Hip pain is a common complaint that affects people of all ages and activity levels. Whether it comes on suddenly after an injury or builds gradually over time, hip pain can significantly affect your mobility and quality of life. Understanding the underlying causes and knowing when to seek treatment is key to managing symptoms and restoring function.
What is hip pain?
Hip pain refers to discomfort felt in or around the hip joint, which connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. The pain can be sharp or dull, localised or spread out, and may be felt in the groin, thigh, buttock, or even radiate down the leg. Depending on the cause, it may worsen with activity or even be present at rest.Â
The hip is a complex structure made up of bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and cartilage, all of which can be sources of pain if injured or affected by disease.Â
Who can be affected by hip pain?
Hip pain can affect:
- Older adults: especially due to osteoarthritis due to age-related joint changes
- Athletes: from overuse injuries or trauma
- People with sedentary lifestyles: due to muscle imbalances or poor posture
- Children and adolescents: though less commonly, due to conditions like Perthes disease or slipped capital femoral epiphysis
In many cases, lifestyle, occupation, and previous injuries play a role in who develops hip pain.
Common causes of hip pain
Hip pain can arise from a variety of causes. Some of the most common include:
- Osteoarthritis: A degenerative joint disease that leads to cartilage breakdown, causing pain and stiffness
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursa (fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction), often due to repetitive stress
- Tendinosis: frequently resulting from overuse or strain of tendons
- Labral Tear: Damage to the cartilage rim of the hip socket, which can cause clicking or catching sensations
- Hip Fractures: More common in older adults, especially those with osteoporosis
- Muscle Strains: Often from sudden movements or poor conditioning
- Referred Pain: Pain that originates from other areas like the lower back or pelvis
When to seek medical attention
While some hip pain can resolve with rest and self-care, you should consult a healthcare professional if you experience:
- Persistent or worsening pain
- Pain that interferes with walking, sleeping, or daily activities
- Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
- Sudden sharp pain after a fall or trauma
- Inability to bear weight on the leg
- Signs of infection (fever, chills, etc.)
Early diagnosis can prevent complications and support faster recovery.
How does physiotherapy treat hip pain?
Physiotherapy is a highly effective, non-invasive treatment option for many causes of hip pain. A physiotherapist will conduct a thorough assessment and create a personalised treatment plan, which may include:
- Manual therapy: Hands-on techniques to mobilise joints and reduce stiffness
- Exercise therapy: Targeted exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and balance
- Postural education: Teaching proper body mechanics to reduce strain on the hip
- Modalities: Use of ultrasound, heat, ice, or electrical stimulation to reduce pain and inflammation
- Gait training: Correcting walking patterns to relieve pressure on the hip
With consistent physiotherapy, many people experience significant pain relief, improved function, and a return to normal activity.
Hip pain doesn’t have to hold you back. Understanding its causes and knowing when to seek help can make all the difference. If you’re dealing with ongoing discomfort, consider seeing a physiotherapist for a customised, effective approach to recovery.
Learn more about specific hip/pelvis conditions here:
Need treatment for hip pain? Find your nearest clinic:
East Anglia:
Hampshire:
Hertfordshire:
Midlands:
London – Central Health Clinics
London
North West:
- Manchester – Openshaw
- Manchester – Sale
- Rochdale – Oldham Road
- Oldham – Chadderton
- Stockport – Hazel Grove
- Bolton – Horwich
- Preston
South West:
Yorkshire:
- Hull – New Cleveland Road
- Barnsley – Carlton
- Barnsley – Hoyland Common
- Bedale – Leyburn Road
- Doncaster – Cherry Lane
- Rotherham – Parkgate
- Sheffield – Broomhall
- Sheffield – Hillsborough
- Wakefield – Crigglestone
- Leeds
Chapman Physiotherapy