What Is This Sharp Pain in My Hip?

Our hips support much of the body’s movement and balance, so when something is “off” in this area, it can significantly disrupt daily life.

Fortunately, even if you’ve been dealing with this kind of pain on and off for weeks or years, our physical therapists can help relieve your symptoms and prevent future hip injuries from derailing your routine.

Sharp pain in hip symptoms

Sudden hip pain can come out of nowhere and affect people of all ages. Whether it’s a sharp pain in your hip flexor when walking, discomfort radiating through your back and hip, or stabbing sensations when sitting down, this type of pain can feel crippling and unsettling.

Getting answers and an effective treatment starts by articulating how and where exactly your hip is hurting with symptoms like:

• A sharp, shooting pain in hip that comes and goes
• Sharp pain in back and hip
• Sharp pain in hip when sitting
• Pain in the front of your hip
• Pain in the upper thigh near hip
• Pain in the right or left hip or both

Being specific can help you both before and during an appointment, as it allows you to do some internet research ahead of time to know whether you should see your primary care doctor, start a self-care treatment, or call a specialist like a physical therapist.

Causes of sharp hip pain

There are many causes of various types of hip pain, which is where your specific symptoms and health condition comes into play. Sharp pain is usually different from dull, achy pain, and may rule out some conditions. However, many of these conditions have overlapping and highly varied symptoms, which is why self-care can miss the mark and not be as effective as seeing a specialist.

Common causes of hip pain include:

• Hip impingement
• Sciatica nerve sensitivity (pain may also occur in the low back and legs)
• Lumbar herniated disc (radiating pain from the low spine)
• Osteoarthritis
• Bursitis
• Muscle or tendon strain

Treatments for hip pain

Our physical therapists use the tried-and-true physical therapy fundamentals of manual therapy, strength training, and joint mobilization to restore function and relieve hip pain. In some situations, we can also use a few novel therapies for even better results, including:

• Gentle stretching
• Active rest (avoid immobilization)
• Dry needling

Keep in mind that your treatment plan relies on the specific underlying cause that affects your experience of pain, so not every treatment, stretch, or exercise for hip pain may be right for you.

Take action to relieve sharp hip pain

Sharp pain in the hip is more than an inconvenience—it can disrupt your routine, limit mobility, and affect your overall well-being. By addressing symptoms early and seeking the right treatments, you’re not only choosing relief but also preventing potential complications.

Discover how simple it is to start a physical therapy plan without a referral by calling one of our local office locations or by requesting your appointment online today!