hip pain specialist tests overview

Overview

Hip pain is a common problem that can come from the hip joint itself or from nearby muscles, tendons, or bones. When your doctor suspects a more serious cause, they may refer you for specialist tests to find out exactly what is wrong.

Yes, hip pain is very common. Many people experience it at some point in their lives, especially as they get older.

Hip pain can affect people of all ages. It is common in athletes, older adults, and people who do heavy lifting or have jobs that involve a lot of standing or walking.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching or sharp pain in the hip, groin, or thigh
• Stiffness that makes it hard to move your hip
• Pain that gets worse with activity and better with rest
• Clicking or grinding sensation when you move your hip

Symptoms in children

• Limping when walking
• Not wanting to put weight on one leg
• Pain in the hip, thigh, or knee (children often feel hip pain in their knee)
• Refusing to play or run as usual

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that slowly comes on and gets worse over weeks or months
• Stiffness in the morning that eases with movement
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or getting out of a chair
• Feeling that the hip is 'giving way' or unstable

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis – the protective cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time
• Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid‑filled sacks that cushion the hip
• Tendonitis or muscle strain – overuse or injury to the tendons or muscles around the hip
• Hip fracture – a break in the thigh bone near the hip joint, common in older adults with weak bones
• Avascular necrosis – loss of blood supply to the head of the thigh bone, causing the bone to collapse

Risk factors

• Getting older – most hip problems are more common after age 50
• Being overweight – extra weight puts more stress on your hip joints
• Playing sports that involve running, kicking, or sudden changes of direction
• Having a job that requires heavy lifting, standing for long hours, or repeated bending
• Previous hip injury or surgery

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You cannot put any weight on your leg
• Your hip looks deformed or out of place
• You have a fever along with hip pain
• The pain is so severe that you cannot sleep or do daily activities

Book a routine appointment if:

• Mild hip pain that has lasted more than a few days and is not getting better
• Stiffness that limits your everyday movement
• Pain that comes and goes over weeks or months

Diagnosis

Your doctor will start by asking about your symptoms and your medical history. They will do a physical exam to see how your hip moves and where it hurts. Depending on what they find, they may arrange for specialist tests to get a clearer picture.

Tests that may be done

• X‑ray: A picture of your bones to check for fractures, arthritis, or bone changes.
• Ultrasound: Uses sound waves to look at the soft tissues around the hip, like muscles, tendons, and fluid‑filled sacs.
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): Creates detailed images of both bones and soft tissues. It can show problems like torn cartilage, labral tears, or early avascular necrosis.
• CT scan: A more detailed type of X‑ray that gives a 3D view of the hip bones.
• Blood tests: Used to check for infections, inflammation, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.

What to expect at your appointment

Most tests are painless. For an X‑ray you will need to lie still for a few seconds. An MRI takes longer (30–60 minutes) and you will lie inside a tunnel‑shaped machine. You might be asked to change into a hospital gown. Your doctor will explain how to prepare for each test, for example whether you need to stop eating before a CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause of your hip pain. Many problems get better with simple measures like rest, ice, and gentle movement. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around your hip. If needed, they might suggest anti‑inflammatory medicines or other treatments to reduce pain and swelling.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip for a day or two, but avoid complete bed rest – gentle movement helps healing.
• Apply ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) for 15–20 minutes several times a day.
• Use heat packs or a warm bath to relax tight muscles.
• Try over‑the‑counter pain relievers like paracetamol or ibuprofen – check with your pharmacist first.

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend prescription anti‑inflammatory medicines, stronger painkillers, or steroid injections directly into the hip joint to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy is often a key part of treatment, helping you strengthen the muscles that support your hip. For some conditions, like a hip fracture, you will need surgery to repair the bone.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually considered only if your hip pain does not improve with other treatments, or if you have a serious injury like a fracture. Common operations include hip replacement (replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one) or hip repair (fixing a fracture or torn cartilage).

Living with this condition

Living with hip pain can be frustrating, but small changes can help. Use a firm chair with armrests to make standing up easier. Avoid sitting in very low sofas or car seats. Pace yourself – break up tasks that require a lot of walking or standing. Use a walking stick or cane if it helps take pressure off your hip.

Lifestyle tips

• Keep your weight within a healthy range to reduce stress on your hip.
• Stay active with low‑impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or walking on flat ground.
• Wear supportive, comfortable shoes with good cushioning.
• Set up your home to make daily tasks easier – for example, use a long‑handled shoehorn or grabber to pick things up.

Diet and exercise

Eating a balanced diet with plenty of calcium and vitamin D helps keep your bones strong. Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises can improve hip function. A physical therapist can design a personalised programme. Avoid high‑impact activities like jumping or running until your hip pain resolves.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Long‑term pain can make you feel frustrated, anxious, or low. It is normal to feel this way. Talking to a friend or a healthcare professional can help. Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is sometimes used to help people cope with chronic pain. Remember, you are not alone – many people manage hip pain successfully.

Prevention

You cannot always prevent hip pain, but you can lower your risk. Keeping a healthy weight, staying active, and using good body mechanics when lifting or moving can help. Warming up before exercise and wearing supportive shoes also reduces strain on your hips.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic hip pain that makes it hard to walk or do daily activities
• Stiffness that limits movement and affects your quality of life
• Weakening of the muscles around the hip, which can lead to instability and falls
• In serious cases, untreated fractures or infections can lead to long‑term damage

Long-term outlook

With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with hip pain get better. Even if you need surgery, recovery is usually good. Following your doctor's advice about rest, exercise, and lifestyle changes gives you the best chance of returning to normal activities. Many people live well with hip pain by managing it day‑by‑day.

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