How do I know if my hip pain is serious?
James Craig
Published Jan 16, 2026
Seek immediate medical attention
- A joint that appears deformed.
- Inability to move your leg or hip.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
- Intense pain.
- Sudden swelling.
- Any signs of infection (fever, chills, redness)
What does severe hip pain feel like?
Sometimes people feel a catching or clicking within the hip. The pain usually gets worse when the hip joint is strained by walking long distances, standing for a long time or climbing stairs. The pain is usually felt in the groin, but also may be felt on the side of the hip, the buttock and sometimes into the knee.
Can hip pain be serious?
Hip pain is a common condition experienced by men and women of all ages. In some cases, this pain is a minor problem that can be relieved with at-home treatment. In other cases, however, hip pain can be a sign of a more serious condition that requires medical attention.
What are the first signs of hip problems?
What Are the First Signs of Hip Problems?
- Hip Pain or Groin Pain. This pain is usually located between the hip and the knee. ...
- Stiffness. A common symptom of stiffness in the hip is difficulty putting on your shoes or socks. ...
- Limping. ...
- Swelling and Tenderness of the Hip.
Is walking good for hip pain?
Running and jumping can make hip pain from arthritis and bursitis worse, so it's best to avoid them. Walking is a better choice, advises Humphrey.
23 related questions foundHow do you know if something is wrong with your hip?
If you have stiffness, you may have trouble bending down or leaning over to put on your shoes. As a hip issue develops, you might experience a loss in your range of motion, keeping you from putting weight on the leg. If you can still walk, you might find yourself limping or needing an assistive device.
What is the one leg test for hip pain?
Stand on One Leg Test – Finally, if you are concerned about your hips, try the one-legged test. Try standing on one leg for at least a minute, and if you can't do so, even when supporting yourself, it's time to consider hip replacement.. For more information, contact Dr.
How do you describe hip pain?
Definition. Hip pain involves any pain in or around the hip joint. You may not feel pain from your hip directly over the hip area. You may feel it in your groin or pain in your thigh or knee.
Where do you feel hip pain the most?
Problems within the hip joint itself tend to result in pain on the inside of your hip or your groin. Hip pain on the outside of your hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is usually caused by problems with muscles, ligaments, tendons and other soft tissues that surround your hip joint.
What are the symptoms of a pinched nerve in your hip?
In the hip, a pinched nerve can cause a:
- sharp, searing, or burning pain in the hip, thigh, or groin.
- dull, achy pain in the hips and buttocks.
- tingling, “pins and needles” feeling, or numbness in the hip or down the leg.
- weakness or loss of movement in the affected hip and leg.
When should I go to the emergency room for hip pain?
Seek immediate medical attention
Ask someone to drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if your hip pain is caused by an injury and is accompanied by: A joint that appears deformed. Inability to move your leg or hip. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
What is the fastest way to relieve hip pain?
Another way to relieve hip pain is by holding ice to the area for about 15 minutes a few times a day. Try to rest the affected joint as much as possible until you feel better. You may also try heating the area. A warm bath or shower can help ready your muscle for stretching exercises that can lessen pain.
Is hip arthritis pain constant?
Symptoms of hip arthritis can be constant or flare up. Common hip arthritis symptoms include: Pain in or near the hip that can worsen due to certain movements and exercises. Cartilage wears down unevenly, and if a particular movement places stress on an area with more damage, pain increases.
How do I know if I have sciatica or hip pain?
Hip problems, such as arthritis in the hip, usually cause groin pain, pain when you put weight on your leg, or when the leg is moved around. If your pain starts in the back and moves or radiates towards the hip or down the leg and you have numbness, tingling or weakness in the leg, sciatica is the most likely cause.
How do I know if I have arthritis in my hip?
How to know if you have hip arthritis
- Pain in the groin or thigh that radiates to your knee, outer thigh or buttocks.
- Pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting for a while.
- Flare ups after vigorous activity.
- Limping or pain that causes difficulty walking.
- Sticking or locking of the hip joint.
What is the average age for a hip replacement?
The Arthritis Foundation reports that most people who undergo hip replacement surgery are between ages 50 and 80. Even if you aren't in that age range, a hip replacement can still be a safe and life-changing surgery for people far younger and for people in their 90s.
What does it feel like when your hip needs replacing?
Stiffness
Difficulty putting your shoes or socks on is a common sign of stiffness in your hip, especially if one foot is more difficult than the other. You may also start to feel your hip joint clicking, popping or grinding in ways which impair your normal range of movement.
Is hip arthritis a disability?
Because of the severity of osteoarthritis the Social Security Administration (SSA) has determined that it is a disability, meaning you may be eligible to receive disability benefits. When submitting your SSDI application to the SSA your diagnosis and medical evidence should be in the SSA's Blue Book listing.
What does osteoarthritis in the hip feel like?
Joint stiffness that occurs as you are getting out of bed. Joint stiffness after you sit for a long time. Any pain, swelling, or tenderness in the hip joint. A sound or feeling ("crunching") of bone rubbing against bone.
How should I sit with hip pain?
You can reduce this angle in a number of ways to help reduce your hip pain sitting:
- Avoid choosing low chairs or lounges/sofas.
- Tilt your seatbase forward just a little if possible, to bring the hips a little higher than your knees.
- Use a wedge cushion.
- Recline your seatback slightly.
How do doctors treat hip pain?
Treating Your Hip Pain
In some situations simple rest will alleviate your pain naturally over time. In other situations, your doctor may prescribe medication or physical therapy to aid your recovery. In more severe cases, your doctor could recommend surgery.
How do I know if I need hip surgery?
5 Signs You Might Need Hip Replacement Surgery
- You experience pain when you walk. ...
- You are experiencing a limited range of motion in your hip joint. ...
- You are limping or experiencing limpness in one leg. ...
- You have swelling or tenderness in your hip. ...
- You have a feeling of instability in your hip joint.
What does sciatica hip pain feel like?
Pain that radiates down one side of your buttocks, hips, and legs. Dull pain in your back, hips, and buttocks. Numbness or tingling anywhere along the nerve. Weakness in your leg.
What does a pulled hip muscle feel like?
What are the symptoms? A hip flexor strain can be felt in the front area where your thigh meets the hip. Depending on the extent of damage sustained, a hip flexor strain may be felt either as mild pain or a sharp and cramping one that can make it hard for you to walk without limping.
Can you get sciatica in your hip?
When something injures or puts pressure on the sciatic nerve, it can cause pain in the lower back that spreads to the hip, buttocks, and leg.