Hip pain is pain felt in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or upper thigh, and it may come from the hip joint, the tendons and bursae around it, nearby nerves, or the lower back. It affects active younger adults and older adults alike, with arthritis, bursitis, and tendon problems among the most frequent causes. Board-certified pain specialists at California Pain Consultants in San Diego diagnose and treat hip pain with a plan aimed at restoring comfortable movement.
Hip pain has a way of quietly changing your life. At first, it might be subtle—a slight stiffness when you stand up, a mild ache after a long walk, or discomfort when climbing stairs. It’s easy to brush it off, to tell yourself it will go away on its own. But over time, it can become something more persistent. You may begin to notice that simple movements—getting out of bed, sitting for long periods, walking, or even sleeping—start to feel uncomfortable. Activities you once enjoyed may become harder to do. And slowly, without realizing it, your world may start to feel a little smaller.
Hip pain can begin in the joint, surrounding tendons or bursae, nearby nerves, or the lower back. The location of symptoms and the movements that provoke them help guide diagnosis and care.
Understanding Hip Pain: What’s Happening in Your Body
The hip is one of the largest and most important joints in your body.
It is a ball-and-socket joint, where:
- The head of the thigh bone (femur) fits into the socket of the pelvis
- Cartilage cushions the joint and allows smooth movement
- Muscles, ligaments, and tendons provide support and stability
This design allows for a wide range of motion, including:
- Walking
- Running
- Sitting
- Bending
- Rotating
Because the hip supports much of your body weight, it is especially vulnerable to wear, strain, and injury over time. Hip pain can be:
- Acute – short-term, often due to injury
- Chronic – lasting more than three months
- Intermittent – comes and goes
- Progressive – gradually worsens
Understanding what’s causing your pain is the first step toward effective treatment.
How Hip Pain Feels: Recognizing the Symptoms
Hip pain doesn’t always feel the same for everyone.
You may experience:
- A deep, aching pain in the groin or outer hip
- Sharp pain during movement
- Stiffness, especially in the morning or after sitting
- Reduced range of motion
- Pain that radiates to the thigh, knee, or lower back
- Difficulty standing, walking, or climbing stairs
Some patients feel pain primarily in the groin area, while others feel it on the outer hip or even in the buttocks. The location of your pain can provide important clues about its cause.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain can develop for many different reasons—some related to injury, others to long-term wear and tear.
Osteoarthritis: Wear and Tear Over Time
One of the most common causes of hip pain is osteoarthritis. This occurs when the cartilage that cushions the joint wears down over time. Symptoms include:
- Joint stiffness
- Pain that worsens with activity
- Reduced mobility
- Grinding or clicking sensations
Osteoarthritis is widespread. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 33 million U.S. adults have osteoarthritis, which most commonly affects the hands, hips, back, and knees and is common among adults 45 and older.
Bursitis: Inflammation of the Cushioning Sacs
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction in the joint. When they become inflamed, it leads to bursitis. Symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer hip
- Tenderness to touch
- Pain when lying on the affected side
Tendinitis
Tendinitis occurs when tendons become inflamed due to overuse. Common in:
- Athletes
- Individuals with repetitive movements
Labral Tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket. A tear can cause:
- Pain in the groin
- Clicking or locking sensations
- Instability
Muscle Strains
Overstretching or tearing of muscles around the hip can lead to pain and stiffness.
Hip Impingement (FAI)
Occurs when bones of the hip joint rub against each other abnormally.
Nerve-Related Pain
Conditions such as sciatica can cause pain that radiates into the hip.
Fractures and Trauma
More common in older adults or after falls.
Hip fractures are a serious concern for older adults. According to the CDC, nearly 319,000 older people are hospitalized for hip fractures each year, and falls cause 88% of emergency department visits and hospitalizations for hip fractures.
Referred Pain
Sometimes hip pain originates from another area, such as the lower back.
