Educational summary — not medical advice. Discuss with your healthcare provider.
Informed by recognized medical guidance
Overview
Hip pain is discomfort in or around the hip joint – the area where your thigh bone meets your pelvis. It can affect the joint itself or the muscles, tendons, and bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that surround it.
Key facts
Hip pain is very common and can affect people of all ages.
Many causes of hip pain improve with simple self-care and don't require urgent medical treatment.
Persistent or severe hip pain should always be checked by a doctor to find the cause.
Early treatment often leads to better outcomes and can prevent the pain from becoming long-term.
Yes, hip pain is a very common problem. It becomes more likely as you get older, but it can also happen in younger people, especially those who are very active or have had an injury.
Questions about this article
Hip pain can affect anyone, but it is more common in adults over 50, people who are overweight, athletes, and those with a history of joint problems or injuries.
Symptoms
Call emergency services immediately if you notice:
Sudden, severe hip pain after a fall or injury and you cannot move your leg
Your hip looks deformed or out of place
A break in the skin (open wound) near the hip after an injury
Severe bleeding from the hip area
See a doctor urgently (same day) if you notice:
⚠Sudden sharp pain in the hip without a clear reason
⚠Fever with hip pain – this can be a sign of infection
⚠You cannot put any weight on your leg or stand at all
⚠Your leg or hip feels numb or very weak
Common symptoms
Pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or buttock area
Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
Difficulty walking or limping
A feeling of grinding or clicking in the hip
Pain that gets worse with activity and improves with rest
Symptoms in children
Limping without a known injury
Pain in the hip, thigh, or knee that comes and goes
Trouble putting weight on the affected leg
Pain after sports or physical activity
Symptoms in older adults
Pain that wakes you up at night
Stiffness first thing in the morning that lasts more than 30 minutes
Trouble getting up from a chair or in and out of a car
Pain that limits how far you can walk
Causes
Main causes
Osteoarthritis – the most common cause, where the cartilage in the joint wears down over time
Rheumatoid arthritis – an autoimmune condition that causes joint inflammation
Fracture (broken bone) – often after a fall, especially in older adults
Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip
Tendinitis – inflammation of the tendons that attach muscle to bone
Referred pain – hip pain that actually comes from your lower back or knee
Risk factors
Getting older (over 50)
Being overweight or obese
Playing high-impact sports or doing repetitive hip movements
Previous hip injury or surgery
Family history of arthritis or hip problems
When to see a doctor
See a doctor urgently if:
Your hip pain came on suddenly and is very severe
You have a fever along with the hip pain
You cannot put any weight on the affected leg
Book a routine appointment if:
Your hip pain lasts more than a few days and is not getting better with rest and simple pain relief
You have stiffness that does not go away after moving around
The pain is affecting your sleep or daily activities
Many causes of hip pain are not serious and can be managed with simple treatments like rest, ice, gentle stretching, and over-the-counter pain relief. If you are unsure, it is always a good idea to check with a healthcare provider.
Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, when they started, and what makes them better or worse. They will then examine your hip – checking your range of motion, strength, and tenderness. Based on this, they may recommend tests to confirm the cause.
Tests that may be done
X-ray – to look for arthritis, fractures, or joint changes
MRI – to see soft tissues like muscles, tendons, and cartilage
Ultrasound – to check for bursitis or fluid in the joint
Blood tests – to look for signs of infection or inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis
What to expect at your appointment
A diagnosis usually starts with a simple conversation and physical exam. Most people do not need all the tests. Your doctor will explain what they find and discuss next steps with you. The process is straightforward and not painful.
Treatment
Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause. Most cases can be managed with self-care and non-surgical approaches. If pain persists, your doctor may suggest further treatments. Surgery is usually only considered after other options have not helped enough.
Self-care at home
Rest the hip for a day or two, avoiding activities that make the pain worse
Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling
Use gentle stretching and low-impact exercises like walking or swimming
Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joint
Consider using a walking stick or crutch temporarily to take weight off the hip
Medical treatments
If self-care is not enough, your doctor may recommend treatments such as pain relief medicines (like paracetamol or anti-inflammatories – always follow the dosage instructions on the packet), physical therapy to strengthen muscles and improve movement, or injections of steroids into the hip joint to reduce inflammation. These treatments are generally tried before considering surgery.
When is surgery considered?
Surgery is considered when hip pain is severe and other treatments have not worked. The most common operation is a hip replacement, where the damaged joint is replaced with an artificial one. Your doctor will discuss if this is an option for you and what the benefits and risks are.
Living with this condition
Living with hip pain can be challenging, but many people find ways to stay active and independent. You might need to adjust how you do certain activities, such as sitting in higher chairs or using tools to reach low objects. Pain that lasts a long time can be frustrating, so it helps to focus on what you can do rather than what you cannot.
Lifestyle tips
Stay active with low-impact exercises like swimming, cycling, or Pilates
Use good posture and avoid sitting in low, soft chairs for long periods
Wear supportive, comfortable shoes
Try to keep a healthy weight – even small weight loss can reduce hip pain
Diet and exercise
Eating a balanced diet rich in calcium (for bone health) and vitamin D (from sunlight or fortified foods) can help keep your bones strong. Gentle, regular exercise like walking, water aerobics, or tai chi can improve joint flexibility and muscle strength without putting too much strain on the hip.
Mental health and emotional wellbeing
Chronic hip pain can affect your mood and mental health. You might feel frustrated, anxious, or depressed. It is important to talk to your doctor or a mental health professional if you are struggling. They can offer support and coping strategies.
Prevention
Not all hip pain can be prevented, especially causes related to aging or genetics. However, you can reduce your risk by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, warming up before exercise, and using proper technique during sports. Wearing appropriate footwear and avoiding sudden increases in activity can also help prevent injuries.
Vaccines
There are no vaccines that prevent hip pain. However, staying up to date with general vaccinations can help prevent infections that might sometimes affect joints.
Screening programmes
There is no routine screening for hip pain. If you have risk factors like a family history of arthritis or previous hip problems, talk to your doctor about any concerns.
Complications
If left untreated
Worsening pain that becomes constant or more severe
Loss of movement and stiffness in the hip
Difficulty walking or doing daily tasks
Muscle weakness in the leg
Increased risk of falls and fractures
Long-term outlook
For most people, hip pain improves with simple treatments and time. Even when the cause is arthritis or a long-term condition, there are many effective ways to manage symptoms and keep a good quality of life. With the right care, most people can stay active and independent. Your doctor will work with you to find the best plan for your situation.
Find support
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Always verify with your doctor
Health guidelines vary by country and region. The information in this article is based on international clinical guidelines but may not reflect the specific guidelines, medications, or practices in your country. Always discuss your health concerns with your own doctor or healthcare provider, and refer to your local national health guidelines where available.
Important notice This information is for educational purposes only. It does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider about your specific situation. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency services immediately.
Sources and guidance
This article is educational and is prepared with reference to recognized health information and clinical guidance sources where available. Specific source links may vary by topic.
Last updated: July 8, 2026
Educational note: This information is for education only and is not a diagnosis.
Use it to support, not replace, advice from a licensed clinician.
If symptoms are severe, worsening, or urgent, call your local emergency number or seek emergency care.
