long lasting hip pain

Overview

Long-lasting hip pain is pain around the hip joint that continues for several weeks or more. It can feel like a dull ache, stiffness, or a sharp pain deep in the hip, groin, or side of the thigh. The cause may be in the hip joint itself, or in the muscles, tendons, bursae (small fluid-filled cushions), or other tissues around the hip.

Yes. Hip pain that lasts more than a few weeks is a common reason people see their doctor. It becomes more frequent with age, but it can also happen in younger adults, especially those who are active or have had hip injuries.

Long-lasting hip pain can affect anyone, but it is more common in older adults, people with a family history of arthritis, those who have had a hip or back injury, and people who are living with excess weight or low bone density. Active younger adults may also experience it from overuse or joint problems.

Symptoms

Common symptoms

• Aching or throbbing pain in the hip, groin, outer thigh, or buttock
• Stiffness in the hip, especially after sitting or resting for a while
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs, or prolonged standing
• Difficulty putting on shoes, socks, or bending to the side
• A clicking, catching, or grinding feeling inside the hip
• Pain that radiates down the thigh or into the knee

Symptoms in children

• Limping or favoriting one leg
• Refusing to put weight on the leg or bear weight
• Complaining of pain in the hip, thigh, or knee
• Reduced ability to move the leg normally
• Fever or appearing unwell with hip pain — this needs urgent medical attention

Symptoms in older adults

• Pain in the hip or groin that is worse in the morning
• Stiffness that improves a little with movement
• New difficulty with everyday tasks like getting out of a chair or car
• Pain that interrupts sleep or wakes you at night
• Feeling unsteady or a greater risk of falling

Causes

Main causes

• Osteoarthritis — wear and tear of the cartilage that cushions the hip joint
• Bursitis — inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs near the hip joint
• Tendonitis — inflammation or irritation of the tendons around the hip
• Muscle strain or overuse injuries involving the hip or lower back
• Referred pain — pain that starts in the lower spine or sacroiliac joint and is felt in the hip
• Hip labral tear — damage to the ring of cartilage around the edge of the hip socket
• Rheumatoid arthritis or other inflammatory joint conditions
• Avascular necrosis — reduced blood flow to the hip bone, which can damage the joint
• Hip fracture or stress fracture
• Infection inside the joint (septic arthritis) — rare but serious
• In children and young teens: conditions such as developmental dysplasia, Perthes disease, or slipped capital femoral epiphysis

Risk factors

• Increasing age
• A past hip injury or fracture
• Repetitive high-impact activities or prolonged overuse
• Excess body weight, which puts more strain on the hip
• Weak hip or core muscles
• A family history of hip arthritis or inflammatory joint conditions
• Low bone density or osteoporosis

When to see a doctor

See a doctor urgently if:

• You are unable to bear weight on the affected leg
• Your pain is getting worse despite rest and simple measures
• You have hip pain and a fever
• Your leg feels numb, weak, or is turning pale
• You have a new limp or cannot move the hip normally

Book a routine appointment if:

• Hip pain lasts longer than two to three weeks
• The pain affects your daily activities, work, or sleep
• You have a persistent ache or stiffness that does not improve
• You have had previous hip problems and notice a new change in symptoms

Diagnosis

A doctor will ask about your medical history, how and when the pain started, what makes it better or worse, and will physically examine your hip. They will watch how you walk and move your leg, checking the range of motion and tender areas.

Tests that may be done

• X-rays to look at the bones and joint space
• Ultrasound to look at fluid or inflammation near the joint
• MRI to get detailed pictures of the joint, cartilage, muscles, and tendons
• Blood tests if your doctor suspects inflammation or infection

What to expect at your appointment

Your doctor will likely ask you to point to the exact place it hurts and to describe the pattern of pain. The examination is usually simple and can be done in an outpatient appointment. You may be referred to a physiotherapist, rheumatologist, or orthopaedic specialist for further assessment and treatment.

