Hip pain
Pain in the hip is very common. Hip pain affects children and adults and can have a variety of different causes. If you have hip pain that persists, you should see a doctor or physiotherapist.
Hip pain symptoms
You might have soreness inside the hip joint but you may also feel pain in your:
- buttock
- lower back
- thigh
- groin
- knee.
Sometimes pain from other areas can be felt in your hip - this is called ‘referred pain’. Pain in the hip can affect you when you:
- walk up or down stairs
- sit or stand for some time
- exercise or play sport.
You should talk to your doctor or physiotherapist about your hip pain immediately if:
If your child has pain in the hip, talk to your doctor.
What causes hip pain?
The cause of your hip pain will affect when and where you feel the soreness.
Conditions that cause hip pain include:
- arthritis of the hip from a variety of causes - osteoarthritis is the most common, especially in people older than 50
- lower back problems
- a fracture of the neck (top) of the femur (thigh bone)
- a strained muscle
- an inflamed tendon or other inflammatory conditions
- polymyalgia rheumatica
- an infection
- pinched nerves.
Hip pain diagnosis
A doctor or physiotherapist can work out what is causing the pain in your hip. They might talk to you and examine you, checking how you stand, how you walk and what movements cause pain. They may suggest blood tests or X-rays.
Hip pain treatment
The treatment might include:
- physiotherapy or occupational therapy
- anti-inflammatory, pain-killing medicines or creams
- antibiotics
- steroid injections
- acupuncture
- advice about weight loss and exercise
- stretching, strengthening exercises or resistance training
- water exercise including swimming.
Your doctor may suggest you consult an orthopaedic surgeon if surgery or other specialist treatment is needed. You might find pain relief with home treatments such as rest, heat or ice, massage or gentle exercises for hip pain.
Last reviewed: November 2015
