Hip pain: what does it mean

Location Matters: Inside vs. Outside the Hip

• Pain inside the hip joint or groin: Usually points to an issue actually within the hip joint itself (such as cartilage wear, labral tears, or arthritis).
• Pain on the outside of the hip, upper thigh, or outer buttock: Often relates to soft tissues surrounding the joint, such as muscles, tendons, or bursae (fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint).

Common Causes of Hip Pain

• Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of chronic hip pain in adults over 50. It involves the gradual breakdown of the cartilage cushioning the hip joint, leading to stiffness, aching, and a grinding sensation.
• Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, typically on the outer point of the hip (trochanteric bursitis). It often causes sharp pain when lying on that side, walking, or getting up from a chair.
• Tendinitis or Tendonopathy: Inflammation or irritation of the tendons that attach muscles to the hip bone, often caused by overuse or repetitive strain from running, walking, or sports.
• Hip Labral Tear: Damage to the ring of cartilage (the labrum) that follows the outside rim of your hip socket. This can cause a catching, clicking, or locking sensation in the joint along with sharp pain.
• Sciatica / Referred Pain: Pain that feels like it is coming from the hip or buttock can actually originate in the lower back (lumbar spine) due to a pinched or irritated nerve.
• Hip Fractures or Strains: Often resulting from an injury, sudden trauma, or overuse, ranging from minor muscle pulls to serious stress fractures.

Red Flag Symptoms

• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
• A joint that appears deformed, severely bruised, or is bleeding
• Sudden, intense pain accompanied by a fever or chills (which could signal an infection)
• Complete inability to move your leg or hip