hip pain on one side

Overview

Hip pain on one side means you feel discomfort, aching, or stiffness in the area around your hip joint on either the left or right side. This pain can start suddenly or develop slowly over time. It may come from the hip joint itself, or from the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or bones around the hip.

Yes, hip pain on one side is very common. Almost everyone will experience some hip discomfort at some point in their life, especially as they get older.

It affects people of all ages. Young people may have muscle strains or growth-related pain, while older adults are more likely to have arthritis or fractures. People who are very active, play sports, or have jobs that involve a lot of standing or lifting may also be at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• A dull ache or sharp pain in the front, back, or side of the hip
• Stiffness in the hip, especially in the morning or after sitting for a long time
• Pain that worsens with walking, running, climbing stairs, or standing up
• Trouble sleeping on the affected side
• A feeling of grinding, catching, or clicking in the hip
• Reduced range of motion, like difficulty bending or rotating the leg

Symptoms in children

• Limping without a clear reason
• Pain in the hip, groin, thigh, or knee
• Refusing to walk or put weight on the leg
• A fever, which can be a sign of infection
• Pain that gets worse at night or wakes the child from sleep

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain in the hip, groin, or outer thigh that gets worse with movement
• Stiffness and difficulty putting on shoes or socks
• Pain after a fall or minor injury that makes it hard to walk or stand
• Aching that is worse at night or when the weather changes
• Gradual loss of independence in daily activities, like climbing stairs

Causes

Main causes

• Muscle strain or tendonitis — overuse or sudden twisting of the muscles around the hip, common in athletes and active people.
• Osteoarthritis — wear-and-tear of the cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain and stiffness, especially in older adults.
• Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip, often causing pain on the outer side of the hip.
• Hip fracture or stress fracture — a break in the upper part of the thigh bone, usually after a fall or in people with weak bones.
• Referred pain — pain that starts in the lower back or spine but is felt in the hip area.
• Other causes include hip labral tears, rheumatoid arthritis, avascular necrosis (when the bone loses blood supply), or infection of the joint.

Risk factors

• Age — risk increases with age due to wear and tear on the joints.
• Being overweight — extra body weight puts more stress on the hip joint.
• Doing high-impact sports or activities that involve running, jumping, or sudden stops.
• Having a job that requires prolonged standing, lifting, or repetitive bending.
• Previous injuries to the hip or pelvis.
• Conditions like osteoporosis, rheumatoid arthritis, or diabetes.
• Poor muscle strength in the legs or core, which can affect hip stability.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You have any of the emergency symptoms listed above, or if your hip pain is so severe that you cannot walk or stand.
• You have hip pain after a fall and you are not sure whether you can put weight on the leg.
• You have hip pain and a fever, especially if you also have chills or feel very unwell.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If your hip pain lasts more than a few days and does not improve with rest and home care.
• If the pain is getting worse, or you notice stiffness that limits your daily activities.
• If you have pain that wakes you up at night.
• If you have trouble with daily activities like getting dressed, sitting in a low chair, or climbing stairs.

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your medical history, when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and whether you have had any recent injuries. They will then examine you, which may include checking how you walk, the range of motion of your hip, and feeling for tender areas. They may also test your muscle strength and reflexes.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays — to look for fractures, arthritis, or joint damage.
• MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) — to look at soft tissues like muscles, tendons, or cartilage in more detail.
• CT scan — sometimes used to get a clearer view of the bones.
• Ultrasound — helpful for checking fluid or inflammation near the hip.
• Blood tests — if infection or arthritis is suspected.

