What is hip pain?
Hip pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages. It may be felt in the hip joint itself or in surrounding areas such as the groin, thigh, buttock, or even the knee (referred pain). Most hip pain is not serious and improves with self-care and exercise.
Common causes
- Muscle or tendon strain
- Trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac on the side of the hip)
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Labral tears or cartilage damage
- Referred pain from the lower back
- Overuse or trauma (e.g. falls, sports injuries)
Symptoms
- Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or thigh
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side
- Clicking or locking sensation in the hip
- Difficulty with activities like putting on socks or getting in/out of a car
Self-care and management
1. Activity modification
- Avoid activities that worsen the pain (e.g. running, prolonged standing).
- Use a walking aid if needed to reduce pressure on the hip.
2. Ice and heat
- Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) for 15 to 20 minutes, 2 to 3 times a day to reduce inflammation.
- Use a heat pack to relax tight muscles after the initial inflammation has settled.
3. Pain relief
- Over-the-counter medications like paracetamol or ibuprofen can help.
- Speak to your GP or pharmacist for advice if needed.
4. Exercises
- Gentle exercise can be useful, such as walking or gentle movement exercises of the hip to maintain flexibility and support recovery.
When to seek medical advice
- You experience severe night pain or pain at rest. Consider contacting your GP
- There is swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint. Consider attending your local emergency department (A&E)
- You have a history of trauma or fall and have difficulty walking or bearing weight bearing. Consider attending your local emergency department (A&E)
- You have pain that is limiting your function and not improving by 6 weeks. Consider contacting your GP or self-referring to your local MSK service.
Prevention tips
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Strengthen muscles around the hip and spine
- Wear supportive footwear
- Avoid sudden increases in activity levels
Further support
- MSK Rehabilitation: Tailored exercise programs to improve your joint strength, flexibility and overall MSK health can be developed with you with the aim of improving your day-to-day function.
- Referral to a specialist: For very few cases, surgery may be considered. This depends on the nature of the pain you are experiencing and if this is amenable to intervention.
Your clinician will discuss the pros and cons of each treatment approach with you in detail.