When to See a Doctor for Hip Pain: Causes, Signs, and Treatment

Hip pain is a common problem that affects people of all ages, but it can be hard to know when it’s serious enough to see a doctor. Anyone should see a doctor for hip pain if it is severe, sudden, getting worse, or interfering with daily life, especially if it lasts longer than two weeks. Ignoring ongoing or intense pain may lead to bigger issues, so taking it seriously is important for health and mobility.

Sometimes hip pain can be due to minor causes, like a muscle strain or overuse, and it may improve with rest and simple care at home. However, there are warning signs to watch for, such as swelling, trouble walking, pain at night, or pain after an injury. These can be signs of conditions that need prompt attention.

Knowing when to seek medical help can prevent the pain from getting worse and help you find relief. This article looks at the key reasons for hip pain, when to get help, and what to expect during a doctor’s visit.

Key Takeaways

• See a doctor if hip pain is severe, lasts over two weeks, or disrupts daily activities
• Some hip pain signals need quick medical attention
• Understanding causes and treatments can help with better recovery

Warning Signs: When Hip Pain Requires Medical Attention

Certain signs and symptoms of hip pain signal the need for prompt medical attention. Watching for changes in pain, movement, and the appearance of the hip can help prevent more serious problems.

Sudden or Severe Pain

Sudden or severe hip pain should never be ignored. If the pain appears out of nowhere or after a fall, it could point to a broken bone or joint dislocation. Sharp, intense pain, especially during movements like standing up or walking, may be due to a serious injury to the bones, muscles, or ligaments.

Sometimes, sudden pain might be caused by a torn muscle or tendon. Severe pain is also a warning if it keeps getting worse, does not improve with rest, or interrupts sleep. If these symptoms are present, a doctor should see the person as soon as possible. Delaying attention can make injuries worse and slow healing, and can risk long-term joint damage.

Swelling, Deformity, or Inability to Move

Swelling around the hip may mean there is bleeding or infection inside the joint or soft tissues. Noticeable deformity, like an abnormal shape or angle in the hip, can be a sign of a dislocated joint or a broken bone.

Not being able to move the hip or leg normally is another red flag. If the hip looks different or the leg looks shorter after an injury, this could mean a serious bone or joint problem.

A doctor should check these issues right away. Prompt care helps prevent further damage to the bones, muscles, and ligaments around the hip.

Inability to Bear Weight or Walk

Being unable to put weight on the leg or walk because of hip pain is always serious. This may happen after accidents like slips or falls, or with sudden muscle or ligament injuries.

When a person cannot bear weight, it might mean there is a broken bone or torn ligament. It could also point to joint infection or other severe conditions.

Even if the pain gets better with rest, not being able to walk as usual should be checked quickly. Failing to get medical help may lead to more damage, longer recovery, or even long-term walking problems.

Accompanying Symptoms, Like Fever or Numbness

Hip pain that comes with fever, chills, redness, or warmth can mean there is an infection in the joint or bone. Infection can damage the bones and soft tissues quickly and should be treated as an emergency.

Numbness, tingling, or loss of feeling in the leg with hip pain could mean nerve injury or pressure. Sometimes, this happens when swelling or deformity from an injury presses on nerves near the hip.

If these symptoms appear together, urgent evaluation is needed. Infection and nerve problems can get worse fast and may lead to lasting problems if not treated in time.

Common Causes and Risk Factors for Hip Pain

Hip pain can happen for many reasons. It often relates to problems with joints, bones, or nearby tissues. Some conditions can develop slowly over time, while others appear suddenly after an injury.

Arthritis and Osteoarthritis

Arthritis is a common cause of hip pain, especially in adults. There are many types, but the most frequent are osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. Osteoarthritis happens when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down. This makes the bones rub against each other, causing pain, swelling, and stiffness.

Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease. The immune system attacks the lining of the joints, leading to pain and possible damage to bone and cartilage. Arthritis in the hip can cause pain when walking, climbing stairs, or even resting. People are more likely to develop arthritis if they are older, overweight, or have a family history.

Bursitis and Tendinitis

Bursitis is the inflammation of the bursae, which are tiny fluid-filled sacs in the hip that reduce friction during movement. When the bursae become inflamed, it can cause sharp or aching pain on the outside of the hip. Bursitis can flare up after repetitive activities, falls, or spending a lot of time lying on one side.

Tendinitis develops from irritation or inflammation of tendons, the tough bands that connect muscles to bones. In the hip, this often affects people who do sports or activities with repetitive movements. Both bursitis and tendinitis can cause pain that gets worse with movement and can make simple tasks like walking or standing difficult.

Hip Fractures and Labral Tears

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone). This injury happens most often in older adults, especially after a fall. People with weak bones or osteoporosis are at much higher risk. Signs include sudden, severe hip pain, trouble moving the leg, and not being able to stand or walk.

A hip labral tear affects the ring of cartilage (labrum) that lines the outside edge of the hip joint socket. The labrum helps keep the hip joint stable. Tears may be caused by injury, sports, or repetitive twisting motions. 

