Also known as: Coxalgia
Hip pain is discomfort in or around the hip joint, which may be felt in the groin, outer hip, thigh, or buttock area.
Hip pain is a broad term that can describe discomfort felt anywhere around the hip joint, including the groin, outer thigh, buttock, or even the knee. Because the hip is a ball-and-socket joint that supports much of the body's weight and enables a wide range of movement, problems in this area can significantly affect daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a chair.
The location of the pain often provides useful clues about its cause. Pain felt in the groin or inner hip typically arises from the joint itself, while pain on the outer hip or thigh is more commonly related to the soft tissues, such as the bursae or tendons. Pain in the buttock region may originate from the hip or may be referred from the lower back or sciatic nerve.
Hip pain is more common with age, but it can affect younger people too, particularly those who are physically active or who have sustained an injury. Many cases respond well to rest, targeted exercises, and anti-inflammatory treatment, though some causes — particularly hip fractures in older adults — require prompt medical attention.
There are several possible reasons you may be experiencing Hip Pain. Here are the most common ones.
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip pain in adults over 50. It involves the gradual wearing away of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion that is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between tissues. When the bursa on the outer side of the hip (the trochanteric bursa) becomes inflamed, it causes pain and tenderness directly on the outer hip that may worsen when lying on that side or climbing stairs.
The hip flexor muscles at the front of the hip can be strained during activities involving sudden acceleration, kicking, or prolonged sitting. This produces pain in the groin or front of the hip, which may be accompanied by a feeling of weakness when lifting the knee.
Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve is compressed or irritated, often by a herniated disc in the lower back. The resulting pain can radiate from the lower back through the buttock and down the leg, and it may be felt as burning, shooting, or aching discomfort in the hip area.
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket and helps stabilize the joint. It can tear due to injury, structural problems, or repetitive movements, causing a deep aching pain in the groin along with a clicking or locking sensation in the hip.
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur and is most common in older adults with osteoporosis following a fall. It typically causes severe pain and an inability to bear weight, and it is considered a medical emergency that requires immediate care.
The piriformis is a muscle deep in the buttock that can irritate the sciatic nerve when it becomes tight or spasms. This may produce pain, numbness, or tingling in the buttock and hip area that worsens with prolonged sitting or certain movements.
This condition occurs when the blood supply to the head of the femur is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die. It can result from long-term steroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, or prior hip injury, and leads to progressive hip pain and eventual collapse of the joint if untreated.
These approaches may help manage hip pain at home. Always consult a healthcare provider if symptoms persist or worsen.
Reducing or temporarily stopping activities that worsen the pain — such as high-impact exercise or prolonged standing — can allow inflamed tissues to settle. Switching to low-impact activities like swimming or gentle walking may help maintain fitness while protecting the hip.
Applying an ice pack to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day may help reduce inflammation and swelling, particularly in the first few days after an injury. Heat can help relax tight muscles and may be more helpful for chronic, achy hip pain.
Stretches targeting the hip flexors, piriformis, and glute muscles can help relieve tension and improve flexibility around the hip joint. Regular, gentle stretching is often recommended as part of a daily routine and may reduce recurrence of pain over time.
NSAIDs such as ibuprofen may help reduce pain and inflammation in the hip when taken as directed. It is advisable to consult a pharmacist or doctor before using these medications regularly, especially if you have stomach, kidney, or heart concerns.
For those with hip pain, sleeping on the unaffected side with a pillow between the knees can help reduce pressure on the hip joint. Avoiding sleeping on the painful side may make a noticeable difference in morning pain levels.
Diagnosing hip pain begins with a thorough history and physical examination. A doctor will ask about the location, character, and timing of the pain, as well as any associated symptoms or recent injuries. Physical tests can assess range of motion, joint stability, and muscle strength. X-rays are often the first imaging test ordered and can reveal arthritis or fractures. An MRI may be used to evaluate soft tissue structures such as the labrum, tendons, or bursae. Blood tests can help rule out inflammatory conditions like rheumatoid arthritis or infection.
Seek medical attention if hip pain follows a fall or injury (especially in older adults), causes an inability to bear weight, is accompanied by a visible deformity.
Steps you can take to reduce the likelihood of experiencing hip pain.
Strengthen the hip and gluteal muscles through regular targeted exercises to support the joint and reduce injury risk.
Maintain a healthy body weight to limit the stress placed on the hip joint during everyday movement.
Warm up properly before physical activity and avoid sudden increases in training intensity.
Use proper technique during sports and exercise, especially activities involving running, jumping, or pivoting.
Address fall risk in older adults by improving balance, using appropriate footwear, and making home safety modifications.
Hip pain that follows a fall or trauma, prevents you from bearing weight, is accompanied by visible deformity, or comes with fever and systemic symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor promptly. Sudden, severe pain in an older adult after a fall is particularly concerning and may indicate a fracture.
Yes, the lower back and hip are closely connected, and pain from a herniated disc or spinal nerve irritation can radiate into the hip, groin, or thigh. This is sometimes called referred pain. A doctor can help determine whether the source of the pain is the hip joint itself or the spine.
Gentle exercises that strengthen the gluteal, hip flexor, and core muscles are often recommended for hip pain. Examples include clamshells, bridges, and gentle hip flexor stretches. Swimming and water aerobics are low-impact options that are often well-tolerated. It is best to consult a physiotherapist to get a program tailored to your specific condition.
Not at all. While osteoarthritis is a common cause of hip pain in older adults, there are many other possible causes, including bursitis, muscle strains, labral tears, and nerve-related pain. An accurate diagnosis is important to guide the right treatment approach.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.