If you’re looking for the details behind this headline, hip pain is worth paying attention to, but it isn’t automatically a sign of a serious problem. The cause can range from a temporary muscle strain to arthritis or a problem coming from the lower back.
Common reasons your hip may hurt
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-related changes in the hip joint can cause pain, stiffness and reduced mobility, often worse with walking or standing.
- Muscle or tendon problems: Strains, tendinitis or bursitis can cause pain around the hip, particularly after increased activity.
- Injury or fall: A fracture or other injury can cause sudden, severe pain and difficulty putting weight on the leg.
- Pain referred from the back: Nerve or spinal problems can sometimes feel like hip pain even when the hip joint itself isn’t the source.
- Inflammatory conditions: Certain forms of arthritis can cause pain and prolonged morning stiffness.
Where the pain occurs can provide clues
Pain in the groin or front of the hip is often associated with problems inside the hip joint. Pain on the outside of the hip may involve the surrounding tendons or bursae, while pain that travels from the back or buttock toward the leg may originate in the spine.
When hip pain needs prompt medical attention
Seek urgent medical assessment if hip pain follows a fall or significant injury, particularly if you cannot stand or put weight on the affected leg.
You should also seek medical advice for unexplained hip pain accompanied by fever, significant swelling/redness, sudden severe pain, unexplained weight loss, or pain that is persistent or getting worse.
Don’t ignore persistent pain
If hip pain continues for more than a few weeks, repeatedly interferes with sleep or normal activities, or progressively limits your walking, arrange an evaluation. A clinician can determine whether the problem is coming from the hip itself, surrounding muscles and tendons, or another part of the body.
Bottom line: Hip pain is a signal to pay attention to—not a diagnosis by itself. The location, duration, severity and circumstances surrounding the pain help determine whether it needs treatment or further investigation.
