Hip pain what it can mean

Overview

Hip pain is a common problem that can affect people of all ages. It refers to any discomfort felt in or around the hip joint, which is where the thigh bone meets the pelvis. The pain can be sharp, dull, aching, or burning, and it may come and go or be constant. Sometimes the pain is felt in the groin, outer thigh, or buttock area.

Yes, hip pain is very common. It affects millions of people worldwide, especially as they get older. It is one of the main reasons people visit their general practitioner or physiotherapist.

Hip pain can affect anyone, from children to older adults. It is more common in people who are overweight, have had a hip injury, or have a family history of arthritis. Athletes and people with physically demanding jobs are also at higher risk.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Pain in the hip, groin, outer thigh, or buttock area.
• Stiffness or difficulty moving the hip, especially in the morning or after sitting for a while.
• Pain that gets worse with activity, such as walking, running, or climbing stairs.
• Swelling or tenderness around the hip joint.
• A feeling of catching or clicking in the hip when moving.

Symptoms in children

• Hip pain in children is often felt in the knee or thigh, not directly in the hip.
• Children may limp or refuse to put weight on the affected leg.
• They might complain of pain in the groin or have trouble sleeping on that side.
• Some children develop a fever or look unwell if the pain is due to infection.

Symptoms in older adults

• In older adults, hip pain is often a sign of osteoarthritis, with stiffness and pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.
• The pain may be felt in the groin, inner thigh, or buttock, and can make walking or getting up from a chair difficult.
• A sudden, severe hip pain after a fall or minor bump could mean a fracture, especially in people with osteoporosis.
• Older adults may also have referred pain from lower back conditions like sciatica.

Causes

Main causes

• Arthritis — especially osteoarthritis (wear and tear) and rheumatoid arthritis (an autoimmune condition).
• Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
• Tendonitis — inflammation of the tendons around the hip.
• Labral tear — a tear in the ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket.
• Muscle strain or overuse injuries.
• Hip fracture, often from a fall, especially in older adults with weaker bones.
• Osteonecrosis — loss of blood supply to the hip bone, causing bone tissue to die.
• Snapping hip syndrome — a feeling of snapping or popping when moving the hip.
• Referred pain — pain coming from the lower back, sacroiliac joint, or even the abdomen.

Risk factors

• Age — risk increases with age for conditions like osteoarthritis and fractures.
• Being overweight or obese, which puts extra stress on the hip joint.
• Previous hip injury or trauma.
• Repetitive movements or high-impact sports (e.g., running, football).
• Family history of hip problems or arthritis.
• Conditions like osteoporosis, diabetes, or inflammatory arthritis.
• Occupations that require prolonged standing, heavy lifting, or squatting.

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• If you have sudden severe hip pain after a fall or injury, and cannot bear weight.
• If your hip area looks deformed, swollen, or is very tender to touch.
• If you have a fever with hip pain, especially if you also feel unwell.
• If you have had a hip replacement and notice any new pain, redness, or drainage.

Book a routine appointment if:

• If you have persistent hip pain that lasts more than a few days despite rest.
• If the pain wakes you up at night or is worse in the morning.
• If you have trouble doing everyday activities like walking, dressing, or getting in and out of a car.
• If you have a limp or feel unstable on your feet.
• If you have a history of cancer that may have spread to the bones.

Diagnosis

Your healthcare provider will start by asking about your symptoms, medical history, and any recent activities or injuries. They will then examine your hip, checking for tenderness, swelling, range of motion, and strength. They may also look at your gait (how you walk) and check your lower back and legs for referred pain.

Tests that may be done

• X-ray — to look for arthritis, fractures, or bone abnormalities.
• Ultrasound — to see soft tissue like tendons, bursae, or fluid.
• MRI — to get detailed images of bones, cartilage, and soft tissues, especially useful for labral tears or osteonecrosis.
• Blood tests — to check for signs of infection or inflammatory arthritis.
• Joint aspiration — taking a small sample of fluid from the hip joint with a needle to test for infection or gout.

What to expect at your appointment

The diagnosis process is usually straightforward and starts with a physical exam. Most people do not need every test. Your provider will explain which tests are right for you based on your symptoms and clinical findings. You may be referred to a specialist such as a rheumatologist, orthopaedic surgeon, or physiotherapist for further evaluation.

