What is hip pain?

Pain in your hip is very common. Hip pain can happen to children and adults. It can have a number of different causes. You should see a doctor or physiotherapist if your hip pain continues.

Sometimes you can feel pain from other areas of your body in your hip — this is called 'referred pain'.

Pain in your hip can affect you when you:

• walk up or down stairs
• sit or stand for some time
• exercise or play sport

What symptoms are related to hip pain?

When and where you feel soreness depends on the cause of your hip pain.

If the problem is with the hip itself, you will usually feel pain inside your hip. Sometimes the pain is felt in your groin area.

If you have problems with your muscles, ligaments, or tendons around the hip joint, you may feel pain:

• outside your hip
• on your upper thigh
• on your outer buttock

If your pain is caused by osteoarthritis, you may also have:

• stiffness
• tenderness if you push on the joint
• a grating sensation in your joints
• muscle weakness

A bone fracture may cause:

• swelling
• deformity
• bruising
• loss of function

Sometimes, when you have hip pain, you will also have knee and/or lower back pain.

If your pain is caused by an infection, the area could be red or swollen. An infection can also limit movement.

What causes hip pain?

Issues that can cause hip pain are:

• arthritis
• hip deformities and disorders
• an injury
• lower back problems
• a fracture of the neck (top) of the femur (thigh bone)
• an infection

Hip pain can also be caused by:

• a strained muscle
• an inflamed tendon or other inflammatory condition
• a pinched or irritated nerves

Hip arthritis can be due to a number of different causes. Osteoarthritis is the most common cause. This is especially in people older than 50 years.

Health issues such as hip dysplasia can also lead to hip pain if it's not treated early.

Hip infection is also known as septic arthritis. This is not a common health issue.

When should I see my doctor?

Septic arthritis is an infection. It is a medical emergency. If you think you have sepsis, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance.

You should talk to your doctor or physiotherapist if you have ongoing hip pain.

You should see a doctor as soon as possible if:

• the pain is sudden or intense
• the pain is a result of an injury or a fall
• you can't move your hip or leg
• you can't put weight on the affected leg
• you notice swelling or bleeding
• you have a fever or high temperature, which can be a sign of an infection

If your child has pain in their hip, talk to your doctor.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

A doctor or physiotherapist can work out what is causing the pain in your hip. They will ask you questions about your symptoms. They might also ask you questions about your work life and exercise routine. They will probably examine you.

They will check how you stand, how you walk and what movements cause pain. They may suggest blood tests, or imaging such as:

• x-rays
• MRI scan
• CT scan

How is hip pain treated?

The treatment for hip pain might include physiotherapy or occupational therapy.

Other treatments might include advice about weight loss and exercise.

Sometimes stretching, strengthening exercises or resistance training can be helpful treatments. Water exercise such as swimming can sometimes help you get better.

Self-care at home

You might find pain relief with home treatments such as:

• rest
• heat or ice
• massage
• gentle exercises for hip pain

You can also use devices such as canes and crutches. These may help to relieve pain and improve how you can get around.

Medicines for hip pain

Medicines for hip pain might include:

• anti-inflammatory, pain relief medicines or creams
• antibiotics
• steroid injections
• acupuncture

Other treatment options

Your doctor may suggest you see an orthopaedic surgeon (bone doctor). This is because you might need surgery or other specialist treatment.

Can hip pain be prevented?

One of the best ways to reduce your pain is to exercise. Low impact activities are best to protect the hips. Low impact activities are exercises like swimming, yoga and tai-chi.

However, it's important to talk to a doctor or physiotherapist first. They can design an exercise program to suit you and your hip pain.

What are the complications of hip pain?

Different causes of hip pain come with different symptoms. Hip pain that is not treated can lead to:

• limping
• muscular atrophy (muscle wasting) and weakness
• reduced movement

Resources and support

Arthritis Australia has information about hip pain.

MyJointPain.org.au supports people with joint pain or osteoarthritis.

You can also call the healthdirect helpline on 1800 022 222 (known as NURSE-ON-CALL in Victoria). A registered nurse is available to speak with 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.