Hip Pain Location Chart

The hip joint is a ball and socket joint that connects your legs to your torso, allowing movement in various directions while also providing stability for standing and walking. Because the hip joint and the surrounding tissues are so complex, the source of hip pain can be just as complex. Pain in the hip can arise from structures within the hip joint or structures surrounding the hip joint. It may not always be felt directly over the hip but in a nearby location.

This guide will help you understand the different causes of hip pain based on where you feel the discomfort. However, a proper diagnosis should always be obtained from a healthcare professional.

Pain in the Front of the Hip

Pain at the front of the hip, often referred to as anterior hip pain, can be a result of various conditions, each with a distinctive set of symptoms and triggers. Here are some common causes:

1. Hip Flexor Strain: This condition typically arises from overstretching or tearing the hip flexor muscles responsible for lifting the knees and bending at the waist. The pain and swelling usually increase with movement, and one might experience muscle spasms or weakness in the front of the hip.
2. Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): With FAI, the hip bones do not fit together perfectly, causing friction during movement. This can lead to sharp, stabbing pain, particularly during physical activity or after prolonged sitting. One might also experience stiffness or a reduced range of motion in the hip joint.
3. Hip Osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative disease resulting in the wear and tear of the hip joint. Symptoms include chronic pain, stiffness, and sometimes a grating or popping sensation during movement. The pain is often worse in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
4. Hip Fracture: More common in older individuals with osteoporosis, hip fractures can cause sudden, intense hip pain, inability to move or put weight on the leg, and severe bruising or swelling around the hip area.
5. Inguinal Hernia: This condition happens when part of the intestine or fat pushes through a weak spot in the abdominal muscles. The main symptom is a bulge on either side of the pubic bone where the thigh and groin meet. One might experience a dull ache, heaviness, or sharp pain in the groin area, often worsening with coughing, bending, or lifting weights.

Pain on the Outer Side of the Hip

Experiencing discomfort on the outside of the hip, referred to as lateral hip pain, can often be attributed to a range of issues, each presenting with unique symptoms and triggers. Here are some common causes:

1. Trochanteric Bursitis: This condition is characterized by inflammation of the bursa, a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion, reducing friction in the hip joint. Individuals with trochanteric bursitis may experience pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, swelling, and discomfort that intensifies during physical activities such as walking or climbing stairs.
2. Iliotibial Band Syndrome (ITBS): The iliotibial band is a thick band of tissue running from the hip down to the outer part of the knee. If it becomes too tight or inflamed, it may cause sharp or burning pain on the outside of the hip, which can extend to the outer thigh and knee.
3. Hip Labral Tear: The labrum, a ring of cartilage that offers additional cushioning to the hip joint, can occasionally tear. This can lead to a range of symptoms, such as a deep aching sensation in the hip joint, a catching or locking sensation in the hip, or stiffness and limited range of motion.
4. Snapping Hip Syndrome: This condition, characterized by a muscle or tendon moving over a bony part of the hip, can cause a snapping sensation or sound. Though it’s often painless, some people may experience pain, tenderness, or a weakening of the hip with repeated snapping.

Pain in the Back of the Hip

Experiencing pain in the rear region of the hip, or posterior hip pain, can be linked to a variety of issues, each with its unique symptomatology and triggers. Here are some common causes:

1. Sciatica: This condition arises when there’s undue pressure or damage to the sciatic nerve. This large nerve extends from the lower back down the back of each leg. Symptoms include pain that radiates from the lower back through the hip and buttock and down the leg, often affecting only one side. The pain can vary widely, from a mild ache to a sharp, burning sensation or excruciating discomfort.
2. Hamstring Strain: This injury occurs when one of the hamstring muscles, located at the back of the thigh, is overstretched or torn. Symptoms include a sudden sharp pain at the back of the thigh, swelling, tenderness, bruising, and a reduced range of motion.
3. Piriformis Syndrome: In this condition, the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock region, spasms and causes irritation to the sciatic nerve. Symptoms can include pain, numbness, and tingling in the buttocks, which can also extend down the leg following the path of the sciatic nerve.
4. Sacral-Iliac Joint Dysfunction: The sacroiliac joint connects the spine’s last segment, the sacrum, to the hip bones. Dysfunction or inflammation in this joint can cause pain in the lower back and hip, often felt on one side of the lower back or buttocks and extending down the leg.

Pain Inside the Hip

Pain experienced on the inner side of the hip, also known as medial hip pain, may stem from a variety of conditions. Here are some possible causes and their related symptoms:

1. Hip Osteoarthritis: A common cause of pain inside the hip joint, osteoarthritis is a degenerative condition resulting from the hip joint’s wear and tear over time. As the cartilage breaks down and the bones rub together, you may feel pain and stiffness in the hip, typically more pronounced in the inner thigh or groin area. The pain often worsens with activity and eases with rest.
2. Hip Impingement or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): FAI, as mentioned previously, is a condition where the bones of the hip joint do not fit together perfectly. This imperfect alignment can also lead to pain in the inner hip, often accompanied by stiffness, a limited range of motion, and pain that radiates to the groin.
3. Hip Labral Tear: Depending on the location of the tear, this condition could result in pain being felt inside the hip. Symptoms might include a deep, aching pain in the hip or groin, a clicking or locking sensation, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
4. Hip Flexor Strain: If the hip flexor muscles are overstretched or torn, it could cause pain in the medial hip area. Typical symptoms include sharp pain in the hip or groin during activity, swelling, bruising, and muscle weakness.

In addition to these, hip pain could also result from systemic conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or infections that can affect the hip joint. Pain can also be referred from low back issues or pelvic issues. If you’re experiencing hip pain, seeking professional advice is crucial. This guide serves as a preliminary step to help you identify potential causes, but it should be different from a visit to a healthcare provider.