Hip pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints. Millions of people suffer from hip pain at some point in their lives – whether walking, sleeping in bed, or getting up from a seated position. Hip problems become particularly common with increasing age.

The causes can vary greatly. Often, wear and tear of the joint – a condition known as hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis) – is behind the discomfort. In this condition, the articular cartilage in the hip joint wears down, causing bone to rub against bone and resulting in pain.

However, osteoarthritis is not always the cause. Inflammation of the bursae, tendon irritation, or spinal problems can also trigger hip pain.

This comprehensive guide explains:

• the most common causes of hip pain
• typical pain patterns and symptoms
• when a medical examination is advisable
• what treatment options are available
• when an artificial hip joint can be useful

The goal is to provide patients with understandable guidance – while simultaneously explaining the most important medical background.

In short:

What is hip pain?

Hip pain refers to discomfort in the hip joint or surrounding structures. It can occur while walking, sitting, or lying down and often radiates into the groin, thigh, or buttocks. Common causes include hip osteoarthritis, bursitis, or muscle irritation.

What are the most common causes of hip pain?

The most common causes of hip pain are osteoarthritis of the hip, bursitis, muscle irritation, and tendon problems. Spinal disorders can also cause pain that radiates to the hip.

When should you see a doctor for hip pain?

It is advisable to visit a doctor if hip pain lasts for more than two weeks, occurs at night, restricts mobility, or resulted from an injury.

What helps against hip pain?

Depending on the cause, physiotherapy, targeted exercises, anti-inflammatory medications, or injections can help. In advanced cases of osteoarthritis, a hip replacement may be a long-term solution.

What is hip pain?

Hip pain refers to discomfort in the hip joint or surrounding structures. The hip joint connects the thigh bone to the pelvis and is one of the most stable joints in the human body.

It is a so-called ball-and-socket joint. The femoral head sits in the acetabulum and allows movements in various directions, such as:

• Bending and stretching
• Abduction of the leg
• rotation

Pain can originate directly in the joint as well as in surrounding structures. It often radiates to other areas, for example:

• into the bar
• in the thigh
• in the buttocks
• into the knee

It is precisely this radiating nature that often leads to patients not initially recognizing that their symptoms originate in the hip.

Hip pain is among the most common orthopedic complaints. It can be caused by numerous factors, including hip osteoarthritis, bursitis, muscle irritation, or spinal problems. Typical symptoms include pain in the groin, on the outside of the hip, or in the thigh.

Many patients notice hip pain, especially when walking, getting up, or at night in bed. In many cases, the discomfort is caused by overuse or inflammation of muscles or tendons. However, with increasing age, joint wear and tear is also a common cause.

Hip pain is usually diagnosed through a clinical examination and imaging procedures such as X-rays or MRI. Treatment depends on the cause. Physiotherapy, targeted exercises, or anti-inflammatory medications are often helpful.

If conservative measures are insufficient, an artificial hip joint can be implanted in cases of advanced osteoarthritis. This operation is one of the most successful orthopedic procedures and enables many patients to return to an active, pain-free life.

How common is hip pain?

Hip pain is among the most common orthopedic complaints.

suffer 10% of people, with the frequency increasing significantly with age.

The following are particularly affected:

• People between 40 and 60 years old
• sporty active people
• Overweight patients
• People with joint wear and tear

The most common causes of hip pain

There are numerous possible causes of hip pain. Some of these directly affect the hip joint, while others originate in surrounding structures.

The most common causes include:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Bursitis (inflammation of the bursa)
• Tendon irritations
• Hip impingement
• Muscle injuries
• Back pain with radiating pain

The 12 most common causes of hip pain in detail

Hip pain can arise for many different reasons. The hip joint is a complex joint surrounded by muscles, tendons, bursae, and ligaments. Discomfort can therefore originate both in the joint itself and in the surrounding structures.

The most common causes of hip pain are explained in detail below.

1. Hip osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis)

The most common cause of chronic hip pain is osteoarthritis of the hip. This involves wear and tear of the articular cartilage in the hip joint.

In a healthy hip joint, a smooth layer of cartilage ensures that the femoral head can move smoothly within the acetabulum. If this cartilage deteriorates over time, friction and inflammation result.

Typical symptoms are:

• Pain in the groin
• Pain while walking
• limited mobility
• morning stiffness

can also , pain at rest and pain at night occur.

2. Bursitis of the hip

the bursa (trochanteric bursitis) is one of the most common causes of hip pain on the outside of the hip.

