What causes hip pain?

Pain in the groin or front of the hip often points toward the hip joint, where osteoarthritis, cartilage irritation, or another joint problem can limit movement. Pain over the outside of the hip may involve the gluteal tendons or trochanteric bursa, especially when lying on that side, climbing stairs, or walking uphill.

Pain that travels from the back or buttock down the leg, especially with tingling or numbness, can arise from the lower back and sciatic nerve rather than the hip joint itself. A fall, sports injury, or sudden twist can strain soft tissue or cause a fracture. Less common conditions, including avascular necrosis, need medical assessment because early symptoms can be subtle.

Notice the exact location, onset, movements that worsen it, and whether there is stiffness, weakness, numbness, or night pain. Keep gently active if movement is comfortable, but reduce high-impact exercise and avoid repeatedly provoking the painful action. Cold or warmth may help some people, and a physiotherapist can guide strengthening and movement changes.

A clinician may examine the hip and lower back, test strength and sensation, and request imaging when an injury, joint disease, or another specific cause is suspected. Treatment depends on the source rather than the pain location alone.

Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot bear weight, or for sudden severe pain, a hot swollen joint, fever, new leg weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, or numbness around the groin. Arrange a routine assessment when pain persists, disrupts sleep, or steadily reduces walking and daily activities.

Ask whether the pattern fits the hip joint, outer-hip tendons, bursa, or lower back; which activities to modify; whether you need imaging; and what recovery milestones to use.