General information
Hip pain in active adults
Hip pain can make walking, golf, work or lying on your side uncomfortable. I start by identifying whether the source is the joint, a nearby tendon or another area. Outer-hip pain often involves the gluteal tendons or bursa; many cases improve with a well-structured plan of activity changes and strengthening.
Common causes
- Muscle and tendon irritation around the outer hip or groin
- Labral or impingement-type pain with deep bending or pivoting
- Bursitis-type pain on the side of the hip, often worse lying on that side
- Early wear-related changes in older active adults
Where our conversation starts
Outer-hip pain and gluteal tendon problems
What we consider first
Pain on the outside of your hip may come from a gluteal tendon or the nearby bursa rather than the joint. An exam helps distinguish these from other causes, including referred pain.
Other options we review
We often start with load changes and targeted strengthening. Selected injections, focused shockwave or orthobiologics may be discussed after reasonable conservative care. A persistent gluteal tendon tear may warrant a discussion of repair, depending on the findings and your goals.
Where care usually starts
- Reduce, rather than stop, the activities that clearly flare it
- Hip and core strengthening guided by a therapist or a home program
- Short courses of over-the-counter pain relief if safe for you
- Gradual return with a clear weekly plan
If it isn’t improving
- Examination and imaging review to clarify the source
- Ultrasound-guided injections in selected cases
- Orthobiologic options using your own cells, discussed only after conservative care has had a fair trial
- Surgery considered only when structure and symptoms clearly call for it
Get seen promptly if you notice
- Unable to bear weight after a fall or injury
- Fever, redness or feeling unwell with hip pain
- Night pain that does not ease or unexplained weight loss
For a medical emergency, call 911.
Read more in the free guide, Non-Arthritic Hip Discomfort and Activity, or browse Patient Education and home exercises.
General education only — not medical advice or a diagnosis. Treatment decisions are made together after an examination.