Hip pain when walking is a common complaint that can significantly impact daily activities and overall well-being. The hip joint, a large weight-bearing joint, endures considerable forces during movement, making it susceptible to various conditions that can lead to discomfort. Understanding the potential origins of this pain is an important step toward finding effective management strategies.
Common Reasons for Hip Pain While Walking
Osteoarthritis is a frequent cause of hip pain, a degenerative condition where cartilage cushioning the hip bones wears away, leading to bones rubbing together. This causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion, often worsening with activity. Bursitis, inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction around joints), is another common culprit. Trochanteric bursitis affects the bursa on the outside of the hip, causing pain and tenderness, particularly when lying on the affected side or walking.
Tendinitis, or tendon inflammation, can also cause hip pain. Iliopsoas tendinitis causes pain in the front of the hip or groin, while gluteal tendinopathy affects tendons on the side. These conditions often stem from repetitive movements or overuse. Muscle strains, such as those in the groin or hamstring, produce sharp pain that intensifies with activity, often resulting from overstretching or overuse of muscles and ligaments.
Pain felt in the hip may not always originate directly from the joint. Referred pain from the lower back, such as sciatica, can radiate down the leg, including into the hip and buttocks. Less common but more serious causes include stress fractures, which result from repetitive stress, especially in individuals with weakened bones. Avascular necrosis, where hip bone tissue dies due to lack of blood supply, also causes significant pain and can lead to joint collapse.
When to Seek Medical Attention
While some hip discomfort resolves with self-care, certain symptoms warrant professional medical evaluation. Sudden, severe hip pain, especially after a fall or injury, requires immediate medical attention. An inability to bear weight on the affected leg or a visible deformity of the hip or leg are urgent indicators, potentially pointing to a fracture or dislocation.
If hip pain is accompanied by fever, chills, redness, or swelling around the joint, it could indicate an infection, necessitating prompt medical assessment. Persistent pain that worsens or does not improve after a couple of weeks of at-home care suggests the need for a doctor’s visit. Pain significantly interfering with daily activities, such as walking or sleeping, indicates a severity that should be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
Initial Self-Care for Hip Discomfort
For mild to moderate hip discomfort, several self-care strategies can help. Rest is important to avoid further stressing the injured area, and modifying activities that aggravate pain can promote healing. Applying ice to the affected area for 10 to 15 minutes, several times a day, can reduce inflammation and numb pain. After 48 hours, alternating with heat, such as a warm bath or heating pad, helps relax muscles and improve blood circulation.
Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as NSAIDs (ibuprofen or naproxen), can reduce pain and inflammation. Acetaminophen is another option. Gentle stretching and specific exercises can improve flexibility and strengthen hip-supporting muscles, which may alleviate discomfort. Wearing supportive footwear can also help distribute weight evenly and reduce stress on the hip joint.
Medical Assessment and Treatment Options
When hip pain persists or worsens, a medical assessment is necessary to determine the underlying cause. A healthcare professional begins with a physical examination, assessing the hip’s range of motion, tenderness, and stability. Imaging studies play a significant role; X-rays reveal bone abnormalities like arthritis or fractures, while MRI provides detailed views of soft tissues, including cartilage, tendons, and ligaments. Blood tests may be ordered to check for inflammatory conditions or infections.
Treatment approaches vary based on the diagnosis. Physical therapy is a common intervention, focusing on exercises to strengthen hip muscles, improve flexibility, and restore movement patterns. Therapists may guide patients through exercises like hip flexor stretches or glute strengthening to enhance support and reduce pain. Prescribed medications can include stronger anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxants, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs for specific conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Injections, such as corticosteroid injections, may deliver anti-inflammatory medication directly into the joint or bursa, providing temporary pain relief and reducing swelling. For certain conditions, minimally invasive surgical options like hip arthroscopy are available. This procedure involves small incisions to insert a camera and instruments to repair damaged cartilage, remove loose bodies, or address impingement. If the hip joint is severely damaged, particularly due to advanced arthritis, a total hip replacement might be recommended to replace damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic components.