Treatment

Treatment for long-lasting hip pain depends on the underlying cause. In many cases, a combination of self-care, staying active, physical therapy, and weight or activity changes brings meaningful improvement. Some causes may need medical treatment, injections, or rarely, surgery.

Self-care at home

• Rest the hip by temporarily avoiding activities that make the pain worse
• Use ice packs on the painful area for short periods, especially after a flare-up
• Use gentle heat, such as a warm towel, to relax muscle stiffness
• Keep moving gently within your comfort range — complete rest can make stiffness worse
• Try using a walking stick, cane, or supportive footwear for a short time if it helps
• Talk to your pharmacist or doctor about suitable over-the-counter pain relief options

Medical treatments

Medical care may include physiotherapy or structured exercise programs to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve flexibility. A specialist may offer corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation in the joint or nearby tissues. For inflammatory joint conditions, there are disease-modifying treatments that can help slow damage — a doctor or specialist will discuss whether these are appropriate for your individual situation.

When is surgery considered?

If joint damage is severe and everyday activities remain very painful despite trying non-surgical treatments, a specialist may discuss surgical options such as hip replacement or another operation to repair or remove damaged tissue.

Living with this condition

Long-lasting hip pain can make daily routines more challenging. The goal is to find a balance between meaningful movement and rest. Pace yourself, avoid sudden high-impact activities, and break up long periods of sitting with short walks or stretching.

Lifestyle tips

• Choose low-impact activities like swimming, cycling, or standing water exercises
• Break up sitting time by standing and moving every 30 to 60 minutes
• If you are living with excess weight, aim for small, steady weight changes with a healthy balanced diet and movement
• When lying down, place a cushion between your knees if it feels more comfortable
• Use supportive chairs and avoid very low, soft sofas that are hard to get out of
• Wear well-fitting, cushioned shoes to reduce the impact on your hips

Diet and exercise

A balanced diet that includes enough protein, calcium, and vitamin D helps support bone and muscle health. Low-impact exercises such as walking, swimming, and cycling can reduce stiffness while strengthening the muscles that support the hip. Gentle stretching and balance exercises may also help prevent falls. A physiotherapist or dietitian can give you a plan tailored to your needs.

Mental health and emotional wellbeing

Living with persistent pain can be tiring, frustrating, and sometimes isolating. It is normal to feel low when pain limits your activities. Tell your healthcare team how it affects your mood and your everyday life. Relaxation techniques, breathing exercises, and staying connected with supportive people can all help. Asking for emotional support is a sign of strength, not weakness.

Prevention

Not all causes of long-lasting hip pain can be prevented, especially age-related arthritis or inherited conditions. But you can reduce your risk of some hip problems by keeping a healthy weight, staying physically active, doing exercises that strengthen the muscles around your hip, avoiding repetitive strain, and using protective equipment during high-impact sports.

Vaccines

Keeping your routine vaccinations up to date, such as the flu and pneumonia vaccinations, may help prevent infections that can rarely spread to a joint. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist what is recommended for your age and health.

Screening programmes

Some people may benefit from a bone density test, especially if they are older, have had previous fractures, or have risk factors for osteoporosis. This helps detect weak bones before a fracture happens. Ask your healthcare team if screening is appropriate for you.

Complications

If left untreated

• Worsening pain that makes walking difficult
• Weakness and muscle wasting around the hip
• A higher risk of falls and fractures
• Stiffness that reduces mobility and independence
• In some cases, joint damage that becomes harder to treat
• Emotional distress from living with constant discomfort

Long-term outlook

Most people with long-lasting hip pain can improve with the right diagnosis and care. Even if some conditions cannot be completely cured, managing pain, keeping active, and making sensible lifestyle changes can help you remain strong and independent. Your healthcare team can work with you to find a plan that fits your life and gives you hope for a good quality of life.

Find support

International organisations

• Versus Arthritis ↗

Local organisations

• NHS Hip Pain Information ↗ · UK

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