When Should You See a Doctor About Hip Pain?

Hip pain may arise from the joint, surrounding tendons and muscles, the lower back, or an injury. Pain in the groin with stiffness can occur with hip osteoarthritis or hip impingement. Outer-hip tenderness that worsens when lying on that side can occur with gluteal tendinopathy. Burning or shooting pain from the back into the leg may be related to sciatica. A clinician also considers hip labral tear, avascular necrosis of the hip, and other causes based on the history and examination.

The exact location, onset, walking pattern, range of motion, and associated symptoms matter more than pain intensity alone. The Hip Pain guide can help you describe these features.

Note when the pain began, where you feel it, whether it travels, and which activities change it. Use comfortable movement, avoid loads that clearly worsen symptoms, and choose a stable chair if rising from low seats is difficult. Do not test the hip repeatedly through sharp pain. Take a list of medicines and mention recent falls, sports changes, illness, or treatment affecting bone health.

Get urgent help after a fall or impact if you cannot stand, bear weight, or move the leg normally, or if the leg looks shortened or rotated. Seek same-day care for fever with a hot or swollen hip, rapidly worsening pain, or new weakness or numbness. Arrange a timely appointment for night pain, a persistent limp, reduced movement, or symptoms that steadily interfere with work or daily life.

Ask which structures may be involved, whether an examination or imaging test is appropriate, and which activities are safe. Ask what improvement should look like and when to return if pain, stiffness, weakness, or walking difficulty increases.