General information
Hip pain in active adults
Hip and groin discomfort is common in runners, field athletes and anyone who sits a lot and then moves hard. Many cases settle 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 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.