What should you know about hip pain and psoriatic arthritis?

Psoriatic arthritis is an inflammatory condition that can affect joints, tendon attachments, fingers or toes, and the spine. Hip involvement may cause deep groin or buttock pain, stiffness, reduced movement, or discomfort when walking. Morning stiffness, joint swelling, heel pain, changes in the nails, or active skin psoriasis can provide useful context, but their absence does not settle the cause.

Hip pain has several possible explanations, including osteoarthritis, tendon problems, referred back pain, or injury. A clinician may compare both hips, examine the skin and other joints, and review symptom timing before deciding whether tests or specialist input are needed.

Keep joints moving within a comfortable range and balance activity with rest during a flare. Physiotherapy can address hip and leg strength, mobility, walking, and ways to reduce load during daily tasks. Do not stop or change prescribed anti-inflammatory or arthritis medicines without discussing it with your clinician.

Record when pain is worst, how long morning stiffness lasts, which joints swell, and whether skin or nail symptoms change. This pattern can help the care team judge inflammation and adjust treatment. A cold pack may soothe an acutely swollen area, while gentle warmth can feel useful for stiffness; protect the skin and stop if either worsens symptoms.

Contact your clinician if hip pain is new, persistent, or limiting sleep, walking, or self-care, especially with swelling or prolonged morning stiffness. Seek urgent care for a hot, very swollen joint with fever, sudden inability to bear weight, severe pain after injury, or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Ask whether the hip pain appears inflammatory, mechanical, or referred; whether your arthritis treatment needs review; and which exercises are suitable during a flare. Ask what symptoms should prompt urgent assessment and when to arrange follow-up.