Hip and groin pain when walking is a common complaint that can significantly disrupt daily life and limit mobility. This discomfort can stem from various sources, from muscle strains to underlying joint conditions.
Common Causes of Hip and Groin Pain
Pain in the hip and groin during walking often arises from issues within the musculoskeletal system or can be referred from other body areas. Several conditions directly affect the hip region. A hip flexor strain, a tear in the muscles that lift the knee towards the torso, can cause sharp pain in the front of the hip, particularly when lifting the leg or walking. Adductor strains, commonly known as groin pulls, involve damage to the inner thigh muscles, leading to pain that worsens with activities like walking or running.
Hip bursitis, specifically trochanteric bursitis, involves inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) on the outside of the hip, causing pain that can extend to the outer thigh and may worsen when lying on the affected side or walking upstairs. Hip osteoarthritis, a degenerative joint disease, involves cartilage wear in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and a grinding sensation, often felt in the groin, thigh, or buttocks. Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or hip impingement, occurs when abnormally shaped hip joint bones rub against each other, causing pain and stiffness, especially when bending the hip.
Pain in the hip or groin can sometimes originate from other body parts, known as referred pain. Lower back issues like sciatica, where a pinched nerve in the spine causes pain radiating down the leg, can be perceived in the hip or groin. A hernia, such as an inguinal or femoral hernia, can cause a bulge and discomfort in the groin region, which may extend to the hip, particularly when standing, lifting, or straining.
Recognizing Accompanying Symptoms
Hip and groin pain can manifest with other symptoms that offer clues about its underlying cause. These include a clicking or popping sensation within the hip joint, indicating issues like cartilage damage or femoroacetabular impingement. Stiffness, especially after rest or in the morning, is common, often associated with conditions like osteoarthritis. Tenderness in specific hip or groin areas can point to localized inflammation, such as bursitis or a muscle strain.
Swelling and bruising may also be present, particularly following an acute injury like a muscle tear. Weakness in the leg or pain radiating down the leg can suggest nerve involvement or significant muscle damage. Seek medical attention if the pain is severe, if there’s an inability to bear weight, if the onset of pain was sudden after an injury, or if systemic symptoms like fever, numbness, or tingling accompany the pain.
Initial Steps for Relief
For mild to moderate hip and groin pain, several initial steps can help manage symptoms at home. Rest, involving avoidance of pain-aggravating activities, allows affected tissues time to heal. Applying ice to the affected area for 10-15 minutes every hour during the first day, then every three to four hours, can reduce inflammation and pain. After the initial acute phase, alternating ice with heat may be beneficial.
Gentle stretching, performed cautiously to avoid worsening pain, can help maintain flexibility and reduce muscle tightness. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen or naproxen, can reduce pain and inflammation. Do not take these for more than 10 days in a row without consulting a healthcare provider. Supportive footwear can also help distribute weight more evenly and reduce stress on the hip joint during walking. These self-care measures are for temporary relief and are not a substitute for professional diagnosis if pain persists or worsens.
Professional Evaluation and Treatment Options
When hip and groin pain persists or significantly impacts daily activities, professional evaluation is important. A healthcare provider will typically begin with a detailed medical history and physical examination to assess range of motion, identify tender areas, and observe gait. Imaging tests, such as X-rays, can reveal bone abnormalities like arthritis or fractures, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) provides detailed views of soft tissues, helping diagnose conditions like muscle tears or labral injuries.
Treatment plans are individualized based on the diagnosis. Physical therapy is frequently recommended, involving targeted exercises to strengthen hip muscles, improve flexibility, and restore normal movement patterns. Manual therapy techniques may also decrease pain and improve range of motion. Prescription medications, including stronger anti-inflammatories or pain relievers, may be prescribed for more severe pain. Injections, such as corticosteroid injections, can provide temporary pain relief and reduce inflammation directly in the affected joint or bursa. These injections can offer relief for several weeks to months. For severe conditions unresponsive to conservative treatments, surgical options might be considered. This could range from arthroscopic procedures to hip replacement surgery for advanced arthritis.