Hip pain affects millions of Americans every year, with studies showing that up to 15% of adults over 60 experience significant hip discomfort. While some hip pain occurs on the outer surface or side of the joint, pain deep inside the hip is harder to “get to” with the typical at-home treatments like ice packs or massaging the joint.
Deep hip pain can dramatically impact your daily activities, from walking up stairs to getting out of bed in the morning. Even so, many of us wait and see whether it improves on its own, rather than making an appointment to find help.
The good news is that pain coming from deep in the hip is often a helpful symptom in getting an accurate diagnosis from a physical therapist quickly, meaning you can start to find relief nearly right away.
Causes of deep hip pain
Medical professionals may refer to sensations of deep hip pain as “anterior” hip pain, which describes discomfort felt in the front and interior portions of the hip joint. This type of pain can stem from several different conditions, each requiring specific treatment approaches.
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis represents the most common cause of pain deep inside the hip, particularly among adults over 50. This degenerative joint disease affects multiple tissues within joints, including the protective cartilage that cushions the hip joint. As joint structures experience this wearing down, bones often begin to rub against each other during movement.
The pain from hip osteoarthritis typically develops gradually and worsens with activity. Many people describe hip arthritis as a deep, aching sensation that may radiate into the groin or thigh. Morning stiffness lasting more than 30 minutes is another hallmark symptom, along with decreased range of motion over time.
Hip fracture
Hip fractures create intense pain inside the hip that usually develops suddenly following a fall or trauma. While more common in older adults with osteoporosis, hip fractures can occur at any age during high-impact activities or accidents.
The pain from a hip fracture is typically severe and constant, making it nearly impossible to bear weight on the affected leg. Unlike other causes of deep hip pain that may come and go, fracture pain persists and often requires immediate medical attention.
Stress fracture of the femur
Stress fractures develop when repetitive force or overuse creates tiny cracks in the femur bone. Athletes, military personnel, and individuals who suddenly increase their activity level are generally at higher risk for this condition.
Pain inside the hip from a stress fracture often starts as a dull ache that worsens with activity and improves with rest. Unlike acute fractures, stress fractures may allow limited weight-bearing initially, but the pain progressively intensifies if the underlying cause or stressor isn’t addressed.
Iliopsoas bursitis
The iliopsoas bursa, a small fluid-filled sac located near the hip joint, can become inflamed and cause significant pain deep inside the hip. This condition, known as iliopsoas bursitis, often develops from repetitive hip flexion movements or prolonged sitting.
People with iliopsoas bursitis frequently experience pain when lifting their knee toward their chest or when transitioning from sitting to standing. The discomfort may also worsen during activities like climbing stairs or getting out of a car.
Labral Tear
The hip labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning to the joint. When this structure tears, it can cause sharp, catching pain deep within the hip that may develop suddenly or gradually over time.
Labral tears often produce a distinctive “catching” or “clicking” sensation during movement, particularly when rotating the hip or changing positions. The pain may be accompanied by stiffness and a feeling that the hip might “give out” during certain activities.
Referred pain from abdomen or pelvis
Sometimes, pain inside the hip doesn’t actually originate from the hip joint itself. Conditions affecting the abdomen, pelvis, or reproductive organs can create referred pain that feels like it’s coming from deep within the hip.
This type of pain often coincides with other symptoms such as changes in urinary habits, bowel function, or menstrual patterns. Kidney stones, hernias, and certain gynecological conditions can all produce hip pain as a secondary symptom.
Additional symptoms to watch for
Many causes of pain deep inside the hip produce additional symptoms beyond the primary discomfort. Limping represents one of the most common secondary symptoms, as people naturally alter their gait to protect the painful joint.
Other symptoms may include muscle weakness in the hip or leg, reduced flexibility, swelling around the joint, and difficulty with specific movements like putting on shoes or getting in and out of vehicles. Recognizing these accompanying symptoms can help healthcare providers narrow down the potential causes more quickly.
How to treat pain inside the hip
Addressing pain deep inside the hip requires identifying and treating the underlying cause rather than simply masking the symptoms. While some conditions may heal with conservative approaches, others need more intensive interventions to restore function and comfort.
Because of the many differences between people and the number of possible treatments for hip pain, it’s almost always recommended to see a professional when the pain lingers for longer than a few weeks. It’s also particularly important for older adults who may be at risk of losing mobility they’ve previously enjoyed.
A thorough assessment can distinguish between conditions that may appear similar but require completely different treatment approaches.
Physical therapy techniques for deep hip pain
Physical therapy offers numerous evidence-based techniques for diagnosing and addressing pain deep inside the hip. The specific combination of treatments depends on the underlying cause, but often include some combination of the following:
- Manual therapy techniques help restore normal joint mechanics and reduce pain through hands-on treatment.
- Therapeutic exercises focus on strengthening weak muscles around the hip while improving flexibility and range of motion. Core stabilization exercises often play a crucial role, as weakness in the deep abdominal and back muscles can contribute to hip dysfunction.
- Movement re-education teaches proper body mechanics during daily activities to prevent further irritation of the hip joint. This might include practicing safer ways to bend, lift, and transition between sitting, standing, and laying down.
- Gait training helps individuals with limping or altered walking patterns return to normal movement. This is particularly important for preventing secondary problems in the knee, back, or opposite hip that can develop when someone favors one side.
Comprehensive Care for Your Hip Pain in Franklin, WI
Deep hip pain doesn’t have to control your life or limit your activities. At Franklin Rehabilitation, our experienced team understands that hip problems are complex and often persistent, and we’ll always work to make your treatment appropriate for your needs and health.
Learn more about how we’ll take care of you or your loved one’s mobility challenges by calling our clinic or requesting your first appointment online.