Hip pain can make everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs, sleeping, or getting out of a chair uncomfortable. Sometimes the cause is a simple muscle strain that improves with rest. In other cases, hip pain may be related to arthritis, inflammation, an injury, or a problem in the lower back.
Understanding where the pain occurs, when it starts, and what makes it worse can help you determine what to do next. Although hip pain is common, persistent or severe pain should not be ignored.
Where Do You Feel Hip Pain?
The location of your pain can offer useful clues about its possible cause.
- Pain at the front of the hip or in the groin: May be associated with hip joint problems, arthritis, or a muscle strain.
- Pain on the outside of the hip: May involve tendons or the fluid-filled cushioning structures around the hip.
- Pain in the buttock or back of the hip: May originate from muscles, the lower back, or the nerves.
- Pain that travels down the leg: May sometimes be related to nerve irritation, including sciatica.
These patterns are not enough to make a diagnosis. Different conditions can produce similar symptoms.
10 Possible Causes of Hip Pain
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the tissues within a joint gradually change and deteriorate. In the hip, it can cause pain in the groin, stiffness, and difficulty moving the leg.
Symptoms may become more noticeable when walking, standing for long periods, or getting up after sitting. Stiffness after rest is also common.
Although osteoarthritis becomes more common with age, hip pain is not an inevitable part of getting older.
2. Muscle Strain
A strained muscle or tendon can cause hip pain after exercise, lifting something heavy, sudden twisting, or an unfamiliar physical activity.
The affected area may feel tender, and certain movements may make the pain worse. Mild strains often improve with temporary activity modification and gradual return to normal movement.
Severe pain, significant bruising, or an inability to bear weight requires medical assessment.
3. Bursitis and Tendon Problems
The hip contains small fluid-filled sacs called bursae that help reduce friction between tissues. Irritation in these structures can cause pain, particularly on the outside of the hip.
Pain may worsen when lying on the affected side, climbing stairs, or walking for a long time. However, similar symptoms can result from irritation or injury involving the gluteal tendons.
A healthcare professional can help distinguish between these conditions.
4. Hip Fracture
A hip fracture can occur after a fall, a car accident, or another significant injury. In older adults, a fracture can sometimes happen after a relatively minor fall, particularly when bones are weakened by osteoporosis.
Warning signs include sudden severe pain, difficulty standing or walking, swelling, and bruising.
If you suspect a hip fracture, seek emergency medical care. Do not try to walk on the injured leg.
5. Tendinitis
Tendinitis refers to irritation or inflammation of a tendon. Around the hip, tendon problems can cause pain during movement, exercise, or activities that repeatedly load the affected muscles.
Treatment depends on the specific tendon and the severity of the problem. Adjusting aggravating activities and following a suitable rehabilitation plan may help.
6. Sciatica or Lower Back Problems
Not all pain felt around the hip originates in the hip joint. Irritation of nerves in the lower back can cause pain in the buttock and sometimes down the leg.
Other symptoms may include tingling, numbness, or a burning sensation.
New leg weakness, numbness around the groin or buttocks, or loss of bladder or bowel control requires emergency medical assessment because it may indicate serious nerve compression.
7. Rheumatoid Arthritis or Other Inflammatory Conditions
Inflammatory diseases can affect joints and surrounding tissues, sometimes causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.
Stiffness that lasts a long time in the morning, pain in several joints, or symptoms accompanied by fatigue may warrant medical evaluation.
The hip is not always the first joint affected, and symptoms alone cannot identify a particular inflammatory condition.
8. Hip Labral Injury
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps support the hip joint. A tear can occur following an injury, repetitive twisting movements, or structural problems in the hip.
Possible symptoms include deep groin pain, clicking, catching, or a feeling that the hip is stiff.
Not every clicking hip has a labral tear. A clinician may recommend an examination and, when appropriate, imaging.
9. Osteoporosis-Related Stress Fractures
Repeated loading can sometimes cause a small crack in a bone, known as a stress fracture. This may occur in people who suddenly increase their exercise, participate in repetitive high-impact activities, or have weakened bones.