Bursae are small fluid-filled cushions that act as shock absorbers between bones and tendons. If they become irritated due to overuse, a painful inflammation can develop.

Typical symptoms:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Pain when lying on one's side
• Pain when climbing stairs

3. Hip impingement

In so-called hip impingement, bone structures in the hip joint rub against each other.

This can lead to long-term damage to the articular cartilage.

Typical symptoms are:

• Groin pain
• Pain with certain movements
• limited mobility

Young, athletically active people are particularly frequently affected.

4. Muscle injuries

Muscle problems can also cause hip pain.

Typical causes:

• Muscle strains
• Muscle tension
• Overloads

These symptoms often occur after physical exertion.

5. Tendon irritation

Tendons connect muscles to bones. If they are overloaded, a painful irritation can occur.

Typical symptoms:

• Pain during movement
• Pressure pain
• Pain when climbing stairs

6. Hip dysplasia

In hip dysplasia , the hip socket is too shallow.

This results in the femoral head not being guided optimally, which can lead to joint wear and tear in the long term.

7. Labral injuries

The so-called labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the hip socket.

Injuries to this ring can lead to:

• Groin pain
• Snapping in the hip joint
• Movement restrictions

lead.

8. Back problems

Many patients are surprised to learn that hip pain can also originate in the spine.

A herniated disc or nerve irritation can cause pain that radiates down to the hip.

9. Inflammatory joint diseases

Inflammatory diseases such as rheumatism can also cause hip pain.

These symptoms often occur together with:

• Morning stiffness
• Swelling
• general feeling of illness

on.

10. Bone fractures

Especially in older people, a femoral neck fracture cause severe hip pain.

Typical symptoms are:

• sudden pain
• Inability to walk
• shortened leg

11. Overexertion through sports

Intense exercise can lead to irritation of muscles and tendons.

The following are particularly affected:

• runner
• football player
• tennis player

12. Leg deformities

Misalignments such as knock-knees or bowlegs can also lead to hip pain in the long term.

Hip osteoarthritis – the most common cause of hip pain

The most common cause of chronic hip pain is osteoarthritis of the hip (coxarthrosis). This involves wear and tear of the articular cartilage in the hip joint.

In a healthy joint, cartilage ensures that the bones can move with minimal friction. If this cartilage is damaged or broken down, the joint surfaces lose their protective function.

The result:

• pain under load
• limited mobility
• Inflammatory reactions in the joint

Typical symptoms of hip osteoarthritis are:

• Groin pain
• Pain while walking
• Pain when turning the leg
• increasing stiffness

Later on, pain at rest or pain at night occur.

When hip pain is a warning sign for osteoarthritis

Many patients wonder if their hip pain could be a sign of osteoarthritis.

Certain symptoms are particularly typical of early-stage hip osteoarthritis.

Typical early signs

Early signs can include:

• Pain in the groin
• Pain when getting up
• limited mobility

Weight-bearing pain

A classic symptom of osteoarthritis is pain during exertion.

Many patients report that their hip hurts particularly during:

• longer walks
• climbing stairs
• sporting activity

It hurts.

Start-up pain

Another typical symptom is so-called start-up pain.

The pain occurs primarily after longer periods of rest.

Pain at rest

In later stages, pain can also occur at rest.

Hip pain in Mainz – when to see a hip specialist

Hip pain can significantly impair quality of life. Many people in the Rhine-Main region suffer from hip pain when walking, getting up, or at night in bed. A medical examination is particularly advisable if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Patients from Mainz and the surrounding region should consult a hip specialistif:

• Hip pain lasts longer than a few weeks
• Pain occurs when walking or climbing stairs
• Pain radiating into the groin or thigh
• the mobility of the hip is restricted
• Nighttime pain occurs

Early diagnosis can help identify the cause of the symptoms and initiate targeted treatment.

Hip specialist in Mainz – modern treatment of hip pain

In the Rhine-Main region, there are specialized centers for the treatment of hip joint disorders. Here, patients with hip pain receive comprehensive examinations and individualized advice.

The most common causes of hip pain include:

• Hip osteoarthritis (coxarthrosis)
• Hip bursitis
• Tendon irritations
• Hip impingement
• Muscle injuries

Treatment always depends on the cause of the symptoms. In many cases, conservative measures such as physiotherapy, targeted exercises, or anti-inflammatory medications can help.

If these therapies are no longer sufficient, modern surgical procedures are available.

Recommendation: Hip specialist Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner in Mainz

Patients with persistent hip pain can benefit from the expertise of a specialized hip surgeon. A particularly experienced contact person in the Rhine-Main region is Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner.

