Hip Pain When Walking? Here's What It Means and What to Do
Updated July 20261 minute read
Hip pain with walking depends a lot on where it hurts. Groin pain often points to the hip joint itself (like early arthritis or impingement), while outer-hip pain usually points to the gluteal tendons. It's commonly an overload or wear issue and rarely an emergency. Adjusting distance, strengthening the hips, and addressing the specific cause usually help. Inability to bear weight after a fall needs urgent care.
What this usually means
Most likely causes. Groin pain while walking suggests hip osteoarthritis or impingement; outer-hip pain suggests gluteal tendinopathy or bursitis. Less common causes. Pain referred from the lower back, or in older adults a stress-related bone issue, can also cause hip pain with walking.
What you can try at home
Reduce walking distance or speed temporarily to a comfortable level rather than stopping entirely, and note exactly where it hurts. Gentle hip strengthening builds tolerance. Supportive shoes can help.
When to see a physical therapist
If hip pain with walking persists past a couple of weeks or limits your daily distance, a PT can localize the cause and build a plan.
Red flags — don't wait
Seek urgent care if you can't bear weight after a fall, the leg looks deformed, or the joint is hot and feverish. Calf swelling with breathlessness also needs prompt care.
How a PT treats this
Treatment strengthens the glutes and deep hip muscles, improves walking mechanics, and grades distance back up.
Frequently asked questions
Sources (4)
- Cibulka MT, et al. Hip Pain and Mobility Deficits — Hip Osteoarthritis: Revision 2017. Clinical Practice Guidelines. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther. 2017. — PubMed
- Mellor R, et al. Education plus exercise versus corticosteroid injection use versus a wait and see approach on global outcome and pain from gluteal tendinopathy: prospective, single blinded, randomised clinical trial (LEAP). BMJ. 2018. — PubMed
- AAOS OrthoInfo: Osteoarthritis of the Hip. — AAOS OrthoInfo
- MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia: Hip pain. — NIH/MedlinePlus
This article is for education only and isn't medical advice. Always talk to a licensed clinician about your specific situation.