✔ Includes healthy lifestyle tips to support joint health
✔ Offers practical pain relief ideas you can try at home
✔ Helps you know when to see a doctor for hip pain
Where Does It Hurt? Location Gives Important Clues
One of the smartest things you can do when dealing with hip pain is to notice exactly where the pain occurs. The location often gives strong clues about what may be causing the discomfort.
Front of the Hip or Groin
Pain in the front of the hip or groin area often points to issues inside the hip joint itself. Common causes include arthritis or a labral tear. This pain may feel deep and achy, especially after sitting for long periods.
Outer Hip or Side
Pain on the outside of the hip frequently indicates bursitis, which is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint. This pain may worsen when lying on your side or climbing stairs.
Back of the Hip or Buttock
Pain in the back of the hip often comes from the lower back rather than the hip joint. Conditions such as sciatica or spinal stenosis may send pain signals to the hip area.
Groin Pain With Clicking or Catching
If you feel clicking, catching, or locking along with groin pain, this may suggest a labral tear or hip impingement, particularly in people who stay physically active.
Keeping a simple note about your symptoms—like “pain when standing up” or “hip stiffness after walking”—can help your doctor find the cause faster.
Common Causes of Hip Pain (And What They Feel Like)
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common cause of hip pain in adults over 50. It develops slowly as cartilage in the joint wears down.
Typical symptoms include:
