Skip to main content

Hip pain in adults

Hip pain is common, especially as you get older. There are things you can do to ease the pain. But sometimes it can be something serious like a hip fracture.

Information:

There is separate information about hip pain in children.

Causes of hip pain

There are lots of possible causes of hip pain. It might be caused by a sudden injury or a longer-lasting problem such as arthritis.

Do not try to diagnose the cause of the pain yourself.

Common causes of hip pain
Symptoms Possible cause

Severe pain and unable to walk after a fall or injury

Hip fracture

Pain, swelling or bruising after intense or repetitive exercise

Sprain or strain, or tendonitis

Over 45 years of age, pain worse when walking and stiffness after moving

Osteoarthritis

Pain and stiffness worse after not moving (for example, when you wake up)

Rheumatoid arthritis

Hot, swollen hip and a high temperature (or feeling hot, cold or shivery)

Joint infection (septic arthritis)

Pain that may spread to your upper leg (thigh) and may feel worse when moving or lying or your side

Bursitis

Non-urgent advice: See a GP if:

  • hip pain is stopping you doing normal activities or affecting your sleep
  • the pain is getting worse or keeps coming back
  • the pain has not improved after treating it at home for 2 weeks
  • you have hip stiffness for more than 30 minutes after waking up
Information:

Refer yourself for back or joint help 

In many areas you may be able to get help, such as physiotherapy, from NHS community musculoskeletal (MSK) services without needing a referral from a GP.

Get NHS help for back or joint problems

Urgent advice: Ask for an urgent GP appointment or get help from NHS 111 if:

  • you have severe hip pain that started suddenly but you've not had a fall or injured your hip
  • your hip is swollen and feels hot
  • the skin around your hip has changed colour
  • you have hip pain, feel generally unwell and have a high temperature (or feel hot, cold or shivery)

You can call 111 or get help from 111 online.

Immediate action required: Call 999 or go to A&E if:

  • you have severe hip pain after a fall or injury
  • you're unable to walk or put weight on your leg
  • you have any tingling or loss of feeling in your hip or leg after an injury
Find your nearest A&E
Information:

Do not drive to A&E. Ask someone to drive you or call 999 and ask for an ambulance.

Bring any medicines you take with you.

How you can ease hip pain

There are things you can do to help ease hip pain.

Do

  • try to avoid putting too much strain on your hip – it's best to keep moving if you can, but try not to overdo things

  • put an ice pack (or bag of frozen peas) in a towel on the painful area for up to 20 minutes every 2 to 3 hours

  • use painkillers such as paracetamol or ibuprofen gel (or ibuprofen tablets if needed)

  • wear comfortable, shock-absorbing shoes with a soft sole

  • try to lose weight if you're overweight

  • try gentle hip stretching exercises

Don’t

  • do not carry anything heavy

  • do not sit in low chairs – this can put extra pressure on your hips

Information:

Exercises for hip pain

Arthritis UK: exercises for the hips

Treatments for hip pain

Treatment for hip pain depends on what's causing it.

Treatments can include:

  • strong painkillers
  • simple exercises to try
  • physiotherapy for more help with exercises and stretches to ease the pain
  • occupational therapy – an occupational therapist can help with things to make your life easier, such as walking sticks or walking aids
  • steroid injections to help ease pain in your hip
  • referral to a specialist who may do a scan and discuss treatments such as surgery

Some people with pain caused by a damaged hip joint may eventually need a hip replacement if other treatments do not help.

Page last reviewed: 20 November 2025
Next review due: 20 November 2028