If Your Hip Hurts, It’s a Sign Worth Paying Attention To
Hip pain is common, but it shouldn’t automatically be dismissed as “just getting older.”
The cause can range from a temporary muscle strain to arthritis, bursitis, tendon problems, nerve irritation, or an injury.
🔎 Where does the pain come from?
1. Pain in the groin or front of the hip
This can sometimes be related to the hip joint itself, including osteoarthritis or other joint problems.
2. Pain on the outside of the hip
Pain over the outer hip can occur with irritation of the tendons or tissues around the hip, sometimes called greater trochanteric pain syndrome.
3. Pain in the buttock or back of the hip
This may come from muscles, the lower back, or irritated nerves rather than the hip joint itself.
4. Pain after exercise or a new activity
A muscle or tendon strain can cause temporary pain, particularly after suddenly increasing activity.
5. Pain that gets worse with walking or climbing stairs
Persistent activity-related pain may deserve an evaluation, especially if it limits your normal activities.
🚨 When should you get medical help?
Don’t ignore hip pain if:
- It follows a significant fall or injury
- You can’t put weight on the leg
- The hip looks deformed or the leg appears shortened
- There’s severe or rapidly worsening pain
- You develop fever with a hot, swollen joint
- Pain repeatedly wakes you at night
- You have unexplained weight loss or other concerning symptoms
👵 Don’t automatically blame age
Some hip conditions become more common with age, but persistent pain isn’t simply something you have to accept.
A healthcare professional can determine whether the problem is coming from the hip joint, surrounding tissues, spine, or another source.
