Cymraeg
Hip Pain is a common muscle joint and bone symptom.
Hip Pain
Where is it felt?
Hip Pain is pain that can be felt in your groin, buttock, outside of the hip (by your pockets) and down the thigh
How could it affect me?
- The symptoms can be felt with simple day to day activities such as walking, crossing your legs, getting in and out of a car, putting shoes and socks on
- Hip pain can affect our ability to carry out daily activities, including work and hobbies
- At times the pain can feel severe and for some be ongoing. This can affect our general well-being and mental health
Why does it happen?
Hip Pain can start because of an injury (for example a trip or twisting incident), from doing more than you normally do (for example increased activity or exercise) or it can also start for no obvious reason.
It can affect any of us at any age but is more common as we get older.
Is it serious?
Although the pain and disability caused by an episode or flare of hip pain can be severe at first, it is not always a sign of serious injury or damage.
However you will need to see your GP if:
- You notice a lump in your groin, or you have pain in your groin on coughing or straining (for example toileting or lifting)
- If you are feeling unwell, sick or have a fever with hip pain
If you have had a recent hip injury and you are unable to weight bear you need to be assessed in a minor injuries department if you live in Gwent.
Will it get better?
The answer for most people is yes as most symptoms will ease in the first 2 to 6 weeks for a new onset of hip pain or a flare-up of longstanding hip pain. It can take some people longer to get back to their normal and some describe ongoing problems.
Taking steps to look after your physical and mental health can give the best opportunity of a successful recovery.
What can I do to help myself?
Some of the most important things you can do to help your hip pain are related to your lifestyle choices and general health. We have provided some useful links to help guide you through.
The information in Step Two and Step Three explains the factors that can affect the severity and impact of muscle joint and bone symptoms.
Step Two explains the factors that may be contributing to your situation.
Step Three explains self-management advice on what you can do to help yourself.
Following the 3-step process will help you make the most out of the information on this website.
Learn more about:
Alongside the self-management advice in Step Three, some general exercises for hip pain can be helpful to support a gradual return to normal movement and function.
What can be done to help me?
An assessment of your problem and treatment may be necessary if the self-management advice in Step 3 does not help. Consider seeking further help.
If you continue to be concerned about the symptoms you are experiencing and are unsure what to do contact your GP practice or ring NHS Wales 111.
