Hip Pain While Walking

The location of the pain often provides a first clue:

• Groin or front of the hip: often the hip joint itself, consider osteoarthritis, FAI or a labral tear.
• Side of the hip: usually tendon-related, gluteal tendinopathy or TFL tendinopathy.
• Buttock or back: hamstring tendinopathy or deep gluteal syndrome.
• Lower back radiating to the hip: often back-related, not the hip joint.

• First steps after rest painful, then better: typical for hip osteoarthritis.
• Pain increases the longer you walk: may indicate osteoarthritis, FAI or overuse.
• Sudden sharp pain at the start: consider a labral tear or mechanical injury.
• Pain especially when walking uphill or climbing stairs: often gluteal or iliopsoas tendon.

1. Temporarily reduce walking distance by 50% instead of stopping entirely. 2. Alternate high-impact activities with cycling or swimming. 3. Strengthen your gluteal muscles, a weak gluteus medius is a common cause. 4. Good running shoes with adequate cushioning. 5. Short-term anti-inflammatory medication for acute pain.

No improvement after 3 weeks? Schedule a consultation.