Hip pain in older adults

Overview

Hip pain in older adults is discomfort or aching in the hip joint or the area around it. It can be caused by conditions such as osteoarthritis (wear and tear of the joint), bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs), or muscle strains.

Yes, hip pain is very common in older adults. About 1 in 4 people over 60 experience hip pain that limits their daily activities.

It primarily affects people over 60, but can also occur in younger adults due to injury or other conditions. Women are slightly more likely to have hip osteoarthritis.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock area
• Stiffness, especially after sitting or resting for a while
• Difficulty walking or bearing weight on the affected leg
• Aching or sharp pain when moving the hip

Symptoms in children

• This condition is not typical in children. Hip pain in children may be due to different causes, such as infection or developmental issues, and should be checked by a doctor.

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest
• Swelling or tenderness around the hip joint
• Limited range of motion, making it hard to put on shoes or socks
• Feeling of grinding or clicking in the hip

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis – the cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time
• Bursitis – inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint
• Tendonitis – inflammation of the tendons around the hip
• Hip fracture – a break in the upper part of the thigh bone, often due to a fall
• Referred pain – pain from the lower back or knee that is felt in the hip

Risk factors

• Age – risk increases with age
• Being overweight – extra strain on the hip joints
• Previous hip injury
• Family history of hip arthritis
• Repetitive activities that stress the hip (e.g., running, heavy lifting)

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden, severe hip pain after a fall or injury
• If you cannot move your leg or put any weight on it
• If your leg looks deformed or is at an unusual angle
• If you have signs of infection like fever, redness, or warmth

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have ongoing hip pain that does not improve with rest
• If pain interferes with daily activities like walking, dressing, or sleeping
• If you notice increasing stiffness or swelling
• If you have a history of osteoporosis and have a fall (even minor)

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and do a physical exam. They may move your hip to see how far it can go and where it hurts.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray to look for arthritis, fractures, or bone changes
• MRI if the doctor suspects soft tissue problems like bursitis or tendinitis
• Blood tests to check for infection or inflammation (like rheumatoid arthritis)

What to expect at your appointment

You may be referred to a specialist, such as a rheumatologist (joint doctor) or an orthopaedic surgeon. The doctor will explain the findings and discuss treatment options with you.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the cause. Many cases of hip pain can be managed without surgery. The goal is to reduce pain, improve mobility, and help you stay active.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip, but avoid complete bed rest – gentle movement helps
• Apply ice packs (wrapped in a cloth) for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling
• Use heat packs for stiffness – but not if there is swelling
• Try gentle stretching and strengthening exercises – a physiotherapist can guide you
• Use a walking stick in the opposite hand to reduce pressure on the painful hip

Medical treatments

Your doctor may recommend pain relievers like paracetamol or anti-inflammatory medicines (NSAIDs) for short periods. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before taking any medicine, especially if you have other health conditions or take other medications. Physical therapy can help strengthen muscles around the hip. For severe arthritis, injections of corticosteroids into the joint may help reduce inflammation and pain.

When is surgery considered?

If pain is severe and other treatments haven’t helped, hip replacement surgery may be an option. This involves replacing the damaged joint with an artificial one. Surgery is usually successful in relieving pain and improving mobility. Your doctor will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

Living with hip pain can be challenging, but there are ways to manage it. Plan your day – do activities when your pain is less. Use assistive devices like a raised toilet seat or a long-handled shoehorn. Avoid sitting in low chairs that are hard to get up from.

Lifestyle tips

• Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling
• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip
• Use good posture and proper techniques when lifting or bending
• Make your home safer – remove rugs, install grab bars in the bathroom

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (dairy, green leafy vegetables, fortified foods) helps keep bones strong. Gentle exercise like water aerobics or tai chi can improve flexibility and strength without jarring the joint.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic pain can be frustrating and may affect your mood. It is normal to feel down at times. Talk to your doctor if you feel anxious or depressed – they can offer support. Remember, help is available if you are having thoughts of harming yourself – contact a crisis service or call your local emergency number.

Prevention

Not all hip pain can be prevented, especially age-related arthritis. But you can reduce your risk of injury and slow the progression of arthritis by staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and preventing falls.

Vaccines

Not directly relevant, but staying up-to-date with vaccines like flu and pneumonia can help prevent infections that might worsen other health conditions.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for osteoporosis (bone thinning) is recommended for women over 65 and men over 70. Ask your doctor about a bone density test if you are at risk.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that limits everyday activities
• Loss of mobility and independence
• Muscle weakness and stiffness due to avoiding movement
• Increased risk of falls due to poor balance and strength
• If due to infection: potential spread of infection to the joint or bloodstream (rare but serious)

Long-term outlook

For most people, hip pain can be managed effectively. Even with arthritis, many people stay active and independent. Hip replacement surgery, if needed, has a high success rate. With proper care and support, you can live well with hip pain.

Find support

International organisations

• International Osteoporosis Foundation ↗
• World Health Organization (WHO) - Ageing and health ↗

Local organisations

• NHS (UK) ↗ · UK
• Arthritis Foundation (US) ↗ · US

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