Professor Kutzner is a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery, specializing in hip and knee replacement surgery . As a recognized expert in hip joint disorders, he has extensive experience in treating hip osteoarthritis and other hip conditions.

At his practice in the ENDOPROTHETICUM Rhein-Main in Mainz, patients with hip problems receive individual consultation and treatment. Both conservative therapies and modern surgical procedures are available.

Hip pain at night

Many patients report that their hip pain occurs particularly at night in bed .

Common causes of nighttime hip pain include:

• Bursitis
• Tendon irritations
• Osteoarthritis
• wrong sleeping position

Lying on one side for an extended period can put pressure on the structures around the hip. This can irritate bursae or tendons, causing pain.

An unsuitable bed or an unfavorable sleeping position can also exacerbate symptoms.

Hip pain when lying on your side

A very typical symptom is pain when lying on your side.

This is often caused by a so-called trochanteric pain syndrome . In this condition, the structures on the outside of the hip joint are irritated.

Typical symptoms:

• Pain on the outside of the hip
• Pain when lying on the affected side
• Pain when climbing stairs
• Pain upon pressure over the bony prominence of the femur

The cause is often inflammation of the bursa on the outside of the hip.

Hip pain when walking

Another common symptom is pain when walking.

Possible causes:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Muscle overload
• Tendon irritations
• Bursitis

Many patients report experiencing so-called start-up pain. This pain occurs primarily when getting up or after a longer period of rest and improves after a few steps.

This symptom is particularly typical of osteoarthritis.

Hip pain in the groin

Groin pain is a classic sign of problems in the hip joint.

Typical causes include:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Hip impingement
• Labrum injuries

This pain originates directly in the joint and can radiate up into the thigh.

Hip pain on the outside of the hip

Pain on the outside of the hip often has a different cause than groin pain.

Typical causes include:

• Bursitis
• Tendon irritations
• Muscle problems

These symptoms occur frequently:

• while lying on your side
• while walking
• when climbing stairs

Hip pain in the thigh

Hip pain can also radiate into the thigh.

This is because nerve pathways and muscles are interconnected.

Common causes:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Tendon irritations
• Muscle injuries

Hip pain caused by back problems

The pain doesn't always actually originate in the hip.

Problems in the lumbar spine can also cause pain that radiates down to the hip.

Typical causes:

• Herniated disc
• Nerve irritations
• Muscle tension

Such pain is referred to as referred pain .

When should you see a doctor for hip pain?

Occasional hip pain is often harmless. However, there are situations in which a medical examination is advisable.

For example, in the case of:

• severe pain
• Pain lasting longer than two weeks
• limited mobility
• nighttime pain

An orthopedist can determine the cause of the symptoms through examination and imaging.

How are hip pains diagnosed?

The diagnosis usually begins with a thorough examination.

The doctor asks:

• Pain location
• Duration of symptoms
• Movement problems
• previous injuries

The following additional tests can be used:

• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI

These examinations help to detect damage to the hip joint.

Treatment of hip pain

The treatment depends heavily on the cause.

Common treatment options include:

• Physical therapy
• Pain medication
• Injections
• targeted exercises

Many patients can significantly improve their symptoms through conservative measures alone.

Understanding and properly treating hip pain

Hip pain is a very common orthopedic problem and can have many different causes. The symptoms range from muscle problems and inflammation to joint wear and tear.

Early diagnosis is crucial for initiating the correct treatment. In many cases, conservative measures such as physiotherapy and targeted exercises are sufficient.

Should these measures prove insufficient, modern surgical procedures are now available – including the implantation of an artificial hip joint, which allows many patients to live pain-free lives again.

When is hip surgery advisable?

In some cases, conservative therapies are no longer sufficient.

In advanced cases of hip osteoarthritis, surgery may become necessary.

This often involves the insertion of an artificial hip joint (hip prosthesis) .

This operation is one of the most successful procedures in orthopedics.

Many patients can then:

• walking pain-free
• Do sports
• lead an active life

When to see a hip specialist for hip pain

for weeks or even months hip painbefore consulting a specialist. However, an early examination can be crucial to identifying the cause of the discomfort and initiating the correct treatment.

If hip pain persists or significantly restricts daily life, it is advisable to consult an experienced hip specialist . A specialist evaluation is particularly important in the case of the following symptoms:

• persistent hip pain lasting several weeks
• Pain in the groin or thigh
• Hip pain at night or when lying on your side
• increasing restriction of mobility
• Pain when walking or climbing stairs

A specialized orthopedist can determine through a targeted examination whether the symptoms , hip osteoarthritis, tendon irritation, bursitis or other joint diseases are caused

Recommendation: Hip specialist Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner

Patients with persistent hip pain can benefit from the expertise of a specialized hip surgeon. Prof. Dr. med. Karl Philipp Kutzner is a particularly experienced contact person in the field of modern hip surgery.

