Hip pain is a common symptom that can be caused by anything from sports injuries to arthritis. You can usually treat hip pain at home by taking a break from physical activities and taking over-the-counter pain relievers. But if the pain persists or gets worse, other treatments may be necessary.
A joint is a place in your body where two bones meet. Your hip joint is where your thigh bone (femur) connects to your pelvis. Your hip joint is one of the largest joints in your body, and you use it constantly to move, support your weight and maintain your balance.
Hip pain can range from a temporary, short-term annoyance to a bigger issue that needs treatment from a healthcare provider. Where you feel the pain depends on which part of your hip joint is damaged. You might feel hip pain:
- Close to the surface above or around your hip (usually an issue with your muscles, tendons or ligaments).
- Deeper inside your hip joint (pain that comes from your bones or cartilage).
- In your lower back. Hip pain can sometimes spread (radiate) to other areas like your lower back or groin.
The pain might come and go. For example, you might feel hip pain when you’re walking or moving, but it gets better when you rest. Some people also feel pain during different parts of the day. You could feel more pain first thing in the morning when you wake up. It’s also common to feel hip pain at night, especially if you sleep lying on the same side as your painful hip.
You can usually treat hip pain at home by taking a break from physical activities and by taking over-the-counter pain relievers. Visit a healthcare provider if you’re feeling hip pain that’s bad enough to affect your daily routine or that’s making it hard to move. See a provider if you’re feeling pain that lasts more than a few days without getting better.
