Hip Pain: What Does It Mean?
Hip pain can come from the hip joint itself, the surrounding muscles and tendons, the lower back, or other areas that “refer” pain to the hip. The cause often depends on your age, activity level, injury history, and the exact location of the pain.
Common causes of hip pain
1. Arthritis (especially osteoarthritis)
A common cause as people get older.
Possible signs:
- Deep ache in the groin, thigh, or buttock
- Stiffness after sitting or waking up
- Pain that worsens with walking or climbing stairs
- Reduced range of motion
2. Muscle or tendon strain
Often caused by overuse, exercise, or a sudden movement.
Symptoms may include:
- Pain with certain movements
- Tenderness around the hip area
- Improvement with rest
3. Bursitis
Inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip.
Typical signs:
- Pain on the outside of the hip
- Worse when lying on that side
- Pain when climbing stairs or standing for long periods
4. Tendon problems
Tendons around the hip can become irritated or damaged, causing:
- Aching pain
- Weakness
- Pain during activity
5. Hip fracture or injury
More common after falls, especially in older adults.
Warning signs:
- Sudden severe pain
- Inability to put weight on the leg
- Leg appearing shorter or turned outward
6. Problems from the back or nerves
Sometimes hip-area pain is actually coming from the spine.
May include:
- Tingling or numbness
- Pain traveling down the leg
- Burning sensations
What you can try for mild hip pain
- Avoid activities that clearly worsen the pain.
- Use gentle movement and stretching if tolerated.
- Apply ice after a new injury or heat for stiffness.
- Maintain healthy body weight to reduce joint stress.
- Consider physical therapy exercises if pain persists.
Seek medical advice if:
- Hip pain lasts more than a few weeks
- Pain is getting worse
- You have difficulty walking
- The hip becomes swollen, red, or warm
- You have fever or unexplained weight loss
Get urgent care if:
- You cannot stand or walk after a fall
- You have sudden severe hip pain
- The leg looks deformed after an injury
Bottom line: Hip pain is common and often treatable, but the cause matters. Pain location (groin, outside of the hip, buttock, or down the leg), when it occurs, and whether there was an injury can help identify the likely source.
