Overview
The hip is a strong, stable, highly mobile joint, but trauma and anatomical changes can lead to pain, stiffness, or instability. Pain may occur in the hip, groin, buttock, or thigh and may become more noticeable when walking, standing for long periods, or lying on the affected side. Hip problems can arise suddenly after an injury or develop during ordinary work, exercise, or repetitive bending.
Common symptoms
- Pain in the front, side, or back of the hip
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion
- A feeling that the leg may give way
- Popping, cracking, or grinding
- Pain in the groin, buttock, or thigh
- Numbness or tingling in the hip or thigh
- Pain that worsens with walking, prolonged standing, or lying on the affected hip
Conditions we evaluate
- Groin pulls
- Sprains and strains
- Bursitis
- Iliotibial (IT) band tendinitis
- Labral tears
- Arthritis
- Perthes disease
- Fractures
Diagnosis
Diagnosis begins with a consultation about your symptoms and what may have contributed to them, such as trauma, a workplace incident, repetitive bending, or gradual wear and tear. The clinician examines the hip and nearby muscles, checks for tenderness, and moves the joint through its range of motion while assessing stiffness, popping, or clicking. Depending on the findings, X-rays or an MRI may be recommended. Results are used to explain the suspected condition and discuss an appropriate care plan.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on the diagnosis and may begin with rest and conservative care for several weeks. Options described for hip pain include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines, hot or cold therapy, physical therapy, work restrictions or modifications, prescription pain medicines, joint injections, and joint replacement. Fractures or significant instability may need prompt surgical repair. Stem cell therapy is not described here as a routine treatment; if it is discussed, eligibility, potential benefits, alternatives, uncertainties, and risks should be reviewed with a qualified clinician, without assuming it will cure the problem.