Hip Pain: Causes, Relief, and When to See a Doctor
Hip pain is any ache, soreness, or sharp pain in or around the hip joint, the side of your hip, your groin, or your buttock. It is very common, especially with age, exercise, or a poor sleep setup, and most cases settle with rest and simple care. This page explains what hip pain feels like, the conditions that cause it, how to get relief and sleep better, the warning signs that need urgent care, and how to find the right specialist near you.
At a Glance
What Hip Pain Feels Like and Where It Comes From
Hip pain shows up in different spots, and where you feel it is a clue to what is going on. Pain deep in the groin or front of the hip usually points to the joint itself. Pain on the bony outer side of the hip, tender to the touch and worse when you lie on it, often comes from the soft tissues around the joint. Pain in the buttock that travels down the leg frequently starts in the lower back, not the hip at all.
The pain can feel like a dull, deep ache, a sharp catch when you stand or twist, or a burning, tingling line down the leg. Many people notice it most when they sit for a long time, climb stairs, get out of a car, or roll onto the sore side in bed. Stiffness in the morning that loosens as you move is common with arthritis, while pain that comes on right after activity points more to overuse or strain.
Not all pain near the hip is actually a hip problem. The lower back, the sacroiliac joint, the groin, and the knee can all refer pain to the area, which is why a careful exam matters.
Common Causes of Hip Pain
Most hip pain comes from one of a handful of causes. Knowing the likely culprit helps you and your doctor pick the right next step.
Wear, arthritis, and the joint itself
- Osteoarthritis is the most common cause in adults over 50. The smooth cartilage in the joint wears down, leaving stiffness and a deep groin ache that is worse after activity.
- Arthritis in general, including inflammatory types like rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis, can inflame the hip and cause morning stiffness lasting more than an hour.
- Pseudogout and other crystal problems can trigger sudden swelling and pain.
Soft tissue, overuse, and injury
- Bursitis is inflammation of the fluid-filled sac over the outer hip bone. It causes sharp, tender side-of-hip pain that flares when you lie on it, a very common reason people search for a better mattress.
- Tendinitis and muscle tears or sprains and strains come from overuse, common in runners and from tight IT bands.
- A fracture or stress fracture can follow a fall or repeated impact, and dislocations cause severe, immediate pain.
- Bone spurs can pinch tissue around the joint.
Referred pain from the back and nerves
- Sciatica, a herniated disc, or nerve entrapment can send pain from the lower back into the buttock and hip.
Bone health and rare but serious causes
- Osteoporosis weakens bone and raises fracture risk, especially in older women.
- Rarely, ongoing hip pain comes from bone cancer or sarcoma. These are uncommon, but deep pain that wakes you at night and steadily worsens deserves a prompt check.
Hip Pain at Night and How to Sleep
Hip pain that flares in bed is one of the most common complaints, and your sleep setup often makes a real difference. Lying on a sore hip presses directly on inflamed bursa and tendons. A mattress that is too firm creates a pressure point; one that is too soft lets your spine sag out of alignment.
Practical steps for better sleep
- Sleep on the pain-free side with a firm pillow between your knees to keep your hips level and your spine straight.
- If you sleep on your back, place a pillow under your knees to ease tension on the hip and lower back.
- Mattress choice matters. A medium-firm mattress, or a topper added to a too-firm bed, spreads pressure and is often recommended for side sleepers with hip and shoulder pain.
- During pregnancy, a full-length body pillow supports the hip and bump and reduces nighttime aching.
- Warm up the area with a heating pad before bed and do a few gentle hip and lower-back stretches.
One thing to take seriously: pain that consistently wakes you from sleep, keeps getting worse over weeks, or comes with night sweats, fever, or unexplained weight loss is different from ordinary pressure pain. That pattern needs a medical evaluation rather than a new mattress.
When to Seek Emergency or Urgent Care
Most hip pain is not an emergency, but some signs mean you should not wait. Get help right away if any of these apply.
Go to the emergency room or call 911 if you have:
- Severe hip pain right after a fall, car crash, or other major injury
- A hip or leg that looks deformed, turned outward, or shorter than the other
- Inability to bear any weight on the leg or move the hip at all
- Sudden swelling with intense pain, redness, and fever, which can signal a joint infection
- Numbness, a cold or pale foot, or loss of bladder or bowel control, which can point to a serious nerve or blood-flow problem
Call your doctor for an urgent visit if you have:
- Pain that steadily worsens over days to weeks and wakes you at night
- Fever or feeling generally unwell along with hip pain
- Unexplained weight loss with ongoing bone pain
- Pain that does not improve at all after one to two weeks of rest and self-care
When in doubt about sudden, severe, or worsening pain, it is safer to be checked than to wait.
How to Relieve Hip Pain and Self-Care
For everyday hip pain from arthritis, bursitis, or overuse, simple home care relieves most flares.
The RICE approach for new injuries
- Rest the hip and avoid the movements that trigger pain, but do not stop moving entirely.