Other Causes: Cartilage, Ligament, and Tendon Injuries

Other causes of hip pain include injuries to cartilage, ligaments, or tendons. Damage to the hip cartilage can come from sports, overuse, or trauma. When cartilage wears away or tears, the bones inside the hip joint can rub together, leading to pain and swelling.

Ligament injuries often happen when the hip is twisted or overstretched, usually during high-impact activities. These injuries may result in pain, bruising, or a feeling that the hip is unstable. Tendon injuries, such as strains or partial tears, can happen with sudden movements or repetitive use. These soft tissue injuries may cause pain, swelling, and trouble moving the hip joint.

Diagnosis: What to Expect at the Doctor

When someone goes to the doctor for hip pain, the process usually begins with questions about their symptoms and history. Doctors use a combination of exams and tests to find the cause and decide the best treatment.

Medical History and Physical Exam

The doctor or orthopedic specialist starts by asking about the hip pain. Important details include when the pain started, its location, how severe it is, if it gets worse with specific activities, and if anything makes it better.

They will ask about past injuries, surgeries, other medical conditions, and any family history of joint or bone diseases. It is common for the doctor to ask if the pain interferes with daily life or sleep.

During the physical exam, the doctor checks the hip joint for tenderness, swelling, and range of motion. The doctor may gently move the hip in different directions or have the patient walk, bend, or do gentle stretches.

The exam also includes looking for signs of injury or swelling in the hip, surrounding cartilage, or ligaments. The findings help the doctor decide if more tests are needed.

Diagnostic Tests and Imaging

If the doctor needs more information, diagnostic tests and imaging may be ordered. A hip X-ray is often the first imaging test and helps check for fractures or arthritis in the hip joint.

Other tests that may be used include MRI scans, which can show problems with soft tissues like cartilage, ligaments, or muscles. CT scans give a detailed look at the bone structure. Sometimes, doctors order blood tests to check for infections or inflammation.

These diagnostic tools help determine if the problem is due to injury, arthritis, bursitis, or another cause. Imaging helps guide the orthopedic doctor in choosing the right treatment for the hip pain.

Treatment Options and Self-Care Measures for Hip Pain

Hip pain can often be managed with a combination of self-care, non-surgical treatment, and medical procedures. The choice of approach depends on the cause, severity, and duration of pain, as well as the person's overall health.

Conservative Treatment and Self-Care

Most mild or short-term hip pain can improve with conservative treatment and self-care measures. Resting the affected hip, avoiding activities that make the pain worse, and using ice packs can help reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen, ibuprofen, or naproxen are frequently used.

Light stretching and gentle activity, such as walking or swimming, can prevent stiffness. Modifying daily habits—like avoiding sitting for long stretches or repeated bending—can also support recovery. People are encouraged to avoid sleeping on the painful side or applying direct pressure to the hip.

Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

If pain continues, a doctor may suggest physical therapy and rehabilitation. A physical therapist creates a program tailored to the patient’s needs. This often includes exercises to improve hip strength, flexibility, and motion.

Physical therapy may use techniques like stretching, range-of-motion exercises, and low-impact activities. The main goals are to improve stability, reduce stiffness or swelling, and support the return to routine activities. Sometimes, physical therapists use tools such as ultrasound or electrical stimulation to decrease pain and promote healing. Participating in rehabilitation can help restore function after an injury or surgery and may reduce the future risk of hip problems. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Hip pain can range from mild discomfort to severe problems that affect daily life. Knowing when to seek medical advice and which doctor to consult can help people act quickly and protect their long-term health.

How long should you wait with hip pain before consulting a doctor?

If hip pain lasts more than two weeks, does not improve with rest, or interferes with daily activities, it is time to see a healthcare professional. Pain that keeps coming back or gets worse over time should not be ignored, either. Even mild pain may need attention if it limits movement or sleep according to Mayo Clinic.

What symptoms indicate that hip pain is serious enough to seek medical attention?

Serious symptoms include pain that prevents walking, deep aching at night, swelling, or a visible deformity. If there is a popping sound during injury or inability to move the hip, medical help is needed. Other warning signs are fever and redness at the joint, which could signal infection.

Which type of specialist should you consult for hip pain issues?

Orthopedic doctors are specialists in treating joint, bone, and muscle pain. They can diagnose hip problems and offer solutions, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. In some cases, a physical therapist or a rheumatologist may be needed for ongoing care.

What are the emergency signs of hip pain that require immediate medical intervention?

Immediate care is needed for hip pain after a fall or accident, especially if the leg is twisted or cannot bear weight. Other emergencies include sudden severe pain, loss of feeling in the leg, or signs of infection like high fever and chills.

What are the common warning signs that hip pain should not be ignored?

Warning signs that hip pain could be a serious problem include pain that wakes a person from sleep, loss of mobility, limping, and ongoing stiffness. Swelling, bruising, or the inability to move the hip joint should also be checked by a doctor.

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