In short
Pain from the hip joint itself, such as osteoarthritis, is usually felt in the groin and front of the thigh. Pain on the outside of the hip is often from the tendons there, and buttock pain often comes from the back. Exercise is the first treatment for hip osteoarthritis.
On this page
Where is your hip pain?
“Hip pain” means different things to different people, and where you feel it is a strong clue to the cause.
- Groin and front of the thigh: usually the hip joint itself, such as osteoarthritis.
- Outside of the hip: often greater trochanteric pain syndrome, a problem with the tendons and bursa on the outside of the hip. It’s painful to lie on that side and with stairs or standing on one leg.
- Buttock: often referred pain from the lower back or the sacroiliac joint. See sacroiliac joint pain.
Hip osteoarthritis
Hip OA causes groin pain, stiffness and reduced movement. People often notice difficulty putting on shoes and socks, getting in and out of cars, or crossing their legs. Pain is usually worse with activity and eases with rest, with stiffness after sitting.
Sore joints slowing you down?
Talk it through with an Australian doctor online. No referral needed.
Other causes of hip joint pain
- Labral tears and hip impingement, more common in younger, active people
- Inflammatory arthritis
- Stress fractures, in people who run or train hard
- Avascular necrosis, where the blood supply to the bone is reduced
- In older people, a fracture after a fall
What helps hip osteoarthritis
- Exercise, especially strengthening and range of movement. It’s recommended in Australian and international guidelines as a core treatment.
- Weight management where relevant.
- A walking stick in the opposite hand reduces load through the hip.
- Water-based exercise suits many people.
- Medicines for pain flares, alongside exercise. Ask your GP or pharmacist what’s safe for you.
- Hip replacement is very effective for severe OA when other treatment isn’t enough.
What helps pain on the outside of the hip
Education about positions that compress the tendons (such as crossing legs or sitting in low chairs), avoiding lying on the sore side, and a graded strengthening programme are the main treatments. Physiotherapy is useful.
When to see a doctor
See a GP if hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, is limiting walking, or wakes you at night. Get urgent care if you can’t bear weight after a fall, or if hip pain comes with fever.
Next step: talk to a doctor
Answer a few quick questions and you’ll get an email about your eligibility. A consultation doesn’t guarantee any particular treatment.
References
- Hunter DJ, Bierma-Zeinstra S. Osteoarthritis. Lancet. 2019;393(10182):1745-1759.
- Bannuru RR, Osani MC, Vaysbrot EE, et al. OARSI guidelines for the non-surgical management of knee, hip, and polyarticular osteoarthritis. Osteoarthritis Cartilage. 2019;27(11):1578-1589.
- Kolasinski SL, Neogi T, Hochberg MC, et al. 2019 American College of Rheumatology/Arthritis Foundation Guideline for the Management of Osteoarthritis of the Hand, Hip, and Knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2020;72(2):149-162.
- Williams BS, Cohen SP. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome: a review of anatomy, diagnosis and treatment. Anesth Analg. 2009;108(5):1662-70.
- RACGP. Guideline for the management of knee and hip osteoarthritis.
- healthdirect. Hip pain.
This guide is general information, not medical advice. It doesn’t replace a consultation with a doctor who knows your history. In an emergency, call 000.