Pain may gradually increase with weight-bearing activity and improve with rest. Stress fractures can worsen if ignored, so persistent pain during walking or exercise should be assessed.
Avoid continuing high-impact activity when a stress fracture is suspected.
10. Infection or Other Serious Conditions
In some cases, hip pain may be caused by a joint infection or another serious medical problem.
A painful hip accompanied by fever, chills, redness, swelling, or feeling very unwell requires urgent medical assessment. A joint infection can cause permanent damage if treatment is delayed.
Rarely, persistent unexplained pain may be associated with a tumor or another underlying condition, particularly when accompanied by unexplained weight loss or progressive symptoms.
Most hip pain is not caused by cancer, but persistent symptoms deserve proper evaluation.
Why Does Hip Pain Get Worse at Night?
Hip pain that interrupts sleep can have several causes, including:
- Irritation of the tendons or bursae on the outside of the hip.
- Osteoarthritis or other joint conditions.
- Sleeping directly on the painful side.
- Pain referred from the lower back.
Try sleeping on the unaffected side with a pillow between your knees, or on your back with a pillow supporting your knees if comfortable.
If pain regularly wakes you up, continues to worsen, or occurs with fever or unexplained weight loss, arrange a medical appointment.
What Can You Do to Relieve Mild Hip Pain at Home?
If the pain is mild, there has been no significant injury, and you can walk comfortably, a few simple measures may help.
1. Modify painful activities. Temporarily reduce movements that aggravate the hip, such as running, heavy lifting, or repeated stair climbing. Avoid prolonged bed rest unless a healthcare professional advises it.
2. Apply a cold pack. For a recent strain or injury, apply a cold pack wrapped in a towel for about 15–20 minutes at a time. Never place ice directly on the skin.
3. Keep moving gently. Gentle movement within a comfortable range can help prevent stiffness. Stop any activity that significantly increases the pain.
4. Choose supportive footwear. Comfortable shoes may help reduce strain during everyday activities.
5. Be careful with pain medication. Medicines such as ibuprofen are not suitable for everyone, particularly people with kidney disease, stomach ulcers, certain heart conditions, or those taking specific medications. Ask a pharmacist or healthcare professional what is safe for you.
Do not use home treatment as a substitute for medical assessment when the pain is severe, persistent, or getting worse.
When Should You See a Doctor?
Arrange a medical appointment if your hip pain:
- Persists for more than a week or two without improvement.
- Keeps returning or interferes with sleep.
- Makes walking or daily activities difficult.
- Occurs with unexplained weight loss or a noticeable change in your general health.
- Is accompanied by persistent stiffness, swelling, or reduced movement.
Seek urgent medical care if you have sudden severe hip pain, cannot stand or put weight on your leg, or develop hip pain with fever and feeling very unwell. After a significant fall or injury, a possible fracture requires emergency assessment.
Sudden loss of bladder or bowel control, numbness around the groin, or rapidly developing leg weakness also requires emergency care.
How Is the Cause of Hip Pain Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional will usually ask when the pain started, where it is located, whether an injury occurred, and which movements make it worse.
They may examine your hip, back, walking pattern, and range of motion. Depending on the findings, they may recommend an X-ray, blood tests, or other imaging.
Treatment varies according to the cause and may include activity modification, physical therapy, medication, or surgery in selected cases.
Final Thoughts
Hip pain can result from a muscle strain, tendon irritation, arthritis, a back problem, or a more serious condition. The location of the pain and the circumstances in which it develops can provide clues, but they cannot confirm the diagnosis on their own.
For mild pain, temporary activity modification and gentle movement may help. However, sudden severe pain, an inability to bear weight, fever with hip pain, or new neurological symptoms should never be ignored.
Listen to your body, avoid pushing through significant pain, and seek medical advice if symptoms persist or interfere with daily life. Identifying the cause early can help you choose the right treatment and protect your mobility.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Consult a qualified healthcare professional for persistent or concerning symptoms. Seek emergency care for severe symptoms or a suspected serious injury.