Hip pain: common causes and when to see a doctor

Hip pain is common with age, long sitting hours and after falls. Knowing the warning signs helps you get timely care.

Common causes

• Wear and tear of the hip joint (arthritis)
• Muscle or tendon strain
• Pain travelling from the lower back
• Injury after a fall

When to see an orthopaedic doctor

• Pain that does not improve after one to two weeks
• Difficulty walking, climbing stairs or sitting cross-legged
• A limp that keeps getting worse
• Pain at night that disturbs sleep

Seek urgent care if

An elderly person falls and cannot stand or bear weight on the leg. This may be a hip fracture and needs emergency care.

Simple daily care

Keep a healthy weight, stay active with gentle walking, and avoid sitting on very low seats for long periods.