Hip Pain

What Is Hip Pain?

The hip is one of the body's largest weight-bearing joints, connecting the thighbone (femur) to the pelvis. This ball-and-socket joint allows a wide range of movement while providing stability for everyday activities, such as walking, standing, and climbing stairs.

Hip pain can develop when the bones, cartilage, muscles, tendons, or other structures surrounding the joint become injured or damaged. Discomfort may occur in the groin, outer hip, buttocks, or thigh and can range from mild soreness to persistent pain that limits mobility.

What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain can result from injuries, inflammation, age-related changes, or conditions affecting the joint and surrounding tissues. Common causes and related conditions include:

• Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis
• Hip fractures or dislocations
• Bursitis, or inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint
• Tendonitis and other tendon injuries
• Muscle strains and ligament injuries
• Hip labral tears
• Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement
• Avascular necrosis, which occurs when reduced blood supply damages bone tissue
• Polymyalgia rheumatica, an inflammatory condition that can cause pain and stiffness around the hips
• Joint infections
• Bone tumors or other malignancies

Hip pain may also originate from the lower back or surrounding nerves rather than the hip joint itself. Identifying the source of discomfort is important for determining the appropriate treatment.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Pain?

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying condition and the structures affected. Common symptoms may include:

• Pain in the hip, groin, buttocks, or thigh
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain that worsens with walking, standing, or other activities
• Tenderness along the outside of the hip
• Swelling or inflammation
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the joint
• Limping or difficulty bearing weight
• Pain when lying on the affected side

Some patients experience discomfort that develops gradually, while others notice sudden pain following an injury.

How Is Hip Pain Diagnosed?

Your doctor will review your symptoms and medical history and perform a physical examination to assess hip movement, strength, stability, and areas of tenderness.

Diagnostic imaging, such as X-rays, may be recommended to identify fractures, arthritis, or structural changes within the joint. An MRI or CT scan may also be used to evaluate soft-tissue injuries or other conditions that are not clearly visible on X-rays.

Because certain spine conditions can cause pain that extends into the hip, your doctor may also evaluate the lower back to identify the source of your symptoms.