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will explain what is causing your pain and suggest a treatment plan. This may include self-care, physical therapy, or advice on pain management. In some cases, they may refer you to a specialist, such as an orthopedic doctor (a doctor who treats bones and joints). The diagnosis process is usually straightforward, and most people do not need many tests.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause. Many cases improve with simple home measures and gentle exercise. If a structural problem like arthritis or a fracture is found, treatment may involve physical therapy, medication, or in some cases, surgery.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip by reducing activities that make the pain worse, but avoid staying completely still.
• Apply a cold pack (wrapped in a towel) to the painful area for 15-20 minutes several times a day for the first 2-3 days.
• After 2-3 days, apply a warm cloth or heat pack to relax muscles and ease stiffness.
• Gentle stretching and range-of-motion exercises, as long as they do not increase pain.
• Support your hip by sleeping in a comfortable position, like on your back with a pillow under your knees, or on your side with a pillow between your knees.
• Wear comfortable, well-cushioned shoes to reduce impact on your hips.
• Try a walking aid (like a cane) temporarily if needed, but ask your pharmacist or doctor for advice on how to use it safely.

Medical treatments

Doctors may recommend over-the-counter pain relievers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen-like medicines (if safe for you) to manage pain and inflammation. They may also recommend prescription pain medication or anti-inflammatory medicines in some cases. Physical therapy is often very helpful to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve flexibility. Corticosteroid injections into the joint or bursa may be offered for certain conditions to reduce inflammation. Always follow your doctor's advice about which medicines are right for you.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is not needed for most causes of hip pain. However, it may be considered if you have a serious hip fracture, severe arthritis that has not improved with other treatments, or damage to the joint that causes disability. Common surgical options include hip repair or hip replacement surgery. Your doctor will discuss whether surgery is right for you.

Living with this condition

Living with hip pain can be challenging, but there are many ways to manage. Pace yourself, take breaks, and avoid activities that cause sharp pain. Plan your day around your pain levels, and ask for help when you need it. Using handrails, a raised toilet seat, or a chair with armrests can make daily tasks easier.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on your hip joint.
• Choose low-impact exercises like walking, swimming, or cycling instead of high-impact activities like running or jumping.
• Strengthen your core and leg muscles to support your hip.
• Quit smoking, as smoking can weaken bones and slow healing.
• Wear proper footwear with good support.
• Adjust your work or home setup to avoid kneeling, squatting, or twisting your hip.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D helps keep your bones strong. Good sources include dairy products, leafy green vegetables, and fortified foods. Regular exercise is important — aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week, but start slowly and listen to your body. Gentle stretching, yoga, or tai chi can improve flexibility and reduce stiffness.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Chronic hip pain can affect your mood, sleep, and social life. It is normal to feel frustrated or low when pain limits you. If you notice persistent sadness, anxiety, or withdrawal from activities you enjoy, talk to your doctor. Support from family, friends, or a counselor can help. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of self-harm, reach out to a crisis support line or your local emergency services immediately.

Prevention

Not all hip pain can be prevented, but you can reduce your risk. Keeping your muscles strong, staying at a healthy weight, using good posture, and avoiding sudden increases in exercise intensity are key. For older adults, preventing falls is very important — remove tripping hazards at home, use proper lighting, and consider balance training.

Vaccines

There is no vaccine specifically for hip pain. However, staying up to date on routine vaccines can help prevent infections that might affect your joints.

Screening programmes

Routine screening for hip pain is not standard. However, regular check-ups with your doctor can help identify risk factors like osteoporosis or arthritis early. If you are at higher risk for bone problems, your doctor may recommend a bone density test.

Complications

If left untreated

• If hip pain is caused by a fracture and left untreated, the bone may not heal properly, leading to long-term disability.
• Untreated infection in the hip joint can spread and cause permanent joint damage.
• Chronic pain can lead to reduced mobility, muscle weakness, and a higher risk of falls.
• Persistent pain can affect your sleep, mood, and overall quality of life.

Long-term outlook

With the right treatment, most people with hip pain recover or learn to manage their symptoms well. Many causes of hip pain improve significantly with self-care, physical therapy, and lifestyle changes. Even with arthritis, you can often stay active and comfortable for many years. Early diagnosis and following your treatment plan give you the best chance for a good outcome.

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