Hip pain is one of the most common complaints of people over 50 - but it also affects younger people, especially athletes. The pain can make everything from climbing stairs to sleeping on your side difficult. The good news? The vast majority of forms of hip pain can be treated effectively - and you almost never need surgery as the first step.
In this article, we go through the most common causes of hip pain, which symptoms to look out for, which treatments work - and when it's time to see a specialist.
Where is the hip pain? - Important clues
Where the pain is located says a lot about what the cause may be:
- In the groin – classic sign of hip joint problems (arthrosis, hip joint inflammation)
- On the outside of the hip – often trochanteritis (inflammation of the sac) or tendon problems
- Back of the buttock / thigh – could be sciatica or piriformis syndrome (from the back)
- Front of thigh – muscle or tendon attachment problems, sometimes hip dysplasia
- Whole hip area – inflammatory diseases or generalized pain
Important: Pain experienced in the hip may actually be coming from the back (sciatica) or knee. A specialist will help you distinguish between these.
Most common causes of hip pain
Osteoarthritis of the hip (coxarthritis)
Hip osteoarthritis is by far the most common cause of long-term hip pain in people over 50. The cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time and the joint becomes stiff and painful.
Typical symptoms:
- Pain in the groin when walking or standing up
- Morning stiffness that eases after movement
- Hard to put on socks
- Decreased mobility (difficult to rotate the hip)
- Pain that gets worse after prolonged activity
- Sometimes radiation to the knee
Read our in-depth review on arthrosis.
Trochanteritis (bursitis on the outside of the hip)
Inflammation in a mucous sac on the outside of the hip. Provides:
- Pain when lying on the side (disturbing sleep)
- Pain when walking or climbing stairs
- Tenderness when you press on the outside of the hip
- Most often in women between 40–60
Hip dysplasia and malpositions
Some people are born with a shallower acetabulum. It can cause pain and wear and tear at an early age – often from the age of 30.
Muscle and tendon problems
- Adductor tendon problems (groin pain, especially in athletes)
- Iliopsoas tendinitis (anterior hip joint)
- Piriformis syndrome (from the buttock muscle, can imitate sciatica)
Sports-related injuries
- Inguinal hernia or sports hernia
- Hip impingement (FAI — femoroacetabular impingement)
- Labrum damage (damage to the edge of the cartilage in the hip joint)
Inflammatory diseases
- Rheumatoid arthritis
- Spondylitis (at pelvis/sacroiliac)
- Gout (can affect the hip)
Referred pain from back or knee
Sciatica and nerve impingement from the lumbar spine can cause pain experienced in the hip. Read more about sciatica.
Red flags – seek care immediately
Contact healthcare urgently if:
- Sudden severe hip pain after trauma (fall, accident)
- Inability to support on the leg
- The hip is very swollen, red and hot (possible infection)
- Fever along with hip pain
- Visible misalignment of the leg after a fall
- Sudden severe pain without cause in the elderly (risk of hip fracture)
Symptoms - how to recognize different hip problems
| Feels like | Probable Cause |
|---|---|
| Pain in groin, worse when walking | Osteoarthritis of the hip |
| Soreness on the outside, worse when sleeping on side | Trochanteritis |
| Pain when I get up and take the first steps | Osteoarthritis (starting pain) |
| Radiates from back → buttock → leg | Sciatica (not hip) |
| Pain after running/sports | Muscle or tendon problems |
| Clicking or locking in the hip | Labrum injury or FAI |
| Morning stiffness >1 hour | Inflammatory arthritis |
When should you seek help from an orthopedist?
The earlier you apply, the better the prognosis. Contact us about:
- The pain has been there for more than a few weeks
- You have difficulty with everyday activities (stair climbing, getting up, sleeping)
- You can't walk normally
- Morning stiffness bothers you
- The pain disrupts sleep
- You avoid activities you used to enjoy
- Pain that comes and goes but never really goes away
- Your health center has not progressed
At Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal you book an appointment with a specialist without a referral, usually within a few days.
Diagnosis - that's how we investigate your hip
Clinical examination
The specialist tests:
- Mobility of the hip (rotation, flexion, abduction)
- Pain during specific movements
- Muscle strength around the hip
- Gait Analysis
- Specific tests for labrum and tendon function
X-ray
Shows bone structure, joint space, signs of wear. First image choice in suspected osteoarthritis.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance)
Gold standard for seeing cartilage, labrum, tendons and ligaments. Especially important for sports injuries and unclear ailments.