He is a specialist in orthopedics and trauma surgery and has specialized in artificial joint replacement of the hip and knee (endoprosthetics) . ENDOPROTHETICUM Rhein-Main is considered a specialized practice for joint surgery and endoprosthetics in the Rhine-Main region. Patients receive individual consultations and are offered modern treatment options for hip conditions.

Professor Kutzner has many years of experience in hip replacement and is deeply involved in modern, minimally invasive surgical procedures. He is considered an expert in minimally invasive techniques and short-stem prostheses, which aim to preserve as much bone and soft tissue as possible and ensure good hip joint function.

As a professor at the University Medical Center Mainz, he is also scientifically active and deals with innovative concepts in hip endoprosthetics.

Individual consultation for hip pain

Especially when conservative therapies are no longer sufficient or there is a suspicion of advanced hip osteoarthritis , individual consultation with a specialized hip surgeon can be beneficial.

Such an investigation can, for example, clarify the following questions:

• What exactly is the cause of my hip pain?
• Is surgery necessary, or are there still conservative options?
• What modern treatment options are available for hip osteoarthritis?
• When is an artificial hip joint advisable?

Through careful diagnosis and individual therapy planning, an optimal solution for the symptoms can often be found.

FAQ on the topic of hip pain

1. What is hip pain?

Hip pain refers to discomfort in the area of ​​the hip joint or the surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

2. Where exactly do you feel hip pain?

Typical pain locations are:

• bar
• outer side of the hip
• buttocks
• Thigh

3. What is the most common cause of hip pain?

The most common cause is osteoarthritis, i.e., wear and tear of the hip joint.

4. Why does hip pain occur at night?

Nighttime hip pain is often caused by bursitis or osteoarthritis.

5. What does hip pain mean when lying on your side?

This symptom often indicates bursitis on the outside of the hip.

6. What does hip pain mean when walking?

Pain when walking can be caused by osteoarthritis, muscle problems, or tendon irritation.

7. When are hip pains dangerous?

If pain occurs suddenly, is very severe, or is accompanied by fever.

8. Can hip pain originate in the back?

Yes. Problems in the lumbar spine can cause pain that radiates into the hip.

9. Can hip pain radiate down to the knee?

Yes. This is particularly typical in hip osteoarthritis.

10. What helps quickly against hip pain?

Often helpful:

• Rest
• cooling
• Anti-inflammatory medication

11. Which exercises help with hip pain?

Targeted stretching exercises and muscle training can reduce discomfort.

12. Is exercise good for hip pain?

Yes, moderate exercise can improve joint function.

13. Which sports are good for the hips?

Recommended are:

• Swimming
• Cycling
• Walking

14. Which sports put a lot of strain on the hips?

For example:

• football
• Jogging on hard surfaces
• intensive strength training

15. What is hip impingement?

A form of hip joint misalignment in which bone fragments rub against each other.

16. What is bursitis of the hip?

Inflammation of a bursa on the outside of the hip joint.

17. How is hip osteoarthritis diagnosed?

Mostly through clinical examination and X-rays.

18. Can hip osteoarthritis be cured?

Osteoarthritis cannot be cured, but it can be treated well.

19. When is a hip replacement necessary?

When pain and restricted movement are severe and conservative therapies no longer help.

20. How long does a hip replacement last?

Modern hip replacements often last 20 years or longer.

21. Can being overweight cause hip pain?

Yes, being overweight increases the strain on the hip joint.

22. Can hip pain be caused by sports?

Yes, especially due to overuse or muscle injuries.

23. What does hip pain in the groin mean?

Groin pain is often an indication of problems in the hip joint.

24. What does pain on the outside of the hip mean?

Pain on the outside of the hip is often caused by bursitis.

25. What helps with hip pain at night?

A pillow between the knees can relieve pressure on the hips.

26. When should you have physiotherapy?

If hip pain persists or recurs.

27. Can hip pain originate in the spine?

Yes, especially in cases of herniated discs.

28. Can stress worsen hip pain?

Yes, muscle tension can worsen symptoms.

29. How can you prevent hip pain?

Through exercise, muscle training and a healthy body weight.

30. When should you see a hip specialist?

If hip pain persists for weeks or severely restricts daily life.