Risk Factors
Factors that may increase the chance of hip pain include:
- Age, especially after 45, when osteoarthritis becomes more common
- Extra body weight, which adds load to the hip joint
- Repetitive running, jumping, or twisting sports
- Prior hip injury or structural differences such as impingement
- Weak hip and core muscles or limited flexibility
- Lower back conditions that refer pain into the hip
Diagnosing Hip Pain: Finding the Root Cause
A proper diagnosis is essential to effective treatment.
Medical History
Your provider will ask:
- When the pain started
- What activities worsen or relieve it
- Your lifestyle and activity level
Physical Examination
This includes:
- Range of motion testing
- Strength assessment
- Gait evaluation
Imaging Studies
- X-rays to evaluate bone structure
- MRI for soft tissue and cartilage
- CT scans if needed
Diagnostic Injections
Used to pinpoint the exact source of pain.
Conservative Treatments
Treatment depends on the cause, severity, and impact on your daily life.
Physical Therapy
Helps:
- Strengthen muscles
- Improve flexibility
- Restore movement
Medications
- Anti-inflammatory drugs
- Pain relievers
Lifestyle Modifications
- Weight management
- Activity adjustments
- Proper posture
Heat and Cold Therapy
- Ice reduces inflammation
- Heat relaxes muscles
Interventional Pain Management
Corticosteroid Injections
Reduce inflammation and provide targeted relief.
Bursa Injections
Specifically target inflamed bursae.
For hip bursitis, AAOS notes that an injection may provide temporary relief for a few months or longer-lasting relief, and that a second injection a few months later may be helpful for some people.
Radiofrequency Ablation (RFA)
Interrupts pain signals for longer-lasting relief.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Uses your body’s own healing factors to support recovery.
Neuromodulation: Advanced Pain Relief
For chronic or complex hip pain, neuromodulation therapies may be considered.
These therapies work by:
- Modifying how pain signals are processed
- Reducing pain perception
Patients often experience:
- Improved comfort
- Better mobility
- Enhanced quality of life
Surgical Options
Surgery may be recommended when:
- Conservative treatments fail
- There is significant structural damage
Procedures may include:
- Hip arthroscopy
- Hip replacement
Preventing Hip Pain: Protecting Your Mobility
Stay Active
Regular movement helps maintain joint health.
Strengthen Supporting Muscles
Focus on:
- Core
- Glutes
- Thigh muscles
Maintain a Healthy Weight
Reduces stress on the hip joint.
Use Proper Body Mechanics
Avoid strain during lifting or movement.
The Emotional Impact of Hip Pain
Hip pain can affect more than your physical ability—it can impact your independence.
You may feel:
- Frustrated by limited mobility
- Concerned about the future
- Isolated from activities
Living with Hip Pain: Practical Tips
- Avoid prolonged sitting
- Use supportive seating
- Stretch regularly
- Track pain patterns
When Hip Pain Needs Prompt Evaluation
Arrange an evaluation when hip pain persists, worsens, or limits movement. Seek urgent care for:
- Inability to stand or bear weight after a fall or injury
- A shortened, rotated, or visibly deformed leg
- A hot, swollen joint with fever or feeling acutely ill
- Sudden leg weakness, numbness, or loss of bladder or bowel control
Call 911 for a serious injury or sudden neurological symptoms.
Move Forward with a Hip Pain Plan
California Pain Consultants evaluates hip pain in the context of your mobility, health history, and goals so treatment can focus on the most likely source and the activities that matter to you.
Treatment at California Pain Consultants
Your hip evaluation at California Pain Consultants focuses on finding the true pain generator. Groin pain often points to the joint, outer hip pain to the bursa or tendons, and buttock pain to the spine or sacroiliac joint, but these patterns overlap. Your care team combines examination, imaging, and, when helpful, image-guided diagnostic joint injections to confirm the source. Treatment may address osteoarthritis, tendon and bursa problems, or pain coming from the lower back, with options ranging from rehabilitation and medication to targeted procedures.
