Common Causes of Hip Pain and How to Treat It
Hip pain can affect walking, climbing stairs, getting up from a chair and sleeping comfortably. It may develop gradually from arthritis or overuse, or appear suddenly after an injury.
Because several conditions can cause similar symptoms, persistent hip pain should not be treated based on symptoms alone. Identifying the underlying cause helps determine whether rest and rehabilitation are appropriate or whether further treatment is needed.
What Can Cause Hip Pain?
Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the tissues that normally help the joint move smoothly become damaged over time. Pain and stiffness may gradually make walking and other daily activities harder.
Muscle, Tendon and Bursa Problems
Strain or irritation involving muscles, tendons or bursae around the hip can cause pain, particularly during movement or when lying on the affected side.
Injuries and Fractures
Falls, sports injuries and accidents can damage the hip or surrounding structures. In older adults, weakened bones can increase the risk of hip fracture after a fall.
Referred Pain
Not every pain felt around the hip comes from the hip joint. Problems in the lower back can sometimes cause pain around the buttock, hip or leg.
Common Symptoms to Watch For
- Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock or thigh
- Stiffness after sitting or resting
- Difficulty walking or climbing stairs
- Reduced hip movement
- Pain that becomes worse with activity
- Night pain or pain that persists despite rest
How Is the Cause of Hip Pain Diagnosed?
An orthopaedic assessment usually begins with a discussion of symptoms, previous injuries, activity levels and medical history, followed by examination of the hip and surrounding areas. Depending on the findings, imaging such as an X-ray or MRI may be considered.
The purpose of testing is not simply to identify an abnormality on a scan. It is to understand whether the finding matches the patient’s symptoms and examination.
How Is Hip Pain Treated?
Activity Modification
Temporarily reducing activities that clearly aggravate pain may help some conditions settle. Complete inactivity is not always appropriate, so the right level of activity depends on the cause.
Physiotherapy and Exercise
Targeted physiotherapy can improve strength, flexibility, movement and function. Exercises should be selected according to the diagnosis and physical ability.
Pain Management
A doctor may recommend appropriate pain-relief strategies based on the person’s health, medications and diagnosis. Self-medicating for prolonged periods is not a substitute for assessment when pain continues.
Injections or Other Procedures
In selected conditions, injections or minimally invasive procedures may be considered. Their usefulness depends on the diagnosis and individual circumstances.
Hip Replacement
When severe hip arthritis causes substantial pain and disability and non-surgical measures no longer provide adequate relief, hip replacement may be considered. The decision is based on symptoms, examination, imaging and the impact on quality of life rather than age alone.
When Should You See an Orthopaedic Doctor?
Seek assessment if hip pain is persistent, progressively worsening, limits normal activities, causes a limp or follows an injury. After a fall, inability to bear weight, severe pain or a visibly abnormal leg position requires urgent evaluation for possible fracture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is hip pain always caused by arthritis?
No. Muscle and tendon problems, injuries, fractures and referred pain from the lower back can also cause hip-region pain.
Can hip pain improve without surgery?
Many causes can be managed without surgery, depending on the diagnosis. Treatment may include activity modification, physiotherapy and other non-surgical approaches.
When is hip replacement considered?
It may be considered when advanced joint disease causes significant pain and functional limitation despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.
Can back problems cause hip pain?
Yes. Certain lower-back conditions can cause pain that is felt around the buttock, hip or leg.
Conclusion
Hip pain has many possible causes, and the right treatment depends on identifying the source. Early assessment can help distinguish joint disease from soft-tissue problems, injury or referred pain and can guide an appropriate treatment plan.
For persistent hip pain or difficulty walking, an orthopaedic evaluation can help determine the next step, whether that involves rehabilitation, non-surgical treatment or consideration of surgery.