TL;DR Quick answer
Chronic pain in the hip, groin or outer thigh that affects walking and sleep. A pain specialist can confirm the cause and plan treatment, with non-surgical options considered first, such as physiotherapy-led rehabilitation.
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About hip pain
Hip pain can come from the joint itself, the tendons and bursae around it, or be referred from the lower back. Pinpointing the source guides treatment.
| Key facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Common symptoms | Groin or outer hip pain; pain when walking, climbing stairs or lying on the side; stiffness after rest |
| Common causes | Hip osteoarthritis; greater trochanteric pain syndrome (bursitis or tendinopathy); pain referred from the lumbar spine |
| How it is diagnosed | Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment. |
| When to get help | Seek urgent care if you cannot bear weight after a fall, or if hip pain comes with fever |
| Treatment options | Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation |
| Who to see | Dr. Nikhilesh Samudrala, Consultant Pain Physician |
Symptoms
- Groin or outer hip pain
- Pain when walking, climbing stairs or lying on the side
- Stiffness after rest
- Limping
Causes
- Hip osteoarthritis
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (bursitis or tendinopathy)
- Pain referred from the lumbar spine
- Previous injury or surgery
How it is diagnosed
Diagnosis is based on your history and a focused examination, with imaging or tests only when they will guide treatment.
Treatment options
Treatment is tailored to the cause and may include medication review, rehabilitation, and image-guided procedures for selected patients.
When to seek help
Seek urgent care if you cannot bear weight after a fall, or if hip pain comes with fever.
| Option | Type | What it involves |
|---|---|---|
| Physiotherapy-Led Rehabilitation | Treatment | Guided exercise and movement to restore strength, flexibility and confidence. |
This page is for general information. Whether a treatment is suitable for you is decided after an individual consultation.
