Hip pain is a symptom, not a diagnosis. The location of the pain and how it feels often provide clues about the underlying cause.
Pain in the front of the hip or groin
This is often related to the hip joint itself, such as:
- Osteoarthritis (“wear-and-tear” arthritis)
- Hip labral tear
- Hip impingement
- Hip fracture (especially after a fall)
- Inflammatory arthritis
Pain on the outside of the hip
Common causes include:
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (often called trochanteric bursitis)
- Tendon irritation or tears in the hip muscles
- Iliotibial (IT) band problems
Pain in the buttock or back of the hip
This may be caused by:
- Sciatica (pinched nerve)
- Problems in the lower back
- Piriformis syndrome
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction
Pain that spreads down the leg
This is more likely to be related to a nerve, such as:
- Sciatica
- Lumbar spinal stenosis
- Herniated disc
When to seek urgent medical care
Get immediate medical attention if hip pain is accompanied by:
- Severe pain after a fall or injury
- Inability to stand or walk
- A deformed leg or hip
- Fever, chills, or redness and warmth around the joint
- Sudden, severe pain with swelling
- Numbness or loss of bladder or bowel control
Self-care for mild hip pain
If the pain is mild and not due to a serious injury:
- Rest from activities that worsen the pain.
- Apply ice for 15–20 minutes several times a day during the first 48 hours.
- Consider heat for stiffness after the first couple of days.
- Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises may help once the pain begins to improve.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or, if appropriate for you, ibuprofen or naproxen may help.
When to see a doctor
Arrange an evaluation if the pain:
- Lasts more than 1–2 weeks.
- Keeps coming back.
- Worsens over time.
- Causes a limp or limits daily activities.
- Occurs with unexplained weight loss, fever, or night pain.
If you can tell me:
- your age,
- which hip is affected (left or right),
- exactly where the pain is (groin, outside, buttock, or thigh),
- when it started, and
- whether it began after an injury,
I can help narrow down the most likely causes.
