Hip Pain

There is separate information about hip pain in children.

Causes of hip pain

There are lots of possible causes of hip pain. It might be caused by a sudden injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of the pain yourself.

See a GP if:

hip pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep
the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
you have hip stiffness for more than 30 minutes after waking up

Refer yourself for back or joint help

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

you have severe hip pain that started suddenly but you've not had a fall or injured your hip
your hip is swollen and feels hot
the skin around your hip has changed colour
you have hip pain, feel generally unwell and have a high temperature (or feel hot, cold or shivery)

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Call 999 or go to A&E if:

you have severe hip pain after a fall or injury
you're unable to walk or put weight on your leg
you have any tingling or loss of feeling in your hip or leg after an injury

Find your nearest A&E

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

How you can ease hip pain

There are things you can do to help ease hip pain.

Do

try to avoid putting too much strain on your hip - it's best to keep moving if you can, but try not to overdo things
put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours
use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)
wear comfortable, shock-absorbing shoes with a soft sole
try to lose weight if you're overweight
try gentle hip stretching exercises

Don't

do not carry anything heavy
do not sit in low chairs - this can put extra pressure on your hips

Exercises for hip pain

Arthritis UK: exercises for the hips

Treatments for hip pain

Treatment for hip pain depends on what's causing it.

Treatments can include:

strong painkillers
simple exercises to try
physiotherapy for more help with exercises and stretches to ease the pain
occupational therapy - an occupational therapist can help with things to make your life easier, such as walking sticks or walking aids
steroid injections to help ease pain in your hip
referral to a specialist who may do a scan and discuss treatments such as surgery

Some people with pain caused by a damaged hip joint may eventually need a hip replacement if other treatments do not help.

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