Testing for hip pain involves a doctor observing your gait, checking range of motion, performing specific physical maneuvers like the Thomas Test, palpating the area for tenderness, and potentially using imaging (X-ray, MRI, Ultrasound) to diagnose issues like arthritis, tendon tears, or fractures, with pain relief from a steroid injection also pinpointing the joint as the source.
Investigations. The first investigation of choice in a patient with hip pain following trauma is a hip x-ray. This will be an AP radiograph of the pelvis and a lateral radiograph of the painful hip. Fractures are not always identified on initial x-ray imaging.
It's normal to get aches and pains in your hips and pelvic area when you're pregnant. Pregnancy hormones are relaxing your ligaments . This loosens up your pelvic bones so they can shift and open for childbirth. Try these tips to manage pelvic and hip pain.
The physical examination of the hip by your doctor includes a visual inspection of your hip, palpation of the hip to diagnose tenderness or any abnormality, etc; and testing range of motion of the hip.
Red flags for hip pain needing urgent attention include sudden, severe pain after injury, inability to bear weight, significant swelling/redness/warmth, night pain disrupting sleep, fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, neurological symptoms (weakness/numbness), or a history of cancer, as these can signal serious issues like fractures, infections, or malignancy, requiring prompt medical evaluation beyond typical muscle soreness.
Pain felt on the inside of the hip or in the groin area typically suggests issues within the hip joint itself. Hip pain on the outer side of the hip, upper thigh or outer buttock typically is related to issues with the muscles, ligaments, tendons or other soft tissues, such as bursal sacs, surrounding the hip joint.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should consult an orthopedic physician:
Misdiagnosis #2: Lower Back Pain
Because the spine, pelvis, and hip work together, it's not uncommon for patients with hip joint pathology to be misdiagnosed with lumbar spine issues such as herniated discs or sciatica.
The stiffness tends to be worse first thing in the morning but tends to loosen up after an hour or so. Pain, stiffness and weakness around the hips can lead to problems walking, putting on shoes and socks and activities such as getting in or out of the car. Eventually it can disturb your sleep.
Understanding Implantation Cramping and Bleeding
One of the earliest types of early pregnancy pain is implantation cramping, which happens when the fertilized egg attaches to your uterine wall. This typically occurs 6 to 12 days after conception, often before you've even missed a period.
Hip pain during pregnancy is a common symptom that you may experience. This discomfort is most often felt late in pregnancy, specifically during the third trimester. This occurs because your body is preparing itself for labor.
5 Causes of Women's Hip Pain
Sudden one-sided hip pain is indicative of an injury to one of the structures in the joint. Other issues in the back and spine can also cause hip pain. For example, inflammation of the nerves in the spine or sciatica may lead to hip pain, especially on one side of the body. You may also have back or leg pain.
Affected individuals might indicate the location of pain by gripping the lateral hip, just above the greater trochanter, between the abducted thumb and index finger. This is known as the C sign ( Figure 1 ). Pain is often described as dull or aching in nature and might become worse after prolonged periods of sitting.
MRI of the hip helps diagnose or evaluate: hip pain or stiffness. degenerative joint disorders such as arthritis. bone fractures that may not be visible on x-rays and other imaging tests.
Palpation of the Hip Joint
The movements of the hip joint are tested passively by your doctor. Flexion of the hip is tested by keeping the left hand under the lower back and checking for the range of flexion in each hip at a time. The normal range of flexion is from neutral position to 120 degrees.
You may need a hip replacement if you experience persistent or recurring pain in or around the hip joint, coupled with significant stiffness and limited mobility. Key indicators include difficulty performing everyday tasks, difficulty standing on one leg, and disturbed sleep.
Hip pain – this is localised in the buttock and groin. You may feel pain in the thigh and down towards the knee. It may initially be present when you put weight on the leg or while walking. Hip stiffness – it may be difficult to bend over or move the leg of your affected hip.
Where you feel the pain depends on which part of your hip joint is damaged. You might feel hip pain: Close to the surface above or around your hip (usually an issue with your muscles, tendons or ligaments). Deeper inside your hip joint (pain that comes from your bones or cartilage).
One of the quickest ways to relieve hip pain is through the application of ice or heat. For acute injuries or inflammation, applying ice for 15-20 minutes every few hours can help reduce swelling and numb the pain. On the other hand, for chronic pain or stiffness, heat therapy can be more beneficial.
Common Symptoms of Hip Bursitis
Some conditions behind chronic hip pain include hip fracture, arthritis, trochanteric bursitis, and avascular necrosis. If you experience pain or discomfort in your hip, seek immediate medical assistance. You can book an appointment with us by contacting us on our website.
Hip arthritis often feels like a deep ache or sharp pain in the groin, thigh, buttocks, or outer hip, worsening with activity, after rest (especially morning stiffness), and making movement like bending or walking difficult, sometimes accompanied by a grinding (crepitus) or locking sensation.
Ask someone to drive you to urgent care or the emergency room if your hip pain is caused by an injury and includes any of the following: A joint that appears deformed or out of place or a leg that appears shortened. Inability to move your leg or hip. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.