Hip pain can affect walking, standing, climbing stairs, exercise, and sleep. Because discomfort around the hip may come from the joint itself, surrounding muscles or tendons, the lower back, or nearby nerves, a careful assessment is often needed to determine the source.
This article is for general education and is not a diagnosis. Persistent, severe, or worsening hip pain should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional.
What Can Cause Hip Pain?
Hip pain can be associated with joint degeneration, soft-tissue irritation, injury, overuse, bursitis, tendon problems, fractures, or referred pain from another region. Age, activity level, prior injuries, and existing medical conditions can all influence the differential diagnosis.
MedlinePlus (opens in a new tab) provides neutral patient information about hip injuries and disorders. The National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases also publishes general information about joint and musculoskeletal health.
When Hip Pain Should Be Assessed
Medical evaluation is important when hip pain persists, limits walking or range of motion, follows trauma, causes increasing difficulty with daily activities, or is accompanied by other concerning symptoms.
An orthopedic assessment can help identify whether the main problem involves the joint, bone, muscle, tendon, or another part of the musculoskeletal system.
Orthopedic Evaluation and Musculoskeletal Checkup in Cuba
Patients considering evaluation in Cuba can review CubaHeal’s Orthopedic Evaluation Program. The program page describes a structured assessment that includes patient history, physical examination, diagnostic imaging, laboratory testing when needed, functional assessment, and individualized planning based on the findings.
For a broader review of musculoskeletal health, the Musculoskeletal System and Orthopedics Medical Checkup covers assessment of bones, joints, muscles, tendons, ligaments, nerves, imaging, laboratory testing, and additional diagnostic studies when indicated.
Why the Exact Location of Hip Pain Matters
Pain felt in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or upper thigh may point clinicians toward different structures. A physical examination can assess gait, range of motion, strength, tenderness, and other findings that help determine what further testing may be appropriate.
Preparing for an Orthopedic Assessment Abroad
Patients should collect prior imaging, medical reports, medication lists, rehabilitation notes, and information about when symptoms began. If there has been previous hip surgery or trauma, operative reports and prior imaging are particularly useful.
CubaHeal can help international patients coordinate the administrative steps involved in seeking orthopedic assessment in Cuba.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does hip pain always mean arthritis?
No. Arthritis is one possible cause, but many other conditions can produce pain around the hip.
Can back problems cause hip-area pain?
Yes. Pain can sometimes be referred from the lower back or nerves, which is another reason examination is important.
Will every patient need imaging?
Not necessarily. Imaging is ordered according to the history, examination, and clinical question.