Pain in the hip and groin when walking is a common complaint that can impact daily mobility. The experience ranges from a dull ache to a sharp, debilitating sensation that makes weight-bearing difficult. Given the close proximity of many structures in the hip and groin region, identifying the precise source of discomfort can be challenging. This symptom often signals a problem with the joint itself or the surrounding network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support movement.
Pinpointing the Location: Hip vs. Groin Pain
True hip joint pain is typically felt deep inside the joint, most often referred to the front of the hip and the central groin area. This occurs because the sensory nerves of the hip joint capsule run along the inner thigh and groin, causing the pain to be felt there even if the issue is deep within the hip socket. People often describe this sensation with a “C-sign,” cupping their hand around the side of the hip and sweeping toward the groin to indicate the area of deep discomfort.
In contrast, pain originating from the groin’s soft tissues is usually felt more anteriorly or medially, along the inner thigh or near the pubic bone. This discomfort is often a sharper, more localized pain that can be reproduced by specific movements like contracting the adductor muscles or stretching the hip flexors. If the pain is felt primarily on the outside of the hip, near the bony prominence, it is less likely to be a joint problem and more likely related to bursitis or a tendon issue on the outer side of the thigh.
Common Causes Originating in the Hip Joint
The most frequent cause of pain originating from the hip joint is osteoarthritis (OA). This involves the gradual wearing away of the articular cartilage that cushions the ball-and-socket joint. As the protective cartilage thins, the bones begin to rub together, creating friction and inflammation that worsen with weight-bearing activities like walking. The resulting pain is classically felt in the groin and often leads to stiffness and a reduced ability to move the hip.
Another source of intra-articular pain is a labral tear, which involves damage to the ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket. The labrum provides stability and acts as a seal for the joint, so a tear can cause deep, sharp pain in the groin, a clicking or locking sensation, and stiffness. These tears are often associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a condition where extra bone growth on the ball or socket causes abnormal contact and friction during movement. During walking, the movement can pinch the damaged tissue, leading to a noticeable increase in groin pain.
Common Causes Originating in the Groin Area
Pain originating from the soft tissues of the groin often involves the muscles and tendons of the inner thigh. An adductor strain, commonly referred to as a groin strain, is a frequent injury, particularly in active individuals. The adductor muscles pull the legs together and are involved in stabilizing the pelvis during walking. A strain or tendinopathy causes pain and tenderness along the inner thigh or near the pubic bone, which is exacerbated when the muscle contracts, such as when pushing off the ground while walking.
Another muscular source is an issue with the hip flexors, specifically the iliopsoas muscle group. Iliopsoas problems, such as a strain or tendinopathy, typically cause pain localized to the front of the hip and upper groin area. This muscle is heavily utilized during the swing phase of walking, so its involvement often results in discomfort when lifting the leg. The pain is often worse when the hip is flexed against resistance, differentiating it from deep joint pain.
A non-musculoskeletal cause of groin pain aggravated by walking is an inguinal or sports hernia. An inguinal hernia involves abdominal contents pushing through a weak spot in the lower abdominal wall. A sports hernia, or athletic pubalgia, involves tears or weakening of the soft tissues in the lower abdominal or groin area. Both conditions can cause a feeling of heaviness or a dull ache in the groin that is made worse by increased intra-abdominal pressure from walking, coughing, or straining.
Managing Symptoms and Seeking Professional Care
Modifying activities is often the first step for self-managed relief of groin or hip pain. Reducing the intensity and duration of walking helps prevent further irritation of strained muscles or inflamed joints. Applying ice to the painful area for short periods can reduce localized inflammation, while anti-inflammatory drugs may help manage pain and swelling. Gentle stretching or mobility exercises, if they do not significantly increase the pain, can help maintain range of motion.
Warning signs indicate the need for prompt professional evaluation. If the pain is accompanied by fever or unexplained swelling, or if the hip joint appears deformed, immediate medical attention is necessary. The inability to bear weight on the affected leg or the onset of sudden, severe pain following a fall or injury are also red flags. Based on the diagnosis, care may range from targeted physical therapy, which focuses on strengthening stabilizing muscles and improving gait mechanics, to injections or specialist referral. Physical therapy is a common first-line treatment for both joint-related issues like early osteoarthritis and soft tissue injuries like strains and tendinopathies.