Hip Pain Explained: Causes, Symptoms & Treatments Guide

Hip pain is a frequent complaint that can disrupt daily life, sports, and work. Its severity ranges from a dull ache to sharp, disabling pain. Causes can be structural, inflammatory, or related to overuse, and sometimes pain felt in the hip actually comes from the back or knee. Understanding common causes, typical symptoms, how providers diagnose the problem, and available treatments helps you take effective steps toward relief.

Common causes of hip pain

Hip pain can originate from several sources. Some of the most common include:

1. Osteoarthritis: Gradual cartilage breakdown inside the hip joint often causes stiffness and deep, aching pain, especially in older adults.

2. Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion tendons and bones around the hip. Repetitive motion or prolonged pressure can trigger pain along the outer hip.

3. Tendinitis: Irritation or inflammation of tendons that attach muscles to the hip. Athletes and people who do frequent repetitive movements are prone to this.

4. Hip fractures: Breaks in the femur near the hip socket are more common in older adults with osteoporosis and typically cause sudden, severe pain and inability to bear weight.

5. Labral tears: The labrum is cartilage that rims the hip socket; tears can produce groin pain, catching, or a sensation of instability.

6. Muscle strains and soft-tissue injuries: Overuse, sudden movements, or direct trauma can strain the muscles that support the hip, leading to pain and reduced function.

7. Referred pain: Problems in the lower back, sacroiliac joint, or knee can cause sensations that seem to originate in the hip.

Typical symptoms to watch for

Hip pain presents differently depending on the cause, but common signs include:

• Pain localized in the hip joint, groin, outer thigh, or buttock
• Stiffness and decreased range of motion
• Swelling, tenderness, or warmth around the hip
• Clicking, popping, or catching sensations during movement
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs, or bearing weight on the affected side
• Pain that increases with activity and improves with rest
• Muscle weakness in the hip or leg

Because hip pain can be referred from nearby structures, a thorough evaluation is important to identify the true source.

How hip pain is diagnosed

A clinician typically combines a detailed history with a physical exam and selective testing:

• Medical history: Your provider will ask when the pain began, how it behaves during rest and activity, and any injury history.

• Physical examination: Tests for range of motion, strength, gait, and specific maneuvers help narrow the cause.

• Imaging: X-rays are useful for bone alignment and arthritis. MRI provides detailed views of soft tissues, including labral tears and tendons. CT scans and ultrasound may be used in specific scenarios.

• Blood tests: If infection, inflammatory arthritis, or systemic causes are suspected, blood work can provide clues.

• Specialized tests: Bone scans, joint aspiration, or diagnostic injections are occasionally used to confirm a diagnosis.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause and severity. Many people improve with conservative care, while others require procedures or surgery.

• Rest and activity modification: Avoiding pain-provoking activities and allowing tissues to heal is a cornerstone of early care.

• Physical therapy: A tailored exercise program can restore strength, flexibility, and movement patterns to reduce pain and prevent recurrence.

• Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) reduce pain and inflammation. Prescription medications may be used when needed.

• Ice and heat: Cold reduces swelling and pain after activity; heat relaxes muscles and improves mobility before exercise.

• Assistive devices: A cane or walker can offload the joint during healing.

• Injections: Corticosteroid injections can temporarily reduce inflammation and pain in bursae or joint spaces. Hyaluronic acid or PRP injections are used in select cases.

• Surgery: When conservative measures fail or structural damage is severe, arthroscopy to repair labral tears or total hip replacement for advanced arthritis may be recommended.

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Treatment	Typical use	Approximate cost (USD)
Physical therapy	Rehabilitation, strengthen and restore motion	$300–$2,000 (course of care)
Corticosteroid injection	Acute inflammation relief	$150–$500 per injection
Hip arthroscopy	Labral repair, impingement	$10,000–$40,000
Total hip replacement	Advanced arthritis, severe joint damage	$20,000–$50,000

Costs vary widely by region, provider, and insurance coverage. This table provides rough estimates for illustrative purposes only.

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Preventing hip pain

Not all hip problems are preventable, but these habits reduce risk and protect hip health:

• Maintain a healthy weight to reduce joint load
• Strengthen supporting muscles with regular, low-impact exercise such as swimming or cycling
• Use correct technique and proper equipment during sports and repetitive activities
• Warm up before exercise and stretch regularly to preserve flexibility
• Break up long periods of sitting with movement and position changes
• Ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake for bone health

When to seek medical care

See a healthcare professional if:

• Pain persists for several days or worsens
• You have severe, sudden pain or inability to bear weight
• There is swelling, redness, or warmth suggesting infection
• Pain is accompanied by fever or other systemic symptoms
• You notice progressive weakness or loss of function

Early assessment helps identify conditions that benefit from prompt treatment and can improve long-term outcomes.

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.