Hip pain

What it feels like

• Groin or front-of-thigh pain on walking or standing up
• Stiffness that makes it hard to bend, cross the legs or put on socks
• A limp, or shortening of the stride
• Pain at night, especially lying on the affected side
• Pain in the buttock or down the leg, which may point to the spine instead

Common causes

• Osteoarthritis

  Wear of the joint cartilage, producing stiffness and groin pain that build over years.

• Avascular necrosis

  Loss of blood supply to the ball of the hip joint, which can weaken the bone and lead to collapse of the joint surface. It can affect younger adults and is sometimes linked to steroid use or heavy alcohol intake.

• Fractures

  Hip fractures are common after falls in older adults, and often mean the leg cannot bear weight and may look shortened or turned outwards.

• Tendon and bursa problems

  Pain on the outer side of the hip, worse lying on it, usually from the tendons and the fluid-filled bursa over the bony point of the hip.

• Labral tears and impingement

  Damage to the cartilage rim of the socket, often in active younger people, causing catching and groin pain with deep bending.

• Referred pain from the spine

  A trapped nerve in the lower back can be felt in the hip, buttock and leg.

When to seek care straight away

How it is assessed at the centre

1. 01A consultation and examination of the hip and the lower back, since both can cause similar pain.
2. 02Digital X-ray on site to look for arthritis, fracture or changes in the shape of the joint.
3. 03Blood tests, arranged where inflammation or infection is a possibility.
4. 04An MRI scan, arranged when avascular necrosis or a labral tear is suspected, as these may not show on X-ray early on.

Treatment options

• Non-surgical care

  Pain relief, a walking aid where needed, and physiotherapy at the on-site department to keep the joint moving and the muscles strong.

  Joint Disorders

• Joint-preserving procedures

  For earlier disease, procedures that aim to relieve pain and protect the joint surface.

  Joint Disorders

• Hip replacement

  For advanced arthritis or avascular necrosis with collapse of the joint, the ball and socket are replaced with an implant, followed by early mobilisation and rehabilitation.

  Joint Replacement Surgery

• Fracture care

  Hip and pelvic fractures are treated at any hour by the trauma team, with fixation or replacement depending on the fracture and the patient.

  Accident & Complex Trauma Care

Questions patients ask

How do I know whether the pain is from my hip or my back?

Hip-joint pain is usually felt in the groin and is worse on walking and turning; pain from the spine is more often in the buttock and travels down the leg. The examination and an X-ray usually settle it.

When is a hip replacement considered?

When arthritis or avascular necrosis causes persistent pain and stiffness that limit walking, sleep or daily activities, and non-surgical treatment no longer helps.

How do I book a consultation?

Call 080 2664 3970 or 96201 51588 during consultation hours, Monday to Saturday, 10.00 am to 1.00 pm and 5.00 pm to 8.00 pm.

What if it happens at night or on a Sunday?

Accident and trauma care is available at any hour. Call the emergency line, 98450 75749.