Treatment

Treatment for hip pain depends on the cause and how severe it is. The goal is to relieve pain, improve movement, and prevent future problems. Many cases can be managed with simple self-care and lifestyle changes. Other cases may need medical treatments or, rarely, surgery. Always consult a healthcare provider for a personalised treatment plan.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip by avoiding activities that make the pain worse, but do not stop moving completely.
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling.
• Use heat packs or a warm bath for muscle stiffness or chronic pain.
• Take over-the-counter pain relievers (do not use more than the recommended dose, and ask your pharmacist if they are safe for you).
• Gently stretch and strengthen the muscles around the hip with guidance from a physiotherapist.
• Consider using a walking aid (cane or crutch) temporarily to take weight off the hip.

Medical treatments

If self-care is not enough, your doctor may recommend prescription pain relief, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications. They may also suggest steroid injections into the hip joint or soft tissues to reduce inflammation. Physical therapy (physiotherapy) is often a key part of treatment, helping you regain strength and mobility. In some cases, other treatments like hyaluronic acid injections or biologic medications may be considered, but only under specialist care.

When is surgery considered?

Surgery is usually only considered when other treatments have not worked and the pain is severe, or if there is a fracture, significant joint damage (like advanced osteoarthritis), or a labral tear that does not heal. Common surgeries include hip arthroscopy (keyhole surgery to repair soft tissues), hip resurfacing, or hip replacement. Your orthopaedic surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits with you.

Living with this condition

Living with hip pain can be challenging, but many people manage well with the right strategies. Plan your day to avoid overdoing it — alternate periods of activity with rest. Use good posture when sitting, standing, and lifting. Choose comfortable seating with good back and hip support. Break up long periods of sitting by standing and moving every 30 minutes.

Lifestyle tips

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your hips.
• Wear supportive, cushioned shoes that fit well.
• Avoid high-impact activities that jar the hip, like running on hard surfaces.
• Use assistive devices like a long-handled reacher for picking up items from the floor.
• Make your home safer — remove trip hazards and install grab bars in the bathroom if needed.

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet rich in calcium and vitamin D (like dairy products, leafy greens, and fortified foods) can help keep your bones strong. Anti-inflammatory foods (like fruits, vegetables, fish, and whole grains) may also help reduce pain. For exercise, low-impact activities such as swimming, cycling, walking, and yoga are often helpful. A physiotherapist can design a safe exercise program tailored to your hip problem.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with chronic pain can affect your mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. It is normal to feel frustrated, anxious, or low at times. Talking to a counsellor or joining a support group can help. If you ever feel overwhelmed or have thoughts of harming yourself, please reach out for help immediately — contact your local mental health crisis service or call your local emergency number.

Prevention

Not all hip pain can be prevented, especially if it is due to genetics or aging. However, you can reduce your risk by maintaining a healthy weight, staying active with low-impact exercises, using proper form during sports and lifting, and avoiding falls by keeping your home safe and wearing appropriate footwear. If you have osteoporosis, treatment can help prevent fractures.

Vaccines

There are no vaccines specifically for hip pain. However, keeping up with vaccinations (like flu and pneumonia) can help prevent infections that might affect joints.

Screening programmes

There is no routine screening test for hip pain in the general population. However, if you have risk factors like a family history of hip problems or osteoporosis, your doctor may recommend bone density scans or other tests to monitor your hip health.

Complications

If left untreated

• Chronic pain that limits daily activities and reduces quality of life.
• Stiffness and loss of movement in the hip joint, leading to a limp or difficulty walking.
• Muscle weakness and wasting due to not using the leg properly.
• Progression of underlying conditions, such as arthritis, which may lead to joint deformity.
• Increased risk of falls due to instability or pain.
• In rare cases, an untreated infection in the hip joint can spread and become serious.

Long-term outlook

The outlook for hip pain is generally good. Most people find relief with simple measures and can return to their normal activities. Even when hip pain is due to a chronic condition like osteoarthritis, treatment and lifestyle adjustments can help you manage symptoms and stay active. With proper care, many people with hip pain continue to enjoy a full, active life. Early and appropriate treatment gives the best chance for a positive outcome.

Find support

External links open third-party websites. Ruqelo Health is not responsible for external content. Listing an organisation does not imply endorsement.