Do you feel pain in your hip when walking or standing for a long time? Many people ignore this pain, thinking it is just muscle strain or tiredness.

While some cases are minor, persistent hip pain should not be ignored, as it can sometimes indicate an underlying joint, muscle, or nerve-related problem.

Understanding what your pain means can help you take action before it becomes serious.

Why Does Hip Pain Show Up When Walking or Standing?

Your hip joint supports most of your body weight. When you walk or stand, pressure increases on:

• Hip bones
• Cartilage
• Muscles and tendons
• Ligaments and joint capsule
• Nearby nerves

If any of these structures are weak, inflamed, or damaged, pain often appears first during movement or prolonged standing.

Common Causes of Hip Pain While Walking or Standing

1. Early Osteoarthritis of the Hip

This is one of the most common causes.

Common early symptoms may include:

• Pain when walking
• Stiffness after rest
• Difficulty climbing stairs
• Reduced flexibility

Osteoarthritis usually develops gradually and may worsen over time if not identified and managed early.

2. Muscle Strain or Overuse

Hip muscles can become strained due to:

• Long walking hours
• Exercise without stretching
• Heavy lifting
• Sudden movements

This causes:

• Sharp or aching pain
• Pain that improves with rest

3. Bursitis (Inflammation Around the Joint)

Bursae are small fluid-filled cushions around joints.

When inflamed, bursitis causes:

• Pain on the outer hip
• Pain while standing or lying on one side
• Tenderness to touch

Depending on the bursa involved, pain may also be felt in the front of the hip or groin region.

4. Hip Cartilage Damage (Labral Tear)

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint and allows smooth movement.

Damage to the labrum can cause:

• Clicking or catching sensation
• Pain while walking
• Feeling of joint weakness or instability

This is more common in athletes and physically active adults.

5. Referred Pain from the Lower Back

Sometimes hip pain is not from the hip itself.

Lower back conditions such as lumbar disc herniation or spinal stenosis can cause:

• Pain in the hip and thigh
• Tingling or numbness
• Pain that worsens with standing

Early Warning Signs You Should Not Ignore

Hip pain may signal a serious issue if you notice:

• Pain only when walking or standing
• Morning stiffness
• Pain spreading to thigh or groin
• Swelling around the hip
• Limping
• Pain lasting more than 2 weeks

Seek urgent medical evaluation if hip pain is associated with:

• Fever
• Night pain
• Unexplained weight loss
• Recent fall or injury
• Sudden inability to bear weight
• History of cancer or infection

Not sure what’s causing it?

click here

Ask RUA for the “Hip Pain Symptom Guide.” Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for a quick symptom checklist.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Seek medical advice if:

• Pain is increasing
• Walking becomes difficult
• Pain disturbs sleep
• You feel weakness in the leg
• There is swelling or redness

Immediate medical attention is required if hip pain follows trauma, a fall, or sudden worsening of symptoms.

Early diagnosis can prevent long-term joint damage.

Confused about your symptoms? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA to understand the next steps.

Tests Doctors May Recommend

Doctors may suggest:

• X-ray (to detect arthritis or bone changes)
• MRI (for cartilage, labral, muscle, or soft tissue damage)
• Blood tests, if infection, inflammatory arthritis, or systemic illness is suspected

These tests help identify the exact cause of pain.

Can Hip Pain Be Treated Without Surgery?

In early stages, many cases can be treated with:

• Physiotherapy
• Weight management
• Pain-relief medicines under medical supervision
• Muscle strengthening
• Lifestyle changes

Surgery is usually needed only in advanced joint damage or when conservative treatment fails.

Simple Home Care Tips

To reduce hip pain:

• Avoid sitting or standing too long
• Use proper footwear
• Apply warm or cold compress
• Maintain healthy body weight
• Stretch hip muscles gently

Home care measures should be followed only after serious causes have been ruled out by a healthcare professional.

Why International Patients Choose India for Hip Treatment

India offers:

• Skilled orthopedic specialists
• Advanced imaging facilities
• Non-surgical and surgical care options
• Affordable treatment costs

Patients from Bangladesh, Oman, Kenya, and Mauritius travel to India for joint evaluation and treatment.

How Karetrip Helps Patients with Hip Pain

At karetrip.com, we guide patients to the right care at the right time.

We help with:

• Connecting with orthopedic doctors
• Second medical opinions
• Diagnostic planning
• Travel and accommodation
• End-to-end patient support

Worried about hip pain while walking or standing? Chat with our WhatