What Is Hip Pain? Causes, Treatment, and When to Get Help

Your hips carry a lot—your weight, your movement, your balance. So when they start hurting, even small things like walking or sleeping can feel like a struggle.

But hip pain isn’t always easy to figure out. Sometimes it shows up after a fall or workout. Other times, it creeps in slowly and lingers for weeks. So what causes hip pain—and when should you actually do something about it?

Here’s what you need to know.

First Off—What Exactly Is Hip Pain?

Hip pain refers to discomfort in or around your hip joint. That’s the spot where your thigh bone (femur) connects with your pelvis. It’s a major joint that supports movement, balance, and pretty much every step you take.

Depending on the issue, you might feel pain:

• Deep inside your joint (like a dull ache or grinding)
• Around the outside of your hip (usually soft tissue or muscle-related)
• In your lower back or groin (referred pain is common)

Some people feel it only when walking or lying on one side. Others feel it constantly—especially first thing in the morning or late at night.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

Hip pain isn’t a one-size-fits-all thing. It can come from bones, joints, muscles, tendons, nerves—or even how your body is shaped. Here are a few of the most common culprits:

• Arthritis
  
  • Osteoarthritis – Wear-and-tear damage over time
  • Rheumatoid arthritis – Autoimmune joint inflammation
  • Ankylosing spondylitis – Chronic inflammation that can affect the spine and hips
• Hip Bursitis
  Inflammation of the bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that cushion your joints:
  • Trochanteric bursitis (outer hip pain)
  • Iliopectineal bursitis (front groin pain)
• Injuries
  
  • Hip strains or sprains
  • Hip flexor injuries
  • Labral tears
  • Iliotibial band syndrome
  • Dislocations or fractures
• Structural Issues
  
  • Hip impingement (FAI)
  • Hip dysplasia

How We Treat Hip Pain at Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine

We’re not just focused on temporary relief. We treat the root cause using non-surgical, drug-free solutions that support your body’s natural healing process.

• Rest, Ice, and Compression (RICE) – For acute injuries, we guide you through basic recovery steps.
• Targeted Chiropractic Care – Gentle adjustments to realign the hips and relieve pressure on muscles and nerves.
• Regenerative Therapies – Reduce inflammation and promote tissue repair long-term.
• Physical Therapy & Rehab – Custom plans with strength, mobility, and flexibility training.

When Should You See a Doctor?

• Pain lasts more than a few days
• Trouble walking or sleeping
• Grinding, clicking, or locking sensation
• You're avoiding daily tasks because of pain

Seek emergency care if:

• You suspect a fracture or dislocation
• You’ve had a fall or accident and can’t move your leg

Can You Prevent Hip Pain?

• Warm up and stretch before workouts
• Address soreness early
• Use proper lifting/movement technique
• Strengthen your core and glutes
• Don’t sit or stand too long without breaks
• Stay hydrated and eat joint-supporting foods

Let’s Get You Moving Again

At Absolute Integrative Physical Medicine, we don’t just treat symptoms—we help you get back to doing what you love, pain-free.

Whether your hip pain is brand new or something you’ve been ignoring for months, now’s the time to get answers. We’ll create a personalized care plan to help you heal, move better, and prevent future problems.

📞 Call us today at (707) 474-5688 or schedule your consultation online.

Let’s get to the root of your hip pain—and get you back in motion.