What is hip pain?

Hip pain can significantly impact your daily life, hinder mobility and cause discomfort. It's a common issue that can be caused by hip dysplasia, arthritis, fractures or soft tissue problems, as well as conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement and Perthes disease. There are numerous treatment options available to relieve hip pain and improve your quality of life. Our team of orthopedic hip experts are here to provide you with an accurate diagnosis and to explore personalized treatment options tailored to your specific condition and needs.

man with hip pain and woman smiling outside on a sunny day

Hip pain symptoms

Hip pain can manifest in various ways and its symptoms can range from mild discomfort to significant pain. Common symptoms of hip pain include:

  • Pain: Pain in the groin, side of the hip or back of the hip are the most prevalent symptoms. The pain can be sharp, dull, aching or throbbing, and it may be constant or intermittent.
  • Stiffness: Many individuals with hip pain experience stiffness in the hip joint, especially after periods of inactivity. Stiffness can make it challenging to move the hips or perform certain daily activities, such as putting on shoes and socks.
  • Limited range of motion: Hip pain and changes in the hip joint often lead to a decreased range of motion, so you have difficulty moving as freely as before.
  • Swelling: Inflammatory conditions or injuries can cause swelling in the hip area, which may be accompanied by warmth.
  • Weakness: Hip pain can create muscle weakness around the hip joint, making it challenging and painful to bear weight or perform daily activities.
  • Instability: Some individuals may feel their hip is unstable or giving way, which can result from certain conditions or injuries affecting the hip joint.
  • Radiating pain: Hip pain can sometimes radiate to the thigh, knee or back.
  • Popping or clicking: A popping or clicking sensation in the hip joint can be a symptom of various hip conditions and instability.
  • Numbness or tingling: In some cases, hip pathology can be accompanied by lower back pain or lower back issues that may cause numbness or tingling.

It's important to note that specific symptoms and their severity can vary depending on the underlying cause of hip pain, including conditions like osteoarthritis, hip dysplasia, hip impingement, tendinitis, hip labral tears or injuries.

When should I call my doctor about hip pain?

If you're experiencing persistent hip pain that interferes with your daily activities, notice any sudden, severe hip pain or experience a possible hip injury, it's crucial to consult an orthopedic doctor near you. Seeking timely medical advice ensures an accurate diagnosis and a tailored treatment plan to enhance your hip health and overall well-being.

Hip pain causes

Hip pain can be a distressing and debilitating issue and understanding the underlying causes is the first step toward finding relief. The hip is a complex joint with various structures and discomfort can originate from multiple sources. The common causes of hip pain include:

Arthritis

Arthritis can significantly impact the hip joint's health and functionality, causing discomfort and reduced mobility. Specifically, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can be major contributors to hip pain. Osteoarthritis results from the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to pain and inflammation. Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition that affects the lining of the hip joint.

Hip pain vs. sciatica

Hip pain and sciatica are distinct sources of discomfort, often confused due to their overlapping symptoms. Here are the key differences:

woman sitting on bed holding should and lower back because of hip pain

How to diagnose hip pain

Diagnosing hip pain requires a combination of clinical evaluation and medical imaging. Common diagnostic methods include:

Physical evaluation

A physical exam by your doctor looks for any physical abnormalities and listens for irregular sounds. The exam also looks at your mobility and range of motion. You will also be asked to go over your detailed medical history.

X-ray

X-rays provide detailed images of the hip joint, showcasing bone structure and any potential abnormalities.


CT scan

CT scans offer cross-sectional views of the hip joint, revealing subtle structural issues that may be missed in standard X-rays.


MRI scan

MRI scans focus on soft tissue, identifying ligament, muscle and cartilage problems contributing to hip pain.


Blood test

Blood tests can identify underlying conditions such as infection or systemic diseases that may be causing hip pain.

 

 

How to relieve hip pain at home

Managing hip pain can involve several strategies aimed at reducing discomfort and improving mobility. Some effective approaches include:

RICE Method

The RICE Method, which stands for rest, ice, compression and elevation, effectively alleviates pain and inflammation in the hip joint, particularly following an injury. Rest ensures that the hip gets the necessary time to heal, and applying ice helps reduce inflammation and pain. Compression with a bandage can provide additional support and hip elevation can further assist in reducing swelling and discomfort.

Hip pain treatment

When at-home methods do not alleviate your hip pain, numerous medical treatments are available to provide relief. These treatments offer a full spectrum of options to address the underlying causes and improve hip function.

The treatment choice depends on the specific condition, the patient's overall health and treatment goals. Consulting with a healthcare professional is essential to determine the most suitable approach for managing hip pain and creating a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

Ease in every step

Liz Sigman shares her hip replacement experience and how she healed with confidence.

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Frequently asked questions