Hip pain that occurs specifically during walking can significantly disrupt daily life. This type of pain often signals an underlying issue within the hip joint itself or in the surrounding structures engaged during movement. Understanding why this pain arises is a crucial first step toward addressing it effectively. While common, such pain warrants attention to prevent potential worsening and to maintain mobility for everyday activities.
Common Causes of Hip Pain During Walking
Osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, frequently causes hip pain during walking. This condition involves the gradual wearing away of cartilage within the hip joint, which normally provides a smooth, low-friction surface for bones to glide against. As cartilage deteriorates, bones can rub directly on each other, leading to pain and stiffness that is particularly noticeable with weight-bearing activities like walking. The decreased joint space and rough surfaces make movement painful, impacting gait and range of motion.
Trochanteric bursitis involves inflammation or degeneration of the bursa or tendons on the outer hip. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that cushions the hip, and its inflammation can cause pain on the outside of the hip, especially when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side. Activities that load the gluteus medius and minimus tendons, such as single-leg standing, walking, and running, often exacerbate this pain.
Tendinopathy, specifically affecting the gluteal or hip flexor tendons, also contributes to hip pain while walking. Gluteal tendinopathy, impacting tendons connecting to the buttocks muscles, results from overuse or underuse, causing pain localized to the outside of the hip that can radiate down the thigh. Hip flexor tendinopathy involves inflammation or degeneration of the tendons at the front of the hip, and walking, especially on uneven surfaces, can aggravate this pain due to the constant engagement of these muscles.
Muscle strains, particularly in the groin or hamstring, are common causes of pain with leg movement. A groin strain, an overstretch or tear of the inner thigh muscles, makes walking, lifting the knee, or moving the leg away from the body difficult and painful. Hamstring strains, affecting the muscles at the back of the thigh, cause pain, swelling, and tenderness, making walking painful, especially with more severe tears. These injuries often result from sudden movements or overuse.
Stress fractures, hairline cracks in the bone, can cause hip pain that worsens with activity. These fractures, often in the femoral neck, result from repetitive stress, such as from running or strenuous activity, and cause pain in the groin or front thigh region. Initially, pain may subside with rest but returns with movement, and continued activity can lead to constant pain. The extreme force on the femoral neck during walking and running exacerbates the pain.
Referred pain from the lower back, such as sciatica, can also manifest as hip pain during walking. Sciatica occurs when the sciatic nerve, which runs from the lower back through the hips and down the leg, becomes irritated or compressed. This nerve compression can cause pain that radiates into the hip, often feeling sharp or burning, and can be aggravated by walking as the movement can put pressure on the nerve.
When to Seek Medical Attention
Severe or sudden onset of pain, especially if it prevents you from bearing weight on the affected leg, warrants immediate attention. This could signal a serious injury like a fracture or infection. Additionally, seek medical care if you observe visible deformity, significant swelling, or bruising around the hip.
Pain that does not improve with rest or home care after a couple of weeks, or pain that consistently worsens over time, also requires a doctor’s assessment. Other concerning symptoms include pain accompanied by fever, chills, or unexplained weight loss, as these may suggest an underlying systemic condition or infection. If the pain follows a fall or injury, or if you experience numbness or tingling in the leg, prompt medical evaluation is important to rule out more serious issues.
Initial Steps for Relief at Home
Resting the affected hip by avoiding activities that aggravate the pain is a primary step, though complete immobility is not always necessary. Modifying movements to reduce stress on the hip, such as limiting deep bending or heavy lifting, can also provide relief.
Applying ice or heat can help manage pain and inflammation. Ice packs, wrapped in a towel, can be applied for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce swelling and numb the pain, particularly in the acute stages. After the initial 48 hours or for muscle stiffness, warm compresses or a warm bath can promote blood flow and relax tense muscles. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, or acetaminophen, can help reduce pain and inflammation. Always consult a healthcare provider if you have underlying health conditions or are unsure about medication use.
Considering supportive footwear can also impact hip mechanics, as proper shoes may help reduce strain. Gentle stretching and mobility exercises, if not in acute pain, can improve flexibility and reduce muscle tightness around the hip, but these should be approached cautiously to avoid worsening the condition.