Hip Pain: Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

Overview

The hip is a deep ball-and-socket joint supported by strong muscles and ligaments, allowing weight-bearing movement in multiple directions. Pain can arise from within the joint, from surrounding soft tissue, or can be referred from the lower back.

Common causes include osteoarthritis of the hip, bursitis (inflammation of the fluid-filled sac near the joint), muscle or tendon strain, and labral tears of the cartilage rim around the socket.

Because hip pain can sometimes mimic groin, thigh or lower back pain, a careful clinical examination is important to correctly identify the source before starting treatment.

Symptoms

• Pain in the groin, outer hip, thigh or buttock
• Stiffness, especially after sitting or in the morning
• Limping or altered walking pattern
• Pain that worsens with walking, climbing stairs or standing for long periods
• Clicking, catching or a locking sensation in the joint
• Reduced range of motion, such as difficulty putting on socks or shoes

Causes

• Osteoarthritis of the hip joint
• Trochanteric bursitis (inflammation over the outer hip)
• Muscle or tendon strain around the hip
• Labral tear of the hip cartilage
• Hip fracture following a fall, particularly in older adults
• Referred pain from lumbar spine conditions

Risk Factors

• Age above 50 years
• Obesity and excess joint loading
• Previous hip injury or surgery
• Repetitive high-impact activity
• Osteoporosis, increasing fracture risk with falls
• Structural hip conditions present from a younger age

When to See a Doctor

See a doctor if hip pain persists beyond a couple of weeks, limits walking or daily activities, or is associated with stiffness that is getting worse.

Seek urgent care after a fall with inability to bear weight, or if the leg appears shortened or rotated, as this may indicate a hip fracture requiring same-day assessment.

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination of hip movement, gait and specific provocative tests
• X-ray to assess joint space, arthritis and alignment
• MRI when a labral tear, early avascular necrosis or soft tissue cause is suspected
• Spine examination when referred pain is suspected

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the underlying cause, severity and the patient's activity level.

• Activity modification and weight management
• Physiotherapy to strengthen hip and core muscles
• Anti-inflammatory medication for pain and swelling
• Targeted injections for bursitis or early arthritis in select patients
• Hip replacement surgery for advanced arthritis that no longer responds to conservative treatment

Expected Outcomes

Bursitis, muscle strain and early arthritis often respond well to physiotherapy and conservative treatment. Advanced hip arthritis generally requires hip replacement for lasting pain relief and improved mobility, with outcomes discussed individually based on your findings.

Why Choose Dr. Murkute's O2 Bone & Eye Care

• Evaluation by Dr. Vishal Murkute, MBBS, DNB Orthopaedics, Diploma in Orthopaedics, fellowship-trained in joint replacement and arthroscopy
• Careful assessment to distinguish hip joint pain from referred spine pain
• Stepwise treatment plan starting with conservative care
• Convenient Kharadi location for patients across East Pune