Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Walk?

How Common Is Hip Pain?

Hip pain is a prevalent symptom among people of all ages. Studies indicate that around 10% of the general population experiences chronic hip pain, with women aged 40-60 particularly vulnerable. 

In adolescents, the prevalence of hip or groin pain over a three-month period is estimated at 12% based on systematic reviews. 

When narrowing to adults, the rates for hip osteoarthritis (a leading cause of hip pain) range from 0.4% to 27%, depending on age and clinical evaluation criteria. The global burden of hip pain continues to grow due to aging populations and increased physical activity levels.

Key Causes of Hip Pain When Walking

• Osteoarthritis: Most common in older adults, this degenerative joint disease is responsible for a large proportion of chronic hip pain. The wear and tear of cartilage leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Restricted range of motion, especially internal rotation, is highly predictive of osteoarthritis.
• Bursitis: Once thought to explain most side hip pain, recent research confirms that only about 10% of side hip pain cases are due to bursitis, with the majority resulting from tendinopathy of the surrounding gluteal muscles and tendons. Bursitis involves inflammation of the bursa—a fluid-filled sac that cushions bones and soft tissues.
• Tendinitis: Overuse or repetitive strain often causes tendinitis, manifesting as pain at the outer side of the hip. Running, walking, and sports with sudden movements are frequent triggers.
• Labral Tears & Impingement: Especially in younger, active adults, damage or abnormal contact affecting the labrum (cartilage rim of the hip socket) can lead to pain felt in the groin, side, or buttock regions. Studies show femoroacetabular impingement is highly prevalent among young and middle-aged populations presenting with hip pain.
• Muscle or Tendon Strain: Repetitive loading of the hip, whether through exercise, running, or daily activities, can strain muscles and ligaments, resulting in discomfort during walking and standing.
• Other Causes: Additional problems like pinched nerves, fractures, and systemic diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia) can also cause hip pain.

Outer Hip Pain: The Facts

Outer hip pain, or lateral hip pain, typically stems from issues affecting the muscles, tendons, or bursae located on the outside of the hip joint. 

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS) is a frequent diagnosis for pain felt on the outer hip, thigh, or buttock, especially among active individuals and older women. Pain is often aggravated by walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side.

Impact and Demographics

• Gender Differences: Abnormal hip x-rays are more prevalent in males, but females report a higher incidence of hip pain. Women aged 40-60 are especially affected due to hormonal and anatomical factors.
• Sports Participation: Athletes participating in running, soccer, and dancing experience higher rates of hip pain due to repetitive micro-injuries.
• Aging Population: Hip pain and degenerative conditions such as osteoarthritis become markedly more common with age, and the overall prevalence of lower limb pain (encompassing the hip) in U.S. adults was 36.5% as of 2019.

Should You Talk to a Hip Doctor?

While some episodes of hip pain may resolve with self-care, persistent, worsening, or recurrent symptoms warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional. Signs like significant pain with walking, difficulty bearing weight, swelling, or night pain should prompt investigation for underlying structural issues or inflammatory conditions.

Finding an orthopaedic hip specialist is the first step towards walking pain-free and getting your hips back in order. Schedule a consultation and discover a personalized treatment plan that finally addresses your pain.