- Hip pain
- Osteoarthritis
- Joints
Hip pain: possible causes, home care and when it is urgent
Hip pain can come from osteoarthritis, bursitis or an injury. We explain how to get oriented, what to do at home, and which signs need immediate attention.
PainManagement ER Published 2 min read
Getting up from a chair, sleeping on your side or walking the way you used to has become harder. Hip pain has many possible causes, and the NHS makes an important point: don’t try to diagnose it yourself.[1] This guide helps you get oriented and know when to ask for help.
What could be causing your pain?
| How it shows up | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Over 45, pain that is worse when walking, and stiffness after moving | Osteoarthritis |
| Pain and stiffness that are worse after not moving, such as when you wake up | Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Pain that may spread to the thigh and is worse when moving or lying on your side | Bursitis |
| Pain, swelling or bruising after intense or repetitive exercise | Sprain, strain or tendonitis |
| Severe pain and being unable to walk after a fall or injury | Hip fracture |
| A hot, swollen hip with a high temperature or chills | Joint infection (septic arthritis) |
Source: NHS, "Hip pain in adults" (2025).[1] This is general guidance for adults; a professional should make the diagnosis. Hip pain in children needs a separate assessment.
Hip osteoarthritis is on the rise
According to the Global Burden of Disease 2021 study, published in The Lancet Rheumatology, cases of hip osteoarthritis are projected to rise 78.6% from 2020 to 2050.[2]
For hip osteoarthritis, the CDC’s 2022 clinical guideline lists exercise (aerobic, aquatic or resistance) and manual therapy as non-drug therapies.[3]
What to do at home
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Keep moving if you can, without straining your hip | Carry anything heavy |
| Apply ice wrapped in a towel, for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours | Sit in low chairs, which add pressure to your hips |
| Wear comfortable, shock-absorbing shoes with a soft sole | |
| Try gentle hip stretches | |
| Try to lose weight if you're overweight |
Source: NHS, "Hip pain in adults" (2025).[1]
The NHS also mentions painkillers such as acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen, as gel or tablets.[1] Always follow the label or your doctor’s directions.
When to see a doctor
Book an appointment if:[1]
- The pain stops you from doing normal activities or affects your sleep.
- It is getting worse or keeps coming back.
- It hasn’t improved after 2 weeks of home care.
- Stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes after waking.
Urgent warning signs
Get urgent medical care if you have:[1]
- Severe pain that started suddenly without a fall or injury
- A swollen, hot hip
- Changes in skin color around the hip
- Pain with a high temperature and feeling generally unwell
And go to the ER or call 911 if you have:[1]
- Severe pain after a fall or injury
- Inability to walk or put weight on the leg
- Tingling or loss of feeling in the hip or leg after an injury
The NHS advises not driving yourself to the emergency room.[1]
If hip pain limits your movement or keeps you from sleeping, an assessment can identify the source and help you choose the right treatment.
Sources
- Hip pain in adults . NHS (UK National Health Service) , reviewed November 20, 2025.
- Global, regional, and national burden of osteoarthritis, 1990–2020 and projections to 2050: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2021 . GBD 2021 Osteoarthritis Collaborators. The Lancet Rheumatology 2023;5(9):e508–e522 , August 2023.
- CDC Clinical Practice Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Pain — United States, 2022 . Dowell D, et al. MMWR Recomm Rep 2022;71(No. RR-3):1–95, CDC , November 2022.
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