We see patients at four clinics across San Diego County:
San Diego, CA 92123Get Directions
San Diego, CA 92128Get Directions
La Mesa, CA 91942Get Directions
Chula Vista, CA 91911Get Directions
Procedures are performed at the Comprehensive Pain ASC in Rancho Bernardo and the EPC Surgery Center in La Mesa. We accept most insurances. Call (858) 571-3630 or request your appointment to book your hip evaluation.
Book Your AppointmentTrusted Information and Related Care
Medical reference: MedlinePlus: Hip Injuries and Disorders. Related California Pain resources: Radiofrequency ablation · Conditions and treatments. This article is for general education and does not replace an individualized medical evaluation. Treatment recommendations depend on diagnosis, health history, current medications, and personal goals.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain
Hip pain may begin in the joint or in nearby muscles, tendons, bursae, nerves, or the lower back. These answers explain evaluation and treatment options.
Where is hip pain usually felt?
Pain from the hip joint is often felt in the groin or front of the thigh, while outer-hip pain may involve tendons or a bursa. Pain in the buttock can also come from the spine or sacroiliac region.
What is the most common cause of hip pain?
Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain, especially after age 45, and the CDC lists the hip among the joints it most often affects. Bursitis, tendon problems, labral tears, and pain referred from the lower back are also frequent. Where you feel the pain offers an important clue to its source. Age, injury, activity, and medical history help guide the evaluation.
How do I know if my hip pain is coming from my back?
Pain that starts in the lower back or buttock, travels down the back of the thigh, or comes with tingling or numbness may be coming from the spine rather than the hip joint. True hip joint pain is often felt in the groin. An examination, imaging, and sometimes a diagnostic injection help your provider tell the difference. Irritated spinal nerves, facet joints, or sacroiliac structures can cause pain around the buttock or hip.
How is hip pain diagnosed?
A clinician examines walking, range of motion, strength, tenderness, and movements that reproduce pain. X-rays are often useful for bones and arthritis, while ultrasound, MRI, or laboratory testing may be considered for other suspected causes.
What can I do at home to ease hip pain?
Gentle activity, hip and core strengthening, avoiding long periods of sitting, and ice or heat may ease mild hip pain. Supportive footwear and sleeping with a pillow between your knees can help outer hip pain. If pain persists for more than a few weeks or limits walking, schedule an evaluation rather than pushing through it.
Is walking good for hip pain?
Gentle walking may maintain mobility for some conditions, but the safe amount depends on the diagnosis and symptoms. Sharp pain, limping, or worsening symptoms are signals to reduce activity and seek individualized guidance.
Can hip pain be treated without surgery?
Many people with hip pain improve without surgery. Physical therapy, weight management, activity changes, medication, injections, and nerve-targeted procedures such as radiofrequency ablation may reduce pain and improve function. Surgery such as hip arthroscopy or replacement is usually considered when significant structural damage remains and conservative care has not provided enough relief. Treatment should protect function without unnecessarily avoiding all movement.
Do injections help hip pain?
Injections may help selected types of hip pain. A corticosteroid injection can calm inflamed bursae or an arthritic joint, and AAOS notes that relief from a bursitis injection may last a few months or longer. Image-guided injections can also confirm which structure is causing pain. Results vary, and injections work best alongside rehabilitation.
Does hip pain always lead to joint replacement?
No. Many causes are treated without surgery, and even hip arthritis may be managed conservatively for a time. Replacement is considered when joint damage and disability are substantial and expected benefits outweigh surgical risks.
When should I see a specialist for hip pain?
Consider an evaluation when hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, wakes you at night, limits walking or stairs, or keeps returning. Seek urgent care for inability to bear weight after a fall, a deformed or shortened leg, a hot swollen joint with fever, or new leg weakness or loss of bladder or bowel control. A pain specialist can help distinguish joint, tendon, bursa, spine, and nerve sources.
When is hip pain urgent?
Seek urgent care after a fall if you cannot stand or the leg appears shortened or rotated. Also seek prompt care for a hot swollen joint, fever, sudden severe pain, new weakness, or loss of bowel or bladder control.