Living with hip pain

Overview

Hip pain is any discomfort you feel in or around the hip joint. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that supports your body weight and lets you walk, run, and move. Pain can come from the joint itself, or from the muscles, tendons, and other soft tissues around it.

Yes. Hip pain is a frequent reason people visit their doctor. It becomes more common as you grow older, but it can affect children, athletes, and people of all ages.

Hip pain can affect anyone. It is more likely if you are over 50, carry extra weight, have had a previous hip injury, or live an inactive lifestyle. Some conditions cause hip pain mainly in children and teenagers.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or front of the thigh
• Stiffness, especially after sitting or sleeping
• Difficulty bending down or putting on shoes and socks
• A limp or trouble bearing weight on one leg
• Clicking, popping, or grinding feeling in the hip

Symptoms in children

• Growing children can get hip pain from irritation in the joint or growth plate.
• Watch for a limp, refusing to walk, or pain in the groin or knee.
• If your child is in pain, cannot put weight on the leg, or has a fever, see a doctor promptly.

Symptoms in older adults

• Older adults often feel hip pain in the groin or down the front of the thigh.
• Stiffness after rest and pain when starting to walk can be a sign of osteoarthritis.
• A fall with severe hip pain and inability to stand could mean a broken bone — get emergency help right away.

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis — the cartilage that cushions the joint wears away, causing pain and stiffness.
• Muscle strains and tendonitis — overuse or injury to the soft tissues around the hip.
• Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sac that cushions the joint.
• Rheumatoid arthritis — an immune condition that causes joint inflammation.
• Hip fracture — a break in the upper thigh bone, usually after a fall or a bone-weakening condition.
• Sciatica or nerve compression — pain that starts in the lower back and travels toward the hip and leg.

Risk factors

• Age — getting older raises the risk of arthritis and fractures.
• Excess weight puts more pressure on the hip joint.
• Past hip injury or surgery.
• Repetitive motions or high-impact sports.
• Weak muscles in the hips and legs.
• Osteoporosis or low bone density.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• Severe pain that does not improve with rest.
• Inability to bear weight on the leg.
• Hip pain after a fall or injury.
• Signs of infection, such as fever or redness.
• Sudden hip pain with chest pain or shortness of breath.

Book a routine appointment if:

• Pain that lasts longer than a week or two.
• Pain that is getting worse or keeps you up at night.
• Stiffness that affects your daily activities.
• Pain that does not improve with self-care.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and health history, and examine your hip. They may gently move your leg to check range of motion and find which positions cause pain.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to look at the bones and joint space.
• MRI or ultrasound scans to see soft tissues, tendons, and cartilage.
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammatory conditions.

What to expect at your appointment

Your provider may diagnose the cause during the visit or send you for tests. They might recommend self-care, physical therapy, or refer you to a joint specialist. The goal is to build a treatment plan that fits your situation.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause. Most people start with simple self-care, physical therapy, and activity changes. Your healthcare provider may suggest medication, injections, or — if the joint is badly damaged — surgery.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip but avoid staying completely still for long periods.
• Apply ice packs for 15–20 minutes a few times a day to reduce swelling.
• Use heat, such as a warm towel or shower, for muscle stiffness.
• Do gentle stretches and strengthen your hip and leg muscles as advised.
• Use a walking aid, like a cane or walker, to take pressure off the hip.
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce load on the joint.

Medical treatments

Your healthcare provider may recommend pain relief medicines, anti-inflammatory creams or tablets, or steroid injections to reduce inflammation. They may also suggest physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip. Always follow their advice on these treatments.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered only when severe pain and mobility problems continue despite other treatments. Hip replacement surgery replaces the damaged joint with an artificial one. Many people experience major relief and improved movement after recovery, but surgery is a big step that you and your doctor should discuss carefully.

Living with this condition

Pace yourself. Break tasks into short steps, and rest in between. Use a chair with good back support, sit with knees slightly lower than hips, and avoid low, soft sofas. Handrails on stairs and in the bathroom can help you stay steady.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active within your limits — movement helps keep joints flexible.
• Choose low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or walking.
• Wear supportive, cushioned shoes.
• Improve your sleep position: lying on your side with a pillow between your knees can ease pressure.
• Avoid sudden twisting movements or heavy lifting.

Diet and exercise

Eat a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy protein to support your muscles and bones. Calcium and vitamin D are important for bone health — ask your healthcare provider about your needs. Regular, gentle exercise helps keep joints moving and strengthens the muscles that support your hip.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with ongoing pain can be frustrating and tiring. It may affect your mood, sleep, and outlook. It's important to talk about how you feel with your healthcare provider, family, or friends. If you are feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, reach out for mental health support in your community.

Prevention

You can lower your risk of many causes of hip pain by staying at a healthy weight, doing regular low-impact exercise, warming up before activity, and preventing falls. Keep your home well-lit, remove loose rugs, and wear non-slip shoes.

Screening programmes

There is no regular screening test for hip pain itself. Your healthcare provider may suggest a bone density test if you are at risk for osteoporosis due to age, family history, or certain medications.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that limits daily activities.
• Muscle weakness and stiffness in the hip and leg.
• A limp that can affect your back, knees, and other joints.
• May make it harder to move around independently or raise your risk of falling.
• In the case of infection or fracture, more serious damage if not treated quickly.

Long-term outlook

Most hip pain gets better with time and the right care. Even if something like arthritis is a lifelong condition, treatment can help you stay active, manage pain, and continue doing what matters most. With the right support, many people enjoy good mobility for years.

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