Ultrasound
Useful for tendon problems, bursitis and for guiding injection.
If necessary
- Blood test (if inflammation is suspected)
- Synovial fluid analysis (in case of acute swelling)
Treatment of hip pain
Movement and exercise – the mainstay
Regardless of the cause, proper exercise is almost always part of the treatment. In hip osteoarthritis, studies show that structured exercise can be as effective as surgery in mild to moderate osteoarthritis.
Focus:
- Strength exercises for hip, buttock and thigh muscles
- Mobility training to maintain joint function
- Low-impact exercise: cycling, swimming, walking
A physiotherapist tailors the program to you.
Weight control
If overweight, each kilo lost is worth 4-5 kilos less load on the hip. 5-10% weight loss can significantly reduce hip pain.
Pain-relieving drugs
- Paracetamol for mild pain
- NSAID (ibuprofen, naproxen) for inflammation
- Local gels can be soothing
- In case of more severe pain: specialist assessment for optimized treatment
Injection treatment
- Cortisone injection in the joint capsule – quick effect in osteoarthritis
- Injection into mucous sac for trochanteritis
- Hyaluronic acid – "lubricant" in the hip joint
- All can provide months of relief
Aids
- Cane in the opposite hand reduces load on the hip by up to 40%
- Good shoes with cushioning sole
- Elevation of seating area (higher chair, wedge cushion)
Surgery – last resort
If conservative treatment is not enough, hip replacement may be appropriate. Modern hip replacement usually gives excellent results - very low pain and good mobility. But surgery is never the first step.
An orthopedist will help you weigh the benefits and risks.
Self-help - what can you do yourself?
- Move daily, even when it hurts a little - sedentary makes it worse
- Swimming or cycling – gentle on the hip
- Heat (hot water bottle, hot bath) relieves stiffness
- Cool after activity if there is inflammation
- Sleep with a pillow between your knees on your side - relieves the hip
- Avoid deep squats in case of acute pain
- Maintain a healthy weight
- Quit smoking – nicotine impairs cartilage health
Hip pain and sleep - practical tips
Many people with hip pain have difficulty sleeping on their side. Try:
- Sleep on your back with a pillow under your knees
- If you sleep on your side: pillow between knees and ankles
- Lighter mattress helps some, others need firmer support
- Stretch lightly before bed
- Heating pad 20 minutes before sleep can help
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is hip pain always osteoarthritis?
No. Hip pain can have many causes – from muscle problems and trochanteritis to osteoarthritis or sciatica. A specialist assessment provides the correct diagnosis.
Can I see an orthopedist without a referral?
Yes. At the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal, you book an appointment directly without a referral.
What is the difference between hip osteoarthritis and hip joint inflammation?
Hip osteoarthritis is wear and tear of cartilage over a long period of time. Inflammation of the hip joint can be acute (eg bursitis or inflammatory disease) and often requires other treatment.
Should I exercise when my hip hurts?
Yes, most of the time. Adjusted movement is healing. Avoid activities that make the pain worse, but rest makes it worse in the long run.
How long before surgery is necessary?
The vast majority of hip pain cases get better without surgery. Surgery only becomes relevant when conservative treatment for several months has not produced sufficient effect.
Can hip pain come from the back?
Yes. Sciatica and nerve damage from the lumbar spine can cause pain that is felt in the hip. This is why clinical examination is so important.
Do I need an MRI?
Not always. X-rays are often sufficient for suspected osteoarthritis. MRI is relevant for unclear complaints, sports injuries or when surgery is being considered.
How long is the waiting time at your place?
Usually you get an appointment within a few days, sometimes the same week.
How much does a visit cost?
The price depends on the type of visit and possible diagnostic imaging. Contact us and you will get a clear message before you book.
Take your hip seriously
Hip pain is not something you should accept as "aging". With the right diagnosis and treatment, you can regain both mobility and pain relief – often in just a few weeks.
Book an appointment with a specialist in orthopaedics and pain at the Scandinavian Health Clinic in Mölndal - without a referral, with a short waiting time and close to Gothenburg.
📞 +46 (0) 10-147 77 40 ✉️ [email protected]
Book an appointment - contact us → Read more about Pain & Orthopedics → Read about osteoarthritis → Read about knee pain → Read about foot pain → Read about back pain → Read about sciatica →
