Common causes of hip pain and when to seek medical attention

Hip pain is a common problem that affects around 10% of the general population. The likelihood of hip pain increases with age, however, it is a misconception that hip pain is exclusive to elderly individuals. It can strike at any age for a variety of reasons, making everyday activities such as walking, climbing stairs or even sleeping difficult. For some, it’s an occasional ache after exercise, for others, it is a constant, life-limiting issue.

“Your hips are crucial to almost every movement you make, so when pain strikes, it can feel impossible to carry on with normal life,” says Mr Jerome Davidson, Consultant Trauma and Orthopaedic Hip Surgeon. “Understanding the causes of hip pain can help you recognise when to seek help before the problem worsens.”

Common causes of hip pain

Whether it’s due to wear and tear, an injury, or an underlying condition, pinpointing the source of your discomfort is key to getting appropriate treatment, improving your quality of life and preventing further complications. Below are the most common causes of hip pain.

Osteoarthritis

What is it? A degenerative joint disease where the cartilage in the hip wears down over time.

Symptoms: Persistent aching or stiffness, reduced range of motion and pain that worsens with activity.

Bursitis

What is it? Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint.

Symptoms: Sharp pain on the outside of the hip, tenderness and discomfort when lying on the affected side.

Tendonitis

What is it? Irritation or inflammation of the tendons around the hip, often from overuse.

Symptoms: Pain during movement, swelling and tenderness in the affected area.

Hip fractures

What is it? Breaks in the upper part of the thigh bone, often caused by falls or osteoporosis.

Symptoms: Sharp pain, swelling, weakness and difficulty moving the leg on the affected side of the hip.

Muscle or tendon strains

What is it? Overstretching or tearing of muscles or tendons around the hip, usually from sudden movement or heavy lifting. Strains are classified as mild, moderate or severe.

Symptoms: Sharp pain, stiffness, swelling and reduced range of motion.

Labral tears

What is it? A labral tear is damage to the ring of cartilage (labrum) that cushions the hip joint.

Symptoms: Deep pain, clicking or locking sensations, and stiffness.

Hip impingement

What is it? A deformity of the ball or socket (or both) of the hip joint, which interferes with smooth movement of the joint.

Symptoms: Pain in the hip area – especially when walking or flexing the hip – as well as reduced range of motion. However, you can have hip impingement for years without any symptoms.

Sciatica

What is it? Compression or irritation of the sciatic nerve, causing pain that radiates through the hip and down the leg.

Symptoms: Shooting or burning pain, tingling and numbness.

Inflammatory conditions

What is it? Conditions, such as lupus and rheumatoid arthritis, that cause joint inflammation usually due to an abnormal immune response.

Symptoms: Swelling, warmth and pain that can be constant or flare up intermittently. Some inflammatory conditions, including rheumatoid arthritis, can cause long-term joint damage without proper treatment.

Osteonecrosis

What is it? Loss of blood supply to the hip bone, causing bone tissue to die. This may be brought on by injury; long-term steroid use; alcoholism; certain conditions like diabetes; cancer treatment; or the use of certain medications like bisphosphonates.

Symptoms: Gradual onset of pain that worsens with weight-bearing activities.

How to relieve pain in the hip

For mild or occasional hip discomfort, there are a few simple measures you can try at home, including:

• Rest the joint to avoid further strain
• Apply ice packs to reduce inflammation, or heat pads to relieve stiffness
• Use a hip and knee support pillow while sleeping, particularly if recovering from injury
• Take over-the-counter pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen, if appropriate
• Stretch and take part in low-impact exercise daily

However, persistent or worsening hip pain should never be ignored. If your symptoms are limiting your daily activities or quality of life, it’s important to seek expert advice from a specialist to determine the underlying cause and access effective treatment.

When does hip pain require surgery?

Some causes of hip pain – such as advanced osteoarthritis, significant labral tears, hip fractures, and some cases of osteonecrosis – may ultimately require surgical intervention when conservative measures are no longer effective. In these situations, choosing an experienced hip specialist can make a significant difference to your comfort, recovery and long-term outcome.

Mr Jerome Davidson is renowned for his expertise in complex hip surgery, including minimally invasive hip replacement, hip replacement in young patients  and redo/revision hip procedures. His patient-centred approach, combined with specialist knowledge and access to leading-edge technology, ensures you receive the most appropriate treatment for your diagnosis, lifestyle and health goals. With short wait times at his London and Essex clinics, patients benefit from personalised care designed to relieve pain, restore mobility and help them get back to enjoying life sooner.

When to seek help for hip pain

Some causes of hip pain can be treated at home. For example, a muscle strain doesn’t usually require medical attention unless it is moderate or severe, and can be treated at home with rest, anti-inflammatory medicine such as ibuprofen, and remedies such as heat or cold therapy.

However, it is best to seek help if you experience any pain, discomfort or other symptoms that are not normal for you, especially if you are unsure of the cause. In particular, see a medical professional if you experience:

• Severe pain or sudden inability to bear weight
• Hip pain accompanied by fever, swelling or redness
• Persistent discomfort that interferes with your daily life
• Pain that hasn’t improved with rest or over-the-counter pain relief

Early intervention is essential to avoid joint damage and restore mobility and quality of life. A specialist assessment can help determine the underlying cause and recommend the most effective treatment, whether that’s physiotherapy, medication or surgical intervention.

To book a consultation with Mr Jerome Davidson, please call 020 8168 0111 or book online.