Hip Pain: Common Causes and What It May Mean

Hip pain can range from a mild ache after physical activity to persistent discomfort that makes walking, sleeping, or everyday movements difficult. Because the hip is a complex joint surrounded by muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, and other tissues, pain in this area can have many different causes.

Sometimes the source is the hip joint itself. In other cases, pain felt around the hip may actually originate in the lower back, pelvis, or surrounding muscles.

Understanding the possible causes of hip pain can help you recognize patterns and know when it may be appropriate to seek medical attention.

Where Does Hip Pain Come From?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone to the pelvis. It supports much of the body’s weight and allows movements such as walking, climbing stairs, sitting, and turning.

Pain can develop in different locations.

Pain in the Front of the Hip

Discomfort in the front of the hip or groin can sometimes be associated with problems involving the hip joint itself.

Arthritis, cartilage problems, and certain types of injuries can cause pain in this area.

Pain on the Outside of the Hip

Pain on the outer side of the hip may involve the soft tissues surrounding the joint.

Irritation of tendons or structures around the hip can produce tenderness that becomes more noticeable when lying on the affected side.

Pain in the Buttock

Pain felt in the buttock may come from the hip, but it can also originate in the lower back or surrounding muscles.

Nerve irritation from the spine can sometimes cause pain that travels through the buttock and into the leg.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

1. Muscle Strain

A muscle strain can happen when a muscle or tendon is overstretched or subjected to more activity than it can tolerate.

This may occur after:

• Running

• Lifting

• Sports

• Sudden movements

• Repetitive activity

• Increasing exercise too quickly

A strain may cause soreness, tenderness, stiffness, or discomfort when moving the affected area.

Mild strains often improve with appropriate rest and gradual return to activity, but severe pain or loss of function should be evaluated.

2. Arthritis

Arthritis is a common cause of ongoing hip pain, particularly as people get older.

Osteoarthritis occurs when the tissues within a joint gradually change over time. It can cause:

• Aching pain

• Stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Difficulty walking

• Pain that becomes worse with activity

Some people notice stiffness after sitting or resting for an extended period.

Treatment depends on the type and severity of arthritis and may include exercise, physical therapy, weight management when appropriate, pain-relief strategies, medication, or other medical treatments.

3. Bursitis

Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction between tissues around joints.

Inflammation of a bursa around the hip can cause pain and tenderness, particularly on the outside of the hip.

Symptoms may become more noticeable when:

• Lying on the affected side

• Walking

• Climbing stairs

• Standing for long periods

Rest, activity modification, and appropriate treatment can often help, although persistent symptoms may require professional evaluation.

4. Tendon Problems

Tendons connect muscles to bones. Repetitive movement or increased physical activity can sometimes irritate a tendon around the hip.

Hip tendon problems may cause pain during activities such as walking, running, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair.

Symptoms can develop gradually rather than after one obvious injury.

Reducing aggravating activities temporarily and following an appropriate rehabilitation program can help many tendon-related problems.

5. Hip Fracture

A hip fracture is a serious injury that requires prompt medical attention.

It can occur after a significant fall or accident, but older adults with weakened bones may sometimes sustain a fracture after a relatively minor fall.

Possible signs include:

• Severe hip or groin pain

• Difficulty standing

• Inability to put weight on the affected leg

• Swelling or bruising

• The leg appearing shorter or turned outward

If you suspect a hip fracture after an injury, seek emergency medical care.

6. Hip Labral Problems

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint.

A labral tear can occur because of injury, repetitive movement, structural differences in the hip, or gradual wear.

Possible symptoms include:

• Hip or groin pain

• Clicking or catching

• Stiffness

• Reduced range of motion

• Discomfort during certain movements

Diagnosis may require a physical examination and imaging, depending on the circumstances.

7. Nerve-Related Pain

Sometimes pain around the hip is actually related to a nerve problem.

Nerve irritation in the lower back can cause pain that travels into the buttock, hip, or leg.

It may be accompanied by:

• Tingling

• Numbness

• Burning sensations

• Weakness

• Shooting or electric-like pain

Because nerve symptoms can have several causes, persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.

8. Injuries From Falls or Sports

Falls, collisions, twisting movements, and sports injuries can affect the bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, or other structures around the hip.

Even when there is no obvious fracture, an injury can cause inflammation and pain.

If pain is severe, swelling develops rapidly, or you cannot put weight on the leg, seek medical attention promptly.

Hip Pain That Comes From Somewhere Else

Not all pain felt around the hip originates in the hip joint.

The lower back can sometimes produce pain that spreads into the buttock and hip region.

Problems involving the pelvis, abdominal area, or other nearby structures can also sometimes cause pain that feels like hip discomfort.

This is one reason the exact location, timing, and characteristics of the pain are important when determining the possible cause.

Hip Pain and Age

Hip pain can affect people of any age, but the likely causes can vary.

Younger people may experience pain related to sports, muscle strains, overuse, structural differences, or injuries.

Older adults are more likely to experience conditions such as osteoarthritis and may have a higher risk of fractures, particularly when bone density is reduced.

Age alone does not determine the cause, however. A proper assessment is often necessary when pain persists.

When to Seek Urgent Medical Care

Some hip pain symptoms should not be ignored.

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe hip pain after a fall or accident, particularly if you cannot stand or put weight on the affected leg.

Urgent evaluation is also appropriate for symptoms such as:

• Sudden severe pain without an obvious explanation

• Significant swelling

• A visibly deformed joint or leg

• Inability to move the leg normally

• Fever with severe hip pain

• A hot, red, swollen area around the joint

• New severe weakness or numbness

• Loss of bladder or bowel control along with back or leg symptoms

These symptoms can sometimes indicate an injury, infection, nerve problem, or another condition requiring prompt treatment.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Make an appointment with a healthcare professional if hip pain:

• Persists for several days despite reducing aggravating activity

• Keeps returning

• Interferes with sleep

• Makes walking difficult

• Limits normal movement

• Gradually becomes worse

• Is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, fever, or other unusual symptoms

A healthcare professional may examine your hip and surrounding areas, assess your movement, and decide whether imaging or additional testing is necessary.

How Hip Pain Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a detailed medical history and physical examination.

A healthcare professional may ask:

• When did the pain begin?

• Did it start after an injury?

• Where exactly does it hurt?

• What movements make it worse?

• Does the pain travel into the leg?

• Is there numbness or tingling?

• Does it hurt at night?

• Have you experienced fever or other symptoms?

Depending on the suspected cause, tests may include an X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, blood tests, or other investigations.

Not everyone with hip pain needs imaging.

What You Can Do for Mild Hip Pain

For mild pain that appears after ordinary activity and is not accompanied by concerning symptoms, temporarily reducing activities that make the pain worse may help.

Other measures can include:

• Gentle movement within a comfortable range

• Avoiding activities that clearly aggravate the pain

• Using appropriate heat or cold based on what feels helpful

• Maintaining good sleep and recovery habits

• Gradually returning to normal activity as symptoms improve

Avoid pushing through significant pain.

If symptoms persist or worsen, professional evaluation is appropriate.

Exercise and Hip Pain

Exercise can be an important part of managing many causes of hip pain, particularly when weakness, stiffness, or reduced mobility contributes to symptoms.

However, the appropriate exercises depend on the underlying problem.

For example, exercises suitable for mild muscle weakness may not be appropriate immediately after a fracture or acute injury.

A physical therapist can develop an individualized program that may include strengthening, mobility exercises, balance work, and gradual activity progression.

Hip Pain at Night

Pain that becomes worse at night can have several causes.

Some people experience discomfort because they sleep directly on the affected side. Others may have joint inflammation, arthritis, tendon problems, or another condition.

Changing sleeping positions and using a pillow between the knees may provide some people with temporary comfort.

Persistent nighttime pain, especially when it is severe or unexplained, should be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common cause of hip pain?

There isn’t one cause that applies to everyone. Muscle strains, arthritis, tendon problems, bursitis, injuries, and pain referred from the lower back are among the possible causes.

Can hip pain go away on its own?

Some mild strains and activity-related problems improve with time and appropriate activity modification. Persistent, severe, or worsening pain should be evaluated.

How do I know if my hip pain is serious?

Severe pain, inability to bear weight, significant injury, fever, visible deformity, sudden weakness or numbness, or rapidly worsening symptoms warrant prompt medical attention.

Can back problems cause hip pain?

Yes. Conditions affecting the lower back or nerves can cause pain that is felt in the buttock, hip, or leg.

Is walking good for hip pain?

It depends on the cause and severity. Gentle movement may be helpful for some conditions, while walking can aggravate others. Avoid activities that significantly increase pain and seek professional advice if symptoms persist.

Why does my hip hurt when I lie on my side?

Pain when lying on one side can occur with problems involving the tissues on the outside of the hip, including certain tendon or bursa-related conditions.

Final Thoughts

Hip pain can have many possible causes, ranging from temporary muscle strain to arthritis, tendon problems, nerve irritation, or significant injuries.

The location of the pain can provide useful clues. Pain in the groin may point toward the hip joint, while discomfort on the outside of the hip can involve surrounding soft tissues. Pain in the buttock or hip region may also originate in the lower back.

Mild discomfort after activity may improve with appropriate rest and gradual movement, but persistent or worsening symptoms deserve attention. Severe pain following an injury, inability to bear weight, fever, significant swelling, deformity, or new neurological symptoms should be evaluated promptly.

Because different conditions can produce similar symptoms, avoiding self-diagnosis is important. A healthcare professional can assess the pattern of pain, examine the hip and surrounding areas, and recommend appropriate treatment when necessary.

This article is for general educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.