The hip
The hip joint transmits force through our lower limbs and allows us to walk, run and jump. It is a ball and socket joint. The head of the thigh bone or femur sits in a deep socket on the pelvis. This allows the joint to be very flexible. Due to its depth and the strong capsule, muscles and tendons surrounding the joint, it is very stable and dislocation is rare. Pain is usually due to natural wear, strain or a fall.
Hip pain can be felt in the groin, thigh and the outer hip. The lower back can also spread pain to the hip, buttock and knee. Most hip pain is due to increased demands on the soft tissues, for example if you have exercised or done too much. This often settles in a few days and you do not need to see your GP. You may need further advice from a physiotherapist, but keeping your hip moving and continuing to be active is likely to help.
If you have significant pain following a fall or impact it is possible you may have a fracture. If you are older, you are more at risk. If this is the case then we advise that you seek urgent medical help. Please call 111 or use NHS 111 online
Exercises for the Hip
- Versus Arthritis - Exercises for the hips
- NHS Fitness Studio - Arthritis Pilates Exercise Video
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton - Exercises for the Hip
Other useful links
- The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy - Hip Pain
- Versus Arthritis - Hip Pain Information
- University Hospitals of Derby and Burton - Hip Pain Information
- MSK Decision Making Tool - Primary Care & Self Care - Hip
- MSK Decision Making Tool - Thinking about a Referral - Hip
- Keele University Pain Recorder App
- Versus Arthritis - Keep moving booklet
- Keele Univeristy Osteoarthritis Guidebook
We would recommend seeking further advice and medical assessment if you have any of the following:
- If you have been involved in a trauma and you are experiencing severe pain with a reduction of movement
- If after a few weeks your pain is no better with over-the-counter pain relief
- If you have symptoms such as pins and needles, weakness, or, numbness in your arms or legs
- If you have severe pain at night, that doesn’t get better with movement to try and make yourself more comfortable
- If you are unable to weight bear more than a few steps through your leg because of the pain
- If your leg appears deformed or rotated more than the other leg