Hip Pain: What Your Symptoms Might Be Telling You

Hip pain is one of the most common musculoskeletal complaints we see at Peak Performance Chiropractic & Massage in Buffalo, NY. Whether you're a runner training for a marathon, a busy parent, or someone who spends most of the day sitting at a desk, hip pain can significantly affect your quality of life.

One of the challenges with hip pain is that the hip joint sits at the crossroads of the lower back, pelvis, and legs. Because of this, pain felt in the hip isn't always coming from the hip itself. Sometimes the source is the spine, surrounding muscles, tendons, or even nerves.

Understanding where your pain is located, what activities aggravate it, and what other symptoms accompany it can provide clues about the underlying condition. Let's explore some of the most common causes of hip pain and what your symptoms might mean.

Hip Osteoarthritis: Deep Joint Pain and Stiffness

Hip osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint gradually wears down over time. It is more common as we age but can also develop after previous injuries or due to certain anatomical factors.

Common Symptoms:

• Deep aching pain in the groin or front of the hip
• Morning stiffness that improves with movement
• Pain after prolonged standing or walking
• Difficulty putting on shoes and socks
• Reduced range of motion

Many people are surprised to learn that hip arthritis often causes groin pain rather than pain on the outside of the hip. If you find yourself struggling to rotate your leg or experiencing stiffness when getting out of a car, arthritis may be contributing to your symptoms.

Chiropractic care, soft tissue therapy, exercise, and mobility work can often help improve function and reduce discomfort associated with hip osteoarthritis.

Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome: Pain on the Outside of the Hip

Many people refer to this condition as "hip bursitis," although research has shown that irritation of the gluteal tendons is often involved as well.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain on the outer side of the hip
• Tenderness when pressing on the side of the hip
• Pain while lying on the affected side
• Discomfort during walking or climbing stairs
• Pain that worsens after prolonged activity

This condition is particularly common among runners, walkers, and individuals who spend a lot of time on their feet.

Massage therapy can help address tight surrounding muscles, while chiropractic care and exercise recommendations can improve biomechanics and reduce stress on irritated tissues.

Hip Flexor Strain: Pain in the Front of the Hip

The hip flexors are a group of muscles that help lift your knee and bend your hip. Athletes, runners, cyclists, and people who sit for prolonged periods frequently experience hip flexor issues.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain in the front of the hip or groin
• Pain when lifting the knee
• Tightness after sitting
• Discomfort during running, kicking, or climbing stairs
• Muscle tenderness

Hip flexor strains can range from mild irritation to significant muscle injuries. Treatment often focuses on reducing muscle tension, restoring mobility, and gradually rebuilding strength.

Labral Tears: Clicking, Catching, and Deep Hip Pain

The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint. Labral tears can occur due to trauma, repetitive stress, or structural variations within the hip.

Common Symptoms:

• Deep groin pain
• Clicking, popping, or catching sensations
• Feeling like the hip is "sticking"
• Pain during twisting movements
• Discomfort during prolonged sitting

While not every clicking hip indicates a labral tear, persistent mechanical symptoms deserve evaluation. Proper diagnosis can help determine whether conservative care or additional medical intervention may be appropriate.

Piriformis Syndrome: Hip Pain with Sciatica-Like Symptoms

The piriformis is a small muscle located deep in the buttock. When irritated, it can sometimes affect the nearby sciatic nerve.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain deep in the buttock
• Pain that radiates down the back of the leg
• Increased discomfort when sitting
• Relief with standing or walking
• Tightness in the gluteal region

Because piriformis syndrome can mimic sciatica, a thorough examination is important. Chiropractic care and massage therapy often work well together to address muscular tension and improve movement patterns.

Lumbar Radiculopathy: When the Hip Isn't the Problem

Not all hip pain originates from the hip joint. Sometimes the lower back is responsible.

A bulging disc, spinal arthritis, or other lumbar spine condition can irritate nerves that travel into the hip and leg.

Common Symptoms:

• Hip pain accompanied by low back pain
• Numbness or tingling down the leg
• Burning or shooting sensations
• Weakness in the leg
• Symptoms that change with spinal movement

If your hip pain travels below the knee or is accompanied by neurological symptoms, the source may be your spine rather than your hip.

This is one reason a comprehensive evaluation is so important before beginning treatment.

Sacroiliac (SI) Joint Dysfunction: Pain Near the Hip and Pelvis

The sacroiliac joints connect the pelvis to the spine. Dysfunction in these joints can produce pain that feels remarkably similar to hip pain.

Common Symptoms:

• Pain near the back of the hip
• Pain near the dimples of the lower back
• Pain when standing from a seated position
• Discomfort while walking
• Pain that may radiate into the buttock

SI joint dysfunction commonly occurs after pregnancy, falls, repetitive activities, or prolonged asymmetrical postures.

Hip Impingement (FAI): Pain During Movement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not move together smoothly. Over time, this can create irritation within the joint.

Common Symptoms:

• Groin pain during activity
• Pain with squatting
• Pain when sitting for long periods
• Reduced hip mobility
• Pinching sensation in the front of the hip

FAI is often seen in active adults and athletes. Improving movement patterns and maintaining appropriate hip mobility can often help manage symptoms.

Muscle Strains and Tendon Injuries

Sometimes hip pain is simply the result of an overworked muscle or tendon.

Common muscles involved include:

• Gluteus medius
• Gluteus minimus
• Hamstrings
• Adductors (groin muscles)
• Hip flexors

Common Symptoms:

• Localized pain
• Tenderness to touch
• Pain with specific movements
• Symptoms related to exercise or activity

These injuries often respond well to a combination of manual therapy, exercise, and gradual return to activity.

When Should You Seek Care?

While many causes of hip pain are musculoskeletal, some symptoms require prompt medical evaluation.

Contact a healthcare provider if you experience:

• Severe pain following trauma
• Inability to bear weight
• Significant swelling
• Fever accompanying hip pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Progressive weakness
• Loss of bowel or bladder control

These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition requiring immediate attention.

How Chiropractic Care and Massage Therapy Can Help

At Peak Performance Chiropractic & Massage, we take a comprehensive approach to evaluating hip pain. Because the source of symptoms isn't always obvious, a thorough examination helps identify whether the issue is originating from the hip joint, surrounding muscles, pelvis, or lower back.

Treatment may include:

• Chiropractic adjustments when appropriate
• Soft tissue therapy
• Massage therapy
• Mobility exercises
• Strengthening recommendations
• Movement and posture education
• Activity modifications

Our goal is not only to reduce pain but also to improve function and help prevent future flare-ups.

Don't Ignore Hip Pain

Hip pain is not something you simply have to "live with." Whether your symptoms stem from arthritis, tendon irritation, a muscle strain, spinal involvement, or another condition, identifying the underlying cause is the first step toward effective treatment.

If you're experiencing hip pain in Buffalo or Western New York, the team at Peak Performance Chiropractic & Massage is here to help. Through evidence-informed chiropractic care, massage therapy, and individualized treatment plans, we can help you get back to doing the activities you enjoy with less pain and better movement.