Pain in the hip or groin that develops or worsens with walking is a common complaint. The human gait cycle places considerable stress on the intricate network of joints, muscles, tendons, and ligaments that comprise the hip and pelvic region. When any of these structures are compromised, the repetitive, weight-bearing motion of walking can quickly expose the underlying issue. Understanding the specific location and nature of this pain is the first step toward identifying the cause and pursuing appropriate relief. This type of discomfort is frequently treatable, making a clear understanding of the symptoms and potential sources of pain beneficial for those experiencing this mobility challenge.
Distinguishing Hip Pain from Groin Pain
The location where pain is felt provides the first clue regarding its origin, but the terminology can be misleading. Pain directly from the hip joint itself is most often perceived in the front of the hip, specifically radiating down into the groin crease. Therefore, what many people describe as “groin pain” is often a sign of an issue within the hip joint. Conversely, pain felt on the outer side of the hip, near the bony prominence, or in the buttock area, usually indicates a problem with the surrounding soft tissues. True “groin pain” is generally localized along the crease where the abdomen meets the thigh or extends along the inner thigh muscles, suggesting muscle, tendon, or ligament injuries in that specific area. Accurately pinpointing the pain location helps narrow the list of possible orthopedic or muscular culprits.
Common Causes Originating in the Hip Joint
One of the most frequent causes of chronic hip pain exacerbated by walking is osteoarthritis, which involves the progressive breakdown of the smooth articular cartilage covering the ends of the bones. This wear-and-tear condition reduces the joint’s ability to glide smoothly, leading to bone-on-bone friction during weight-bearing activities like walking. The pain typically starts as a deep, dull ache in the groin and can lead to stiffness that is most noticeable after a period of rest. The mechanical stress of each step intensifies the pain, often resulting in a noticeable limp or reduced stride length.
Pain on the outer hip when walking is commonly attributed to trochanteric bursitis, which is the inflammation of the bursa sac located over the greater trochanter. This condition causes a sharp or burning pain that is aggravated by repetitive hip movements, such as walking or running. Lying on the affected side at night often intensifies the discomfort. The painful rubbing of the overlying tendons against the inflamed bursa during the swing phase of the gait cycle contributes significantly to the symptoms while walking.
A labral tear involves damage to the ring of cartilage, known as the labrum, that surrounds the hip socket. This structural damage often causes a deep, sharp pain in the anterior hip or groin that may be accompanied by a clicking, locking, or catching sensation during movement. The repetitive motion of walking can cause the torn flap of cartilage to catch between the moving bones, leading to intermittent, sharp pain and mechanical instability.
Another mechanical problem is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), where extra bone develops along the bones that form the hip joint, causing them to rub against each other. This abnormal contact often pinches the labrum and cartilage during hip flexion and rotation, movements inherent to walking. FAI typically presents as pain in the groin area that is made worse by specific movements, such as squatting or prolonged sitting. The impingement limits the smooth range of motion required for an efficient stride, leading to pain with each step.
Common Causes Originating in the Groin and Inner Thigh
One of the most common causes of pain felt directly in the inner thigh and groin is a muscle strain, particularly affecting the adductor muscles. These muscles, responsible for pulling the legs together, can be overstretched or torn during sudden movements or repetitive activity. When walking, the adductor muscles are engaged to stabilize the pelvis, and this exertion on a strained muscle causes immediate, sharp pain that worsens with longer strides or faster paces. The location of the pain is usually well-defined along the muscle belly or its attachment near the pubic bone.
Iliopsoas tendinitis or bursitis involves the deep hip flexor muscle and its associated bursa, located at the front of the hip joint. Inflammation of the tendon or the bursa presents as pain deep within the anterior hip or groin. Since the iliopsoas muscle is the primary muscle used to lift the leg while walking, the pain is specifically aggravated during the swing phase of the gait cycle as the hip flexes. This condition is often characterized by pain when bringing the knee toward the chest.
Pain in the groin that is not directly related to the hip joint or muscles can sometimes be referred from the lower back or pelvis. For instance, a problem in the sacroiliac (SI) joint or a pinched nerve in the lumbar spine, such as sciatica, can project pain signals down to the buttock, hip, or groin area. This referred pain may feel like a deep ache or a burning sensation. The mechanical movement of walking can exacerbate the underlying spinal or pelvic joint issue, causing the distal symptoms to flare.
Certain types of hernias can also cause groin pain that increases during walking or activity. An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal wall near the inguinal canal, often presenting as a bulge in the groin area. The increased pressure created by the muscle contraction during walking, coughing, or straining can cause noticeable pain. A sports hernia (athletic pubalgia) involves a strain or tear of the soft tissues in the lower abdomen or groin area without a noticeable bulge, causing chronic, deep groin pain worsened by movements that put stress on the abdominal wall.
Immediate Steps and When to Seek Professional Help
For new or minor hip and groin pain, initial self-care steps can help manage symptoms and prevent further irritation. Resting the affected area by temporarily avoiding activities that worsen the pain, such as long walks or high-impact exercise, is a primary step. Applying ice to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes several times a day can help reduce inflammation. Over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, may be used for short-term pain relief and to decrease swelling.
If the pain is not severe, gentle, non-painful range-of-motion exercises can help maintain mobility, but activity modification remains important. Avoid sitting for extended periods or sleeping directly on the painful side, as sustained pressure can increase irritation. If self-care measures do not lead to improvement within about two weeks, or if the pain is recurrent, a professional medical evaluation is recommended.
Immediate medical attention is necessary if certain “red flag” symptoms are present, as these may indicate a serious injury or infection. Seek urgent care if you experience:
- A sudden onset of intense pain.
- An inability to bear any weight on the leg.
- The hip joint appears visibly deformed or out of place.
- Fever, chills, or significant warmth and redness around the hip area.
- Sudden loss of sensation or tingling in the leg.