Consider whether symptoms are coming from the joint, tendons, or nearby tissues.
OrthoFairfax · Fairfax, Virginia
Hip Pain
Explore hip discomfort, stiffness, and questions to discuss about mobility and joint health.
Why OrthoFairfax
A more thoughtful approach to hip pain
Care tailored to your symptoms, daily activities, and goals.
Use examination and imaging selectively to help clarify the source of pain.
Discuss movement, activity, and non-surgical options around your daily goals.
Review injection-based options when appropriate for the diagnosis.
A plan shaped around your priorities, with benefits, limitations, and alternatives discussed with you.
Conditions affecting the Hip
Hip pain may come from the joint, nearby tendons, or cushioning tissues. Where the pain occurs and what makes it worse can help guide an evaluation.
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Understanding these conditions
Explore what each condition may involve and the symptoms people commonly notice.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis involves changes in the cartilage that cushions the hip joint. It can cause groin or thigh pain, stiffness, and difficulty with walking, putting on shoes, or getting up from a chair.
Greater Trochanteric Pain (Hip Bursitis)
Pain on the outside of the hip is often related to irritated tendons and nearby bursal tissue. It may be worse when lying on that side, climbing stairs, or standing after sitting.
Hip Flexor Strain
The hip flexors help lift the thigh toward the body. A strain can cause pain or tightness at the front of the hip or groin, particularly when running, kicking, or lifting the knee.
Gluteal Tendinopathy
The gluteal tendons attach muscles that help stabilize the pelvis to the outside of the hip. Irritation may cause outer-hip tenderness and pain with stairs, prolonged walking, or lying on the affected side.
Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket that helps support the joint. A tear may cause groin pain, clicking, catching, or discomfort with twisting and deep hip bending.
Hip Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction near joints. When a bursa around the hip becomes irritated, it can contribute to tenderness and pain with pressure or certain movements.
These descriptions are for general education. Similar symptoms can have different causes; a clinician can help determine what may be contributing to your symptoms.
Explore hip discomfort, stiffness, and questions to discuss about mobility and joint health. Symptoms can have different causes, and a careful assessment is important before deciding what to do next.
When to consider an evaluation
Consider discussing symptoms with a healthcare professional if they persist, recur, interfere with normal activities, or are associated with swelling, stiffness, weakness, or reduced movement. The history of the problem and a physical examination help guide next steps.
What an evaluation may include
Depending on your symptoms, an evaluation may include a review of your medical history, a physical examination, and consideration of imaging or other tests when appropriate. Not every patient needs imaging, and the best test depends on the clinical question.
Understanding treatment options
Options depend on the cause and severity of symptoms, your health, and your goals. A clinician may discuss activity changes, rehabilitation, medications, selected injections, or referral for further assessment. Each option has potential benefits, limitations, and risks.
Questions to ask
- What are the likely causes of my symptoms?
- What should we do to clarify the diagnosis?
- Which treatment options are reasonable for my situation?
- What are the benefits, risks, alternatives, and expected costs?
This page provides general education only and is not a diagnosis or personal medical advice. Sudden severe symptoms, major injury, inability to use or bear weight on the affected area, or new significant weakness may need urgent medical assessment.
Content review: This page must be reviewed by the practice clinician before publication. Add a verified reviewer and review date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Answers to common questions. Your clinician can help apply this information to your individual situation.
Where can hip pain be felt?
Hip-related pain may be felt in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or thigh. Pain location can offer clues, but back problems and other conditions can also cause symptoms in these areas.
What commonly causes hip pain in adults?
Common causes include osteoarthritis, irritation of tendons or bursae around the hip, muscle strains, and some joint or back conditions. An examination helps distinguish among them.
Can hip pain be worse when lying on my side?
Yes. Pain on the outside of the hip that worsens when lying on that side can occur with irritation of the gluteal tendons and nearby bursal tissue. Other causes are possible.
When should hip pain be evaluated?
Consider an appointment if pain persists, limits walking or sleep, or repeatedly returns. Inability to bear weight after a fall, severe sudden pain, or fever with a hot or swollen joint needs urgent medical assessment.
What non-surgical treatments may help?
Depending on the cause, care may include modifying activities, strengthening and mobility exercises, physical therapy, medication when appropriate, or selected injections. A plan should be tailored to the diagnosis and your goals.
This information is for general education and is not a substitute for an individualized medical evaluation. Seek urgent care for severe or rapidly worsening symptoms.
ORTHOFAIRFAX · FAIRFAX, VIRGINIA
Questions about hip pain?
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