Version July 2025
Please read the Disclaimer at the end of this page.
What causes hip pain? —
Many different things can cause hip pain. Sometimes, pain is related to an injury. Other causes include:
●Arthritis – This is the general term for "inflammation or damage of the joints." People whose hip pain is caused by arthritis usually develop pain in the groin or thigh, slowly over time.
●Bursitis – There are 3 sacs called "bursae" in or near the hip (figure 1). These sacs are filled with fluid. They help cushion and protect the joints. "Bursitis" is when 1 of these sacs gets irritated or inflamed. People whose hip pain is caused by bursitis usually feel more pain if they lie on their side, or if someone presses against the side of their hip.
●Muscle or tendon strain – Three major muscle groups help move the hip. If you overuse these muscles or the tendons that attach them to your bones, it can lead to hip pain. This pain is usually worse when you move your leg in 1 particular direction.
●Greater trochanteric pain syndrome ("GTPS") – This is a kind of tendon strain. It is caused by overusing 1 of the tendons near the hip and can lead to hip pain. For people with GTPS, the pain is usually worse when they walk, stand for a long time, climb stairs or hills, and lie on their side.
●Nerve problems – Lots of nerves pass by the hip. These nerves or nerves in the lower part of the spine can get pressed on or damaged and cause hip pain. People with pain caused by nerve problems also often feel tingling or numbness in the area. A pinched nerve in the spine could cause other problems, such as weakness in the leg.
How is hip pain treated? —
The right treatment depends on what is causing it. In general, treatments might include:
●Taking medicines to reduce pain and/or inflammation
●Getting a shot of a steroid medicine, which can reduce inflammation
●Physical therapy or exercises recommended by the doctor
If you have severe hip arthritis, your doctor or nurse might suggest surgery to replace the hip.
What can I do on my own to feel better? —
You can:
●Ask your doctor if there are stretches or exercises that can help with the cause of your pain. Before you do these exercises, warm up your muscles by walking or taking a warm shower or bath.
●Consider taking non-prescription pain medicines, such as acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol) or naproxen (sample brand name: Aleve). But if you have heart disease or other health problems, or if you are on prescription medicines, ask your doctor before you start taking any new medicines.
●Use a cane, walker, shoe insert, or other device, if it helps you.
●Apply a cold gel pack, bag of ice, or bag of frozen vegetables on your hip, if it helps with your pain. Do this every 1 to 2 hours, for 15 minutes each time. Put a thin towel between the ice (or other cold object) and your skin.
When should I call the doctor? —
Call for advice if:
●Your pain is sudden and severe, prevents you from putting weight on that side, or is so bad you can't rotate your leg to the side. Some people who have hip pain actually have a broken hip bone. This is especially likely after a fall or even a mild impact. Having a broken hip is serious and needs immediate medical attention.
●Your hip is swollen, bruised, or bleeding.
●You also have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher along with your hip pain.
●You have weakness in 1 of your legs or feet.
●Your toes or foot are numb or turn, blue, gray, or pale.
Patient education: Osteoarthritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Physical activity for people with arthritis (The Basics)
Patient education: Bursitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Hip fracture (The Basics)
Patient education: Deciding to have a hip replacement (The Basics)
Patient education: Preventing falls in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: How to use a walker (The Basics)
Patient education: Osteoarthritis symptoms and diagnosis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Osteoarthritis treatment (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Arthritis and exercise (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Bursitis (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Total hip replacement (Beyond the Basics)
