Hip pain can mean many different things—from a minor muscle strain to a joint problem. The meaning often depends on where the pain is, how it started, and what makes it worse.
Common causes include:
- Muscle or tendon strain: Pain after exercise, lifting, walking a lot, or a sudden movement.
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear of the hip joint; often causes stiffness, reduced movement, and pain that worsens with activity.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the hip; may cause pain on the outside of the hip, especially when lying on that side.
- Nerve-related pain: Problems in the lower back can cause pain that travels into the hip, buttock, or leg.
- Injury or fracture: More likely after a fall, especially in older adults or people with weak bones.
- Inflammatory conditions or infections: Less common but can cause persistent pain, swelling, fever, or feeling unwell.
Seek medical attention sooner if hip pain:
- Started after a fall or accident
- Prevents you from walking or putting weight on the leg
- Comes with fever, redness, or swelling
- Is severe or getting worse
- Occurs with unexplained weight loss or night pain
To narrow it down, tell me:
- Your age
- Where the pain is (front of hip, side, buttock, groin)
- How long it has been happening
- Whether it hurts more when walking, sitting, or lying down.