- Ice the area for 15 to 20 minutes a few times a day for the first day or two to calm swelling. Switch to heat for stiff, aching joints and tight muscles.
- Compression and gentle support can help with some soft-tissue injuries.
- Elevate and pace your activity as comfort allows.
Ongoing relief
- Gentle stretching and strengthening of the hips, glutes, and lower back eases pressure on the joint. Stretches for the lower back and hip together often help, since the two areas are linked.
- Low-impact movement like walking, swimming, or cycling keeps the joint mobile without pounding it.
- Over-the-counter pain relievers such as acetaminophen or anti-inflammatory medicines can help for short periods. Check with a pharmacist or doctor about what is safe for you.
- Maintain a healthy weight to lower the load on the joint.
- Supportive shoes and easing back on high-impact training help runners avoid repeat flares.
If pain limits your daily life despite these steps, a physical therapist can build a targeted program, which is often more effective than rest alone.
How Hip Pain Is Diagnosed
A doctor starts by asking where the pain sits, what makes it better or worse, and whether an injury set it off. They will watch you walk, move the hip through its range, and press on key spots to tell joint problems from soft-tissue and nerve causes.
Imaging is added when the cause is unclear or the pain is severe. An X-ray shows arthritis, fractures, and bone spurs. An MRI gives detail on tendons, bursae, cartilage, and discs in the lower back. Blood tests may be ordered if an inflammatory or infectious cause is suspected.
You may notice your records use a billing code such as an ICD-10 code for right, left, or bilateral hip pain. These are standard administrative labels for the location of your pain. They are useful for paperwork and insurance, but they are not a diagnosis on their own. The actual cause comes from the exam and any imaging, and that is what guides your treatment.
When to See a Doctor and Which Specialist
See a doctor if your hip pain lasts more than a week or two, keeps coming back, limits walking or sleep, or does not respond to rest and home care. Early evaluation often prevents a small problem from becoming a stubborn one.
Your primary care doctor is a good first stop and can treat many causes or refer you onward. For joint, bone, and soft-tissue problems, an orthopedic surgeon is the specialist who manages hip pain, from arthritis and tendon injuries to fractures and joint replacement when needed. Physical therapists, rheumatologists for inflammatory arthritis, and pain specialists may also be part of your care.
You can find a local orthopedic specialist near you using the directory on this page. This page is educational and is not a diagnosis, so use it to prepare good questions and then get a professional evaluation for your specific situation.
Find Help for Hip Pain Near Me
Browse CMS-verified providers who treat hip pain by state.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about hip pain
Why does my hip hurt when I sleep on my side?
Lying on your side presses your body weight directly onto the bursa and tendons on the outer hip, which is a common source of night pain. A medium-firm mattress or a topper spreads that pressure, and a pillow between your knees keeps your hips level. If side-sleeping pain persists for more than a couple of weeks, see a doctor.
What is the best mattress for hip pain?
Most people with hip pain do best on a medium-firm mattress that supports the spine while cushioning pressure points. If your current bed is too firm, a mattress topper can add the cushioning you need. The right firmness depends on your weight and sleep position, so try options that let you adjust comfort.
How do I relieve hip pain fast?
For a new flare, rest the joint, apply ice for 15 to 20 minutes, and use an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory if it is safe for you. For stiff, aching joints, heat and gentle stretching often work better. If pain is severe, follows a fall, or does not ease within a few days, get it checked.
Is hip pain at night a sign of cancer?
Most night hip pain comes from bursitis, arthritis, or pressure while you sleep, not cancer. But bone pain that steadily worsens over weeks, wakes you from sleep, and comes with weight loss, fever, or night sweats can sometimes point to something more serious and should be evaluated promptly by a doctor.
Is my hip pain coming from my hip or my muscle?
Pain deep in the groin or front of the joint usually comes from the hip joint itself, while sharp, tender pain on the outer hip points to muscle, tendon, or bursa. Pain in the buttock that runs down the leg often starts in the lower back. A physical exam is the most reliable way to tell them apart.
What causes hip and groin pain together?
Pain felt in both the hip and groin commonly points to the joint itself, such as osteoarthritis or a labral or cartilage problem, since the joint refers pain to the groin. Strains of the inner-thigh muscles can also cause it. Persistent groin and hip pain deserves a medical evaluation.
Can hip pain be related to my period or pregnancy?
Yes. Hormone shifts and changes in posture and weight during your period or pregnancy can increase hip and lower-back aching. A supportive body pillow and gentle stretching help. If the pain is severe, one-sided, or comes with other symptoms, check in with your doctor.
Which doctor should I see for hip pain?
Start with your primary care doctor, who can treat many causes and refer you if needed. For joint, bone, tendon, and fracture problems, an orthopedic surgeon is the specialist who manages hip pain. Physical therapists and rheumatologists may also help depending on the cause.
Medical disclaimer: This content is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider with questions about a medical condition. If you have a medical emergency, call 911. Our editorial standards