2025 Hip Pain When Walking: Causes, Treatments & Costs Explained

Experiencing hip pain while walking can disrupt your daily routine at any age. Understanding the root causes is essential for effective treatment and improved mobility.

The exact location of your hip pain, combined with other symptoms and your medical history, guides healthcare professionals in diagnosing the issue and recommending personalized treatments.

Common reasons for hip pain during walking include:

• Various forms of arthritis
• Injuries and tissue damage
• Nerve-related complications
• Structural and alignment problems

Let's explore these causes in detail.

Primary Reasons for Hip Pain While Walking

Arthritis and Its Impact

Arthritis affects individuals across all age groups and is a frequent cause of hip discomfort. Past injuries can increase the likelihood of developing arthritis, especially among athletes involved in high-impact sports.

Studies reveal that over 14% of adults aged 60+ report significant hip pain, often linked to arthritis around the joint.

Key arthritis types contributing to hip pain include:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis, common in children
• Osteoarthritis, resulting from joint wear and tear
• Rheumatoid arthritis, an autoimmune disorder affecting joints
• Ankylosing spondylitis, primarily targeting the spine
• Psoriatic arthritis, impacting both skin and joints
• Septic arthritis, caused by joint infections

Injuries, Inflammation, and Related Conditions

Damage to the hip or adjacent areas such as the knee can cause pain by affecting bones, ligaments, or tendons, often triggering inflammation.

Muscle and Tendon Disorders

• Bursitis: inflammation of fluid-filled sacs cushioning the hip joint
• Sprains and strains from overuse of muscles and ligaments
• Tendinitis: irritation or damage to tendons connecting muscles to bones
• Hip labral tears disrupting cartilage stability
• Toxic synovitis causing hip pain in children
• Inguinal hernia resulting from abdominal wall weakness

Bone injuries, including fractures and cancers spreading to the hip, also contribute to walking pain.

Bone Disorders Affecting the Hip

• Hip fractures or breaks
• Dislocations where the femur slips out of the socket
• Osteoporosis leading to fragile bones
• Osteomyelitis, a bone infection
• Bone cancer and leukemia affecting bone marrow
• Legg-Calve-Perthes disease in children due to poor blood supply
• Avascular necrosis causing temporary blood flow loss to the femur head

Nerve-Related Hip Pain

Nerve compression or damage near the hip can cause significant discomfort during walking.

• Sciatica: nerve pinch in the lower back radiating pain to hip and leg
• Sacroiliitis: inflammation at the spine-pelvis junction causing nerve pain
• Meralgia paresthetica: outer thigh nerve irritation from factors like obesity or tight clothing

Additional Factors Contributing to Hip Pain

Gait abnormalities and muscle weakness in hips, knees, or legs can create uneven pressure, worsening hip pain. Issues in other joints, such as flat feet or knee injuries, may indirectly cause hip discomfort.

Effective Treatments for Hip Pain in 2024

Treatment depends largely on the underlying cause. Minor issues like nerve irritation or mild sprains may resolve naturally, but persistent pain often benefits from targeted therapies.

Physical therapy is a cornerstone of treatment, focusing on strengthening hip and knee muscles and enhancing core stability to maintain joint balance during movement.

• Exercises including clamshells, bridges, hamstring, and quadriceps strengthening
• Low-impact full-body workouts to support core muscles

Other treatment options include:

• Over-the-counter and prescription NSAIDs (aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen)
• Topical pain relief creams and ointments
• Warm or cold compresses to reduce inflammation
• Knee braces and orthotic shoe inserts
• Muscle relaxants and steroid injections
• Prescription medications for pain and inflammation
• Massage and chiropractic therapies
• Surgical interventions when necessary
• Assistive devices like canes or crutches

Consulting a healthcare provider is crucial to tailor treatment plans. Use tools like Healthline FindCare to locate specialists near you.

When to See a Doctor

If hip pain persists beyond a couple of days or worsens despite home care, seek medical evaluation. Inform your doctor about any recent injuries.

Diagnostic methods may include:

• Physical exams such as Patrick and impingement tests to pinpoint pain sources
• X-rays for bone fractures or damage
• MRI scans to assess soft tissue injuries
• Ultrasound for joint and tendon evaluation

Practical Tips to Manage Hip Pain

• Wear supportive, comfortable footwear
• Choose loose-fitting clothes to avoid pressure on hips
• Use knee braces or orthotics if you have related joint issues
• Consider back support braces for added stability
• Avoid prolonged standing on hard floors; use anti-fatigue mats
• Adjust workspaces to promote good posture
• Utilize canes or walking sticks to reduce strain
• Keep essentials nearby to minimize unnecessary walking
• Limit stair use and keep frequently used items on one level

Optimal Sitting Practices

Use cushions or foam seats that offer firm yet comfortable support. Avoid overly hard or soft surfaces to maintain proper hip alignment and reduce pressure.

Improving posture can significantly balance hip joint stress.

Summary

Hip pain during walking is a common issue that can stem from diverse causes, many of which are manageable with modern treatments. Early diagnosis and a comprehensive care plan, including physical therapy and lifestyle adjustments, can greatly enhance quality of life.

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