Hip pain is a common complaint that can be caused by a wide variety of problems. The precise location of hip pain can provide clues about the underlying cause.
Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of the hip or the groin. Hip pain on the outside of the hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround the hip joint.
Hip pain can sometimes be caused by diseases and conditions in other areas of the body, such as the lower back. This type of pain is called referred pain.
Hip pain may be caused by arthritis, injuries or other problems.
You may not need to see a health professional if your hip pain is minor. Try these self-care tips:
- Rest. Avoid repeated bending at the hip and direct pressure on the hip. Try not to sleep on the affected side or sit for long periods of time.
- Pain relievers. Nonprescription pain relievers such as acetaminophen (Tylenol, others), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin IB, others) and naproxen sodium (Aleve) may help ease hip pain. Sometimes nonprescription topical pain relievers such as capsaicin (Capzasin, Zostrix, others) or salicylates (Bengay, Icy Hot, others) are used.
- Ice or heat. Use ice cubes or a bag of frozen vegetables wrapped in a towel to apply cold treatments to the hip. A warm bath or shower may help prepare your muscles for stretching exercises that can reduce pain.
If self-care treatments don't help, make an appointment with your health care team.
Seek immediate medical attention
Ask someone to drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if your hip pain is caused by an injury and includes any of the following:
- A joint that appears deformed or out of place or a leg that appears shortened.
- Inability to move your leg or hip.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
- Intense pain.
- Sudden swelling.
- Fever, chills, redness or any other signs of infection.
Show References
- Firestein GS, et al. Hip and knee pain. In: Firestein & Kelley's Textbook of Rheumatology. 11th ed. Elsevier; 2021. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- Miller M, et al. Hip diagnosis and decision making. In: DeLee, Drez, and Miller's Orthopaedic Sports Medicine: Principles and Practice. 5th ed. Elsevier; 2020. https://www.clinicalkey.com. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- Paoloni J. Approach to the adult with unspecified hip pain. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- Nigrovic PA. Approach to hip pain in childhood. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- Chamberlain R. Hip pain in adults: Evaluation and differential diagnosis. American Family Physician. 2021;103:81.
- Hip strains. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hip-strains. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/hip-bursitis/. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- Sciatica. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/diseases--conditions/sciatica/. Accessed April 30, 2023.
- Takahashi PY (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. May 12, 2023.
Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/hip-pain/basics/definition/SYM-20050684