hip pain when to seek care

Overview

Hip pain is discomfort felt in or around the hip joint. It may be a dull ache, a sharp pain, or a burning sensation. The pain can stay in the hip or spread to the groin, buttock, or leg. It often makes walking, bending, or sitting uncomfortable.

Yes. Hip pain is very common across all age groups. It becomes more common with age, but children, teenagers, and active adults can also develop it.

Anyone can experience hip pain. Active people may get muscle or tendon injuries. Older adults are more likely to have osteoarthritis or fractures. Children can develop growth-related hip conditions. If a child or young person has hip pain, it should always be checked by a doctor.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching or sharp pain in the hip, groin, outer thigh, or buttock
• Stiffness in the hip, especially in the morning
• Pain that worsens with walking, running, standing, or climbing stairs
• Difficulty getting out of a chair, putting on shoes, or lifting the leg
• A limp or change in the way you walk
• A clicking, catching, or grinding feeling in the hip

Symptoms in children

• Limping or holding the leg in an unusual position
• Pain in the hip, groin, or knee
• Fever with hip pain
• Not wanting to stand or put weight on one leg
• Sudden hip pain without a clear fall or injury

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain after a fall or direct injury to the hip
• Sudden severe pain with difficulty moving the hip
• Tenderness in the hip or groin that does not go away
• Stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes in the morning
• Warmth, redness, or swelling around the hip
• Hip pain with fever or chills

Causes

Main causes

• Muscle strain or tendon inflammation around the hip
• Osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joint) — the most common type of hip arthritis
• Bursitis — inflammation of a fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip
• Hip fracture or stress fracture (a small break in the bone)
• Sciatica or a pinched nerve in the lower back
• Avascular necrosis (loss of blood supply to the bone in the hip joint)
• In children and teenagers, growth-related hip conditions such as Perthes disease or a slipped growth plate at the top of the thigh bone (SUFE)
• Less commonly, an infection inside the hip joint (septic arthritis)

Risk factors

• Older age
• Being overweight or obese
• A previous hip injury or pelvic surgery
• Regular high-impact sports or repetitive lifting
• Weak hip, leg, or core muscles
• Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, osteoarthritis, or diabetes
• Smoking or heavy alcohol use
• Long-term use of steroid medicines (ask your doctor about your own risk)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Hip pain in a child or young person
• Hip pain after a fall or injury, especially if you are older or taking medicines that affect blood clotting
• Severe pain that stops you from putting weight on the affected leg
• Pain with fever, chills, redness, or warmth
• Numbness, tingling, or weakness in the leg
• Pain that keeps getting worse despite rest and simple pain relief

Book a routine appointment if:

• Pain that lasts for more than two weeks
• Morning stiffness that lasts longer than 30 minutes
• Hip pain that wakes you up at night
• A limp that does not go away after a few days
• Pain that keeps coming back or limits daily activities

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, what you were doing when the pain started, and what makes it better or worse. They will examine your hip while you sit, stand, walk, and lift your leg. Sometimes your lower back or knee is examined too, because problems there can cause hip pain.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to look at the bones and joint space
• Ultrasound to check the soft tissues around the hip
• MRI scan (magnetic resonance imaging) for a detailed picture of bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons
• Blood tests to look for signs of infection or inflammation
• A diagnostic injection into the hip joint to help confirm the source of pain

What to expect at your appointment

You do not need any special preparation. Wear comfortable clothing that allows easy access to your hip and leg. The appointment can take up to 30 minutes. In many cases, a doctor can give you a working diagnosis and a treatment plan at the first visit. If more tests are needed, you may be referred to a bone and joint specialist, often called an orthopaedic doctor.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause. Most people start with simple home care and gradual return to activity. Your doctor may suggest physical therapy, injections, or other treatments if self-care is not enough. Surgery is rarely the first option.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip for the first day or two, but avoid total bed rest. Gentle movement is usually better than staying still.
• Apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel to the sore area for 15–20 minutes, a few times a day, for the first 48 hours.
• After a few days, you can try a warm towel or a warm bath to relax tight muscles.
• Use a cane or crutch temporarily if it helps you walk more comfortably and safely.
• Sleep with a pillow between your knees if lying on your side feels painful.
• Ask your pharmacist about safe pain-relief options; always read and follow the label.

Medical treatments

If home care does not provide enough relief, a doctor may suggest prescription pain relief, physical therapy, or anti-inflammatory treatment. Some people benefit from a joint injection to reduce pain and inflammation. These approaches are chosen based on the cause of your hip pain, your age, and your overall health. Your doctor will explain the benefits and risks before any treatment.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery may be needed for hip fractures, advanced arthritis, or other structural problems. Hip replacement surgery is common and successful; it can relieve pain and restore movement when other treatments fail. The decision is always individual, and your orthopaedic care team will explain what to expect.

Living with this condition

Try to plan your day so that you have built-in rest breaks. Choose chairs with armrests, avoid sitting on low sofas, and pace yourself with tasks. If you need help with everyday activities, ask family, friends, or a local occupational therapist. Most people with hip pain can stay active, sleep better, and return to enjoyable routines with the right support.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your weight in a healthier range for your height
• Strengthen your hips, thighs, and core with gentle exercises
• Choose low-impact activities such as walking, swimming, or cycling
• Wear supportive, non-slip shoes
• Avoid sitting cross-legged or with legs tightly together for long periods

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet helps keep bones and joints strong. Include calcium-rich foods such as dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified plant milks. Get enough vitamin D from safe sun exposure and foods like oily fish, eggs, or fortified foods. Regular low-impact exercise is one of the best ways to reduce hip pain and prevent it from getting worse. A physical therapist can build a safe, personalised exercise plan for you.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with hip pain can be exhausting and upsetting. It may affect your sleep, mood, work, and relationships. Feeling frustrated or worried is normal. If you notice low mood, anxiety, or hopelessness, talk to your doctor. They can offer support or connect you with a counsellor, pain clinic, or local services. If you have thoughts of harming yourself or feel you are in crisis, contact a local crisis helpline or go to your nearest emergency department right away. Reaching out is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Prevention

Not all hip pain can be prevented, especially if it is linked to ageing or genetics. But staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, using good exercise technique, and preventing falls can lower your risk. Building strong leg and core muscles also helps protect the hip joint.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine to prevent hip pain. However, keeping up to date with the routine vaccinations recommended for your age and health conditions may help prevent infections that can sometimes cause joint problems or complications.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hip pain. If you have risk factors for osteoporosis (thinning of the bones), your doctor may recommend a bone density scan to assess your fracture risk. Ask your doctor whether this is appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Long-term pain and reduced mobility
• Muscle weakness and stiffness in the hip
• Progressive joint damage if the cause is arthritis
• A higher chance of falls due to limping or instability
• Delayed recovery in conditions where early treatment is important, such as childhood hip disorders or joint infection
• In rare cases, an untreated hip infection can spread and cause serious illness

Long-term outlook

The outlook for hip pain is generally good. Most causes are manageable and many improve within a few weeks. Even long-term conditions can be helped with physical therapy, lifestyle changes, medicines, and sometimes surgery. Hip replacement surgery has helped many people return to active, fulfilling lives. With a clear diagnosis and a good plan, most people maintain their independence and quality of life.

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