--- title: "Hip pain: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers" description: "Hip pain in adults is often caused by osteoarthritis or bursitis. Where it is felt helps find the cause, and being unable to bear weight after a fall…" url: https://healthanswers.co.uk/symptoms/hip-pain/ robots: noindex --- # Hip pain: What It Means & When to See a GP | HealthAnswers Symptoms Hip pain in adults is often caused by osteoarthritis or bursitis. Where it is felt helps find the cause, and being unable to bear weight after a fall needs A&E. Written by HealthAnswers editorial team Medically reviewed by [HealthAnswers UK doctor review panel](https://healthanswers.co.uk/our-doctors/) Reviewed 3 July 2026 ## Quick answer What could hip pain mean? Hip pain is discomfort felt in or around the hip joint, most often caused by osteoarthritis or bursitis. Where the pain sits helps identify the source, as groin pain suggests the joint while outer hip pain may be bursitis. Being unable to bear weight after a fall, especially over 65, needs A&E. ## Who is this page for? This page is for people in the UK who want a plain-English overview of Hip pain, including when to seek help and what NHS care usually involves. It explains general information, not what is wrong with you personally. ## Who should skip this page? Skip this page if you need a diagnosis, a prescription, or emergency care. It cannot replace a GP, pharmacist, NHS 111 or 999. If you are in immediate danger, call 999; for urgent advice that is not life-threatening, call 111 in England, Scotland or Wales, or use your GP out-of-hours service in Northern Ireland. On this page 4 sections ## Common causes of hip pain - Osteoarthritis is a common cause of hip pain in people over 50. - Pain felt in the groin usually points to the hip joint itself. - Pain on the outer side of the hip may be caused by bursitis. - Pain from the lower back can be referred and felt in the hip. - Osteoporosis increases the risk of a hip fracture in older adults. ## Understanding hip pain The location of your hip pain helps identify where it is coming from. Pain felt in the groin often points to the hip joint, while pain on the outer side of the hip is more likely to be bursitis, and pain from the lower back can sometimes be felt in the hip. In older adults, a hip fracture is a medical emergency and needs urgent assessment. ## Common causes of hip pain The most common causes of hip pain include osteoarthritis, bursitis, and pain referred from the lower back. In athletes, repeated loading of the joint can lead to stress fractures. Osteoporosis raises the risk of a fracture, particularly after a fall. ## Self-care for hip pain Low-impact exercise and keeping to a healthy weight can help with many causes of hip pain, particularly osteoarthritis. Pain relief may be used as advised by a GP. ## When to see a GP about hip pain See a GP if hip pain persists, if you are limping, or if the pain wakes you at night, and after any fall that leaves the hip painful. If a fracture is suspected — for example, you cannot bear weight after a fall — this is an emergency and needs A&E. ## ! When to get medical help for hip pain See a GP if you have hip pain that does not improve, comes on at night, or makes you limp. Call **999** or go to A&E if your symptoms are severe or came on suddenly, or if you cannot bear weight after a fall, particularly if you are over 65. Call **111** for urgent advice when you are unsure what to do. ## Common questions about hip pain Where is hip pain usually felt? Where the pain sits helps point to the cause. Pain deep in the groin often comes from the hip joint itself, while pain on the outer side of the hip may be caused by bursitis. What helps hip pain from arthritis? Osteoarthritis of the hip is often eased by low-impact exercise, losing any excess weight, and pain relief taken as advised by a GP. If the joint becomes severely affected, a hip replacement may be considered. What is hip bursitis? Bursitis is inflammation over the outer hip that often makes it painful to lie on that side. It is a common cause of pain felt on the outside of the hip rather than in the groin. When could hip pain be a fracture? A hip fracture should be suspected after a fall if you are unable to bear weight on the leg, especially if you are older or have osteoporosis. This needs assessment at A&E. ## Sources - [NHS — Hip Pain Adults](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hip-pain-adults) - [NHS — Osteoarthritis](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/osteoarthritis)