What causes hip pain in adults?
Common causes include osteoarthritis, tendon strains and bursitis. After a fall, a broken hip is a concern. An examination is needed to find the cause. Severe pain after a fall, or a hot and swollen hip with fever, needs urgent care.
Possible causes
These patterns are a guide only. Do not try to diagnose the cause yourself.
| What you notice | Possible cause |
|---|---|
| Severe pain and cannot walk after a fall or injury | Hip fracture |
| Pain, swelling or bruising after hard or repeated exercise | Sprain, strain or tendonitis |
| Over 45, pain worse on walking, stiff after moving | Osteoarthritis |
| Pain and stiffness worse after rest, such as on waking | Rheumatoid arthritis |
| Pain spreading to the thigh, worse on moving or lying on that side | Bursitis |
| Hot, swollen hip with fever or chills | Joint infection |
What can help at home
- Keep moving gently and avoid overdoing activity
- Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes, every 2 to 3 hours
- Wear supportive shoes
- Avoid carrying heavy items and sitting in low chairs
- Ask a pharmacist or doctor about pain relief that is safe for you
When to see a doctor
- Pain stops normal activities or affects your sleep
- Pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
- No improvement after 2 weeks of home treatment
- Stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes after waking
When to seek help the same day
- Sudden severe hip pain without a fall or injury
- Skin around the hip that has changed colour
- Hip pain with feeling generally unwell
Go to Accident and Emergency at once for severe hip pain after a fall or injury, if you cannot walk or put weight on the leg, for tingling or loss of feeling in the hip or leg after an injury, or for a hot, swollen hip with fever. Ask someone to take you, or call 999. Do not drive yourself.
This page gives general information. It cannot diagnose your condition or tell you which treatment suits you. See a registered doctor for advice about your own symptoms.