the hip
• Try simple stretches and range-of-motion exercises, guided by your comfort level

Medical treatments

Medical approaches may include physical therapy to strengthen and stretch the muscles around the hip, pain-relief options you can discuss with your pharmacist or doctor, and steroid injections given by a specialist to reduce inflammation in the joint. Other procedures may be used to remove or repair damaged tissue. Your doctor will explain the options and suggest what might help you best.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be considered if you have a fracture, severe joint damage, or advanced arthritis that has not improved with other treatments. Hip replacement surgery removes the damaged parts of the joint and replaces them with artificial parts. Your doctor will talk with you about whether surgery is right for you and what to expect.

Living with this condition

Pace yourself and break up tasks. Use chairs with armrests to make standing easier, sit with your back supported, and avoid twisting or bending too far. Keep moving — gentle activity often helps more than staying still.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your hip
• Choose low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking on flat ground
• Wear supportive shoes with good cushioning
• Avoid sudden, jerky movements or high-impact sports that flare up the pain
• Ask about aids like a raised toilet seat or a long-handled shoe horn if daily tasks are hard

Diet and exercise

Strong muscles support your hip. Consider gentle strength and balance exercises as your pain allows. A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps keep bones strong — but always check with your doctor before taking supplements. A physiotherapist can design a safe plan for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with ongoing pain can be tiring and frustrating. It can affect sleep, mood, and energy. It is normal to feel low at times. Talk to your doctor about pain management and ask if talking therapies or support groups could help you cope.

Prevention

Not all hip pain can be prevented, but staying physically active, keeping a healthy weight, and avoiding falls can lower your risk. Strengthening your leg and core muscles also helps protect the joint.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hip pain, but if you have a family history of bone or joint problems, mention it to your doctor. Children with a limp or unusual hip pain should be seen early to rule out treatable conditions.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term joint damage or worsening arthritis
• Reduced mobility and difficulty walking
• Weakness and muscle loss from not using the leg properly
• For children, delayed treatment of hip conditions can affect normal bone growth and lead to lasting problems

Long-term outlook

Most hip pain improves with time and the right care. Even with conditions like arthritis, many people stay active and manage their pain well. Modern treatments — from physical therapy to joint replacement — are effective and can help you get back to the things you enjoy.

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