Jump to content

Choose locationKahi Mohala
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Open I want to choose my medical group or hospital
    • Clear my location
Change Location

We've expanded your view

You are now viewing all services in the Sutter Health network. You can change your location above to narrow your view to a medical group, hospital, city or zip.
Sutter Health
  • Video Visits
  • Find Doctors
  • Find Locations
  • Treatments & Services
  • Locations
  • Sign in or Enroll
    • Video Visits
    • Find Doctors
    • Find Locations
    • Treatments & Services
    • COVID-19 Resources
    • Pay a Bill
    • Symptom Checker
    • Get Care Today
    • Diseases & Conditions
    • Health & Wellness
    • Classes & Events
    • Research & Clinical Trials
    • For Patients
    • About Sutter Health
    • Giving
    • Volunteering
    • Careers
    • News
    • For Medical Professionals
    • Other Business Services
Close Search
  • Home
  • Kāhi Mōhala
  • Ask an Expert
  • What is Causing Hip Pain?
Content

Ask An Expert

What is Causing Hip Pain?

Arfan Din

Arfan Din, D.O.

Sutter Davis Hospital

Sutter Medical Foundation

Question:

I'd like to know if I have a hip problem or if it's something else. When I sit down and then get up and start to walk, my thigh hurts so much that it's hard for me to continue walking. The pain does go away eventually.

Answer:

Hip ian is a very common problem. Fortunately for most people, this is just a minor sprain of the hip flexors (muscles) that resolves with some stretching and time. Persistent hip pain, however, is a problem that requires a doctor's visit.

When people say that their "hip hurts", they are actually often pointing to the side of their upper thigh. Localized and persistent pain in this area is not technically the hip - but the hip bursa or tendon. This almost never requires surgery and can be treated with oral anti-inflammatories, icing, stretching and physical therapy. Sometimes a cortisone injection can do wonders.

Pain in the groin or thigh region related to hip motion may actually be hip arthritis (wear and tear in the hip joint). This often needs to evaluated by an x-ray and may require surgery or physical therapy. Your doctor can best sort out your particular type of hip pain.

Related Questions

Question
  • Hip Replacement, Exercise and Weight Loss
    I had full hip replacement surgery last year (left side) and it worked well. However, my right hip is now hurting. How can I lose weight effectively without irritating the bad hip?
  • Hip Joint "Popping"
    I notice that my hip joint pops a lot more than it used to. Should I be concerned?
  • Hyaluronic Acid Injections
    I have heard about hyaluronic acid injections for knee pain. What are they, and who is a candidate for this therapy?
  • Concussions in Children and Teens
    I'm concerned about my child getting a concussion while taking part in organized athletics. What can I do?
  • Neuropathy Pain in Legs and Feet
    I have neuropathy in both feet and legs. They feel heavy and at night they sometimes burn. My feet feel like I have a second skin, which makes it difficult to wiggle my toes and arch my feet.

Back to Bones, Joints and Muscles

The Sutter Health Network of Care
Expertise to fit your needs
Primary Care

Check-ups, screenings and sick visits for adults and children.

Specialty Care

Expertise and advanced technologies in all areas of medicine.

Emergency Care

For serious accidents, injuries and conditions that require immediate medical care.

Urgent Care

After-hours, weekend and holiday services.

Walk-In Care

Convenient walk-in care clinics for your non-urgent health needs.

About Sutter

  • About Our Network
  • Annual Report
  • Awards
  • Community Benefit
  • Contact Us
  • News
  • Giving
  • Find Care

  • Birth Centers
  • Care Centers
  • Emergency Rooms
  • Hospitals
  • Imaging
  • Labs
  • Surgery Centers
  • Urgent Care
  • Walk-In Care
  • View All >
  • Featured Services

  • Behavioral Health
  • Cancer Services
  • Family Medicine
  • Home Health and Hospice
  • Orthopedics
  • Pediatrics
  • Pregnancy
  • Primary Care
  • Women's Health
  • View All >
  • Patient Resources

  • Accepted Health Plans
  • Classes and Events
  • Estimate Costs
  • Flu Resources
  • Health and Wellness
  • Medical Records
  • Medicare
  • My Health Online
  • Pay a Bill
  • Symptom Checker
  • Our Team

  • For Employees
  • Physician Careers
  • Recruiting Events
  • Sutter Careers
  • Vendors
  • Volunteers
    • ADA Accessibility
    • Contact
    • Privacy
    • Do Not Sell My Personal Information

    • LinkedIn Opens new window
    • YouTube Opens new window
    • Facebook Opens new window
    • Twitter Opens new window
    • Glassdoor Opens new window
    • Instagram Opens new window

    Copyright © 2021 Sutter Health. All rights reserved. Sutter Health is a registered trademark of Sutter Health ®, Reg. U.S. Patent & Trademark office.

    Cookie Policy

    We use cookies to give you the best possible user experience. By clicking on "Accept Cookies", closing this pop-up banner or by continuing to use the site, you agree to the use of cookies. Privacy Policy   Cookie Preferences