Hip pain can be frustrating, especially when it starts interfering with your daily routine. Whether it’s a dull ache, sharp pain, or stiffness, discomfort in the right hip area can stem from a variety of causes. But what’s behind it, and when should you seek help?
If you’re experiencing pain in your right hip, let’s take a look at some of the most common causes and what you can do to ease the discomfort.
1. Hip Bursitis
One of the most frequent culprits behind hip pain, particularly in women, is bursitis. This occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) around your hip joint become inflamed, often due to repetitive movement or prolonged pressure.
Symptoms: Aching or burning pain on the outside of your hip, often worse at night or after sitting for long periods.
Treatment: Rest, ice, gentle stretching, and anti-inflammatory medication can help settle symptoms. If it persists, physiotherapy or a corticosteroid injection may be needed.
2. Hip Arthritis
As we get older, osteoarthritis becomes a more common reason for hip discomfort. This wear and tear of the joint can cause stiffness, pain, and a reduced range of motion.
Symptoms: Morning stiffness, aching pain in the groin or outer hip, and discomfort when walking or climbing stairs.
Treatment: Staying active, strengthening the surrounding muscles, and using pain relief strategies can help manage symptoms and maintain mobility.
3. Hip Flexor Strain
If you’ve recently overdone it at the gym or had a sudden increase in activity, your hip flexor muscles (which help you lift your knee and bend at the waist) might be the source of your pain.
Symptoms: Pain at the front of your hip, especially when lifting your leg or stretching.
Treatment: Rest, gentle stretching, and avoiding high-impact exercises until the muscles heal.
4. Sciatica or Nerve Irritation
Pain in the right hip area isn’t always caused by the hip joint itself. Sometimes, irritation of the sciatic nerve (which runs from your lower back down your leg) can cause shooting or burning pain in the hip and thigh.
Symptoms: Pain that radiates from the lower back down into the hip, buttock, or leg. It may feel sharp, tingly, or like an electric shock.
Treatment: Gentle movement, stretching, and avoiding prolonged sitting can help. If the pain is severe, physiotherapy or targeted pain relief may be needed.
5. Hip Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions your hip joint. Injuries, overuse, or structural issues can cause small tears, leading to pain and instability.
Symptoms: Sharp pain in the hip or groin, clicking sensations, and a feeling like your hip is "catching" or locking.
Treatment: Strengthening exercises, modifying activities, and, in some cases, surgery may be needed to repair the tear.
When Should You See a Doctor?
While mild hip pain often improves with rest and self-care, you should seek medical advice if you experience:
✅ Pain that lasts more than a few weeks or worsens over time
✅ Difficulty walking, weight-bearing, or moving your hip
✅ Swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint
✅ Pain that radiates down your leg or is associated with numbness/tingling
Pain in the right hip area can have various causes, from simple muscle strains to more persistent joint conditions. The key is to listen to your body; if the pain is mild, rest and targeted exercises might do the trick. But if it persists or worsens, getting the right diagnosis and treatment can make all the difference.
If hip pain is affecting your quality of life, don’t ignore it. Reach out to your healthcare provider or a private specialist like myself to get the support and care you need.
