MedDroidSymptom guide
Hip pain: causes, warning signs & what to do
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedHip pain can come from the joint itself, the muscles around it, or the lower back. In older adults, hip pain after a fall must be checked for a fracture.
Possible causes
Common causes of hip pain
- Osteoarthritis of the hip — groin pain and stiffness, worse on walking
- Pain from the lower back or sciatic nerve, felt in the buttock and hip
- Bursitis — tenderness on the outer side of the hip, worse lying on that side
- Hip fracture after a fall, especially with thin bones
- Ankylosing spondylitis — buttock and back stiffness in younger adults
- Avascular necrosis — loss of blood supply to the hip bone, linked to steroid or heavy alcohol use
Self-care
What you can do now
- Keep active with low-impact exercise such as walking or swimming
- Avoid long periods of sitting cross-legged or squatting if they hurt
- Use a pillow between the knees when sleeping on your side
- Strengthening the hip and core muscles helps; a physiotherapist can guide you
Red flags
When to see a doctor urgently
- Unable to stand or walk after a fall, or the leg looks shortened or turned out — call your local emergency number (108/112 in India)
- Hip pain with fever or feeling very unwell
- Numbness around the groin or loss of bladder or bowel control
- Severe night pain or unexplained weight loss
Checks
Tests a doctor may suggest
Depending on your history and examination, a doctor may suggest some of these. Your doctor decides which, if any, you need.
Explore more
Related pages
References
Sources & further reading
Frequently asked questions
Is hip pain from the joint or my back?
Pain in the groin usually comes from the hip joint; pain in the buttock that travels down the leg often comes from the back. A doctor can tell with a short examination.
When is hip pain an emergency?
After a fall, especially in older adults, if you cannot stand or the leg looks shortened or turned out, a fracture is possible and needs emergency care.
What helps hip arthritis?
Regular low-impact exercise, weight control and physiotherapy help most people. Severe cases may be considered for surgery by an orthopaedic doctor.