Hip pain can reduce physical functioning, daily activities and sleep quality.

Chronic hip pain may lower quality life and cause long-term dysfunction and disability in severe cases.

People with chronic hip pain may experience psychological distress (e.g., pain catastrophizing, anxiety and depression) due to the ongoing toll of their condition.

Hip pain is a common problem that can arise from a variety of diseases and conditions, including injury, arthritis, bursitis and muscle strains. The location of the hip pain can provide indicators of the underlying cause. Specifically, hip pain that radiates inside of the hip may be linked to issues with the hip joint, whereas hip pain that is felt outside of the hip, upper thigh, or buttocks may stem from issues with muscles and soft tissues that surround the hip joint. Risk factors for hip pain include a history of hip injury, congenital hip malformations, poor hip alignment, aging, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and work/recreational activities that put strain on the hips.

Most people with hip pain do not require surgery but, instead, they can manage and improve symptoms through self-care measures and conservative treatments. These treatments may include physical therapy, occupational therapy, regular exercise and stretching. There are many simple ways to reduce and manage hip pain on your own at home through rest, ice therapy, walking aids, stretching, resistance training, low-impact exercise, and anti-inflammatory medications.

In most cases, hip pain should resolve within 6 weeks but, for some, hip pain may lead to ongoing disability. Surgery and other forms of specialist intervention are considered when conservative treatments have not improved symptoms and when hip pain diminishes quality of life by interfering with simple tasks (e.g., getting dressed), daily activities or sleep.