notification Created with Sketch. CORONAVIRUS: We are still taking precautions to keep you safe Coronavirus (Respiratory infections) Update

Hip Pain

Hip pain

Hip pain is a common issue that can be caused by different factors, including medical conditions and injuries.

What is hip pain?

Hip pain is a general term for pain that you experience around your hip joint or in it.

What are the symptoms of hip pain?

Hip pain can be localised in different parts of the hip area (outer/inner hip, outer buttock or outer thigh) and the pain level may vary day-to-day. If the hip becomes very painful, it can begin to affect your ability to walk.

What causes hip pain?

The location of your hip pain often dictates what is causing it. If the pain you are experiencing is on your outer hip or buttock, or your upper thigh, this is generally due to problems with your muscles, ligaments, tendons or soft tissue, whereas if the pain is in the inside of your hip or groin, it is likely related to the hip joint.

The most common causes of hip pain are:

  • Arthritis (often osteoarthritis)
  • Tendonitis
  • Bursitis
  • Fractured hip

Hip pain can also be caused by:

  • Osteonecrosis (when blood flow to the hip is reduced)
  • Hip labral tears
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Bone infections
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (when the hip bones rub together because of their shape)
  • Hamstring injuries
  • Iliotibial band syndrome (when the thigh ligament becomes inflamed)
  • Pinched nerves from the spine or near the hip
  • Rarely, cancer

Please be advised that these are not all the causes of hip pain, and you should speak to your consultant to find out what could be causing yours.

How is hip pain diagnosed?

If you are experiencing hip pain, you should speak to your consultant and they will try to determine what is causing your pain by asking questions and/or through one or more of the following:

  • X-rays
  • CT scans
  • MRIs
  • Ultrasounds
  • Fluid tests (i.e. blood, urine, joints)
  • Walking observations

How is hip pain treated?

Your hip pain will be treated depending on what is causing it.

Treatments for hip pain can include:

  • Rest
  • Physiotherapy
  • Pain relief medications
  • Surgery, most commonly hip replacement

If you’re unsure what treatment you should go for, or the above treatments don’t work for you, our team of expert specialists are here to help.

This content has been checked and approved by

Mr Alex Liddle  ›

Mr Alex Liddle is a Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon specialising in knee and hip surgery at King Edward VII’s Hospital.

Hip Health Check Package

Book your shoulder health check for £595.

With this one-stop shoulder health check, you’ll receive a consultation with an expert orthopaedic surgeon, x-ray and follow up appointment to establish a treatment plan.

Prices from

£595

Hip dislocation

Find your specialist in hip pain at King Edward VII's Hospital

If you suspect you have hip pain and you’re seeking an expert opinion, you can find the UK’s leading orthopaedic specialists here at King Edward VII’s Hospital. Our consultants are hand-picked for you, making it easy to access the best possible care.

Dr Ademola Adejuwon  ›
Special interests include:
Back pain (+ 7) more
Mr Sean Curry  ›
Special interests include:
Hip surgery (+ 3) more
Mr Alex Liddle  ›
Special interests include:
Hip replacement (+ 5) more
Mr Robert Marston  ›
Special interests include:
Lower limb trauma (+ 8) more
Mr Simon Newman  ›
Special interests include:
Hip surgery (+ 6) more
Mr Mark Webb  ›
Special interests include:
Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (+ 10) more
Mr Emeka Oragui  ›
Special interests include:
Hip surgery (+ 13) more

Need some help?
Call 020 7467 4344

Our team is available to take your call Mon - Fri - 8am – 6pm

Request a call back

{{ successMessage }}
Sorry something went wrong, please check the below errors and try again.

Sometimes it’s easier for us to call you.
Leave your name, number and a little information about what you’d like to discuss, and we’ll be in touch.

{{ hasErrors('name') }}
{{ hasErrors('phone') }}
{{ hasErrors('message') }}