Hip pain can sneak up in the most unexpected ways—maybe it’s a dull ache when you stand up from your desk, a sharp twinge when you climb stairs, or stiffness that makes it hard to tie your shoes. And because the hip is such a complex joint—surrounded by muscles, tendons, nerves, and even referred pain from your back—it’s not always obvious what’s really going on.
The good news? Most causes of hip pain are treatable, especially when caught early. But the key is understanding where the pain is coming from—because “hip pain” isn’t always your hip at all.
🔍 Where Is the Pain? That’s Your First Clue
1. Pain in the front of your hip or groin
👉 Likely source: The hip joint itself
- Osteoarthritis: Wear-and-tear cartilage loss—common with age, causing stiffness, grinding, and pain that worsens with activity.
- Labral tear: A rip in the cartilage rim around the socket—often from repetitive motion (running, twisting) or injury. Feels like a deep “catch” or “click.”
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Abnormal bone growth causes bones to rub—common in active adults under 50.
2. Pain on the side of your hip
👉 Likely source: Tendons or bursae (fluid-filled sacs)
- Trochanteric bursitis: Inflamed bursa over the hip bone—pain worsens when lying on that side or walking.
- Gluteal tendinopathy: Degeneration of the gluteus medius tendon—common in runners or post-menopausal women. Feels like a deep ache that radiates down the thigh.
3. Pain in the back of your hip or buttock
👉 Could be your hip… or your spine
