Hip Pain

What is it?

Hip pain is a common complaint in adults of all ages. True hip joint pain typically localizes to the groin or anterior thigh. Lateral hip pain over the greater trochanter is usually trochanteric bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy. Posterior hip and buttock pain often represents referred pain from the lumbar spine or piriformis syndrome. In older adults, hip osteoarthritis and femoral neck fracture are critical diagnoses. In children and adolescents, transient synovitis, Legg-Calvé-Perthes disease, and slipped capital femoral epiphysis require prompt attention.

Common causes

When to see a doctor

• 1Hip pain after a fall in an older adult — rule out hip fracture (urgent)
• 2Severe hip pain with inability to bear weight
• 3Hot, swollen hip in a child with fever — septic arthritis (emergency)
• 4Progressive hip pain with groin aching and restricted rotation — osteoarthritis
• 5Hip pain in a young athlete with anterior groin pain — labral tear or FAI

What you can do

• ✓Maintain a healthy weight — each pound of body weight translates to 3–6 pounds of force on the hip joint
• ✓Low-impact exercise (swimming, cycling) maintains hip mobility without loading
• ✓Physical therapy targeting hip abductor and core strengthening is highly effective
• ✓Use a cane in the contralateral (opposite) hand to offload the painful hip

Conditions that cause this symptom

Medications that may help

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Always consult your provider before starting any medication.

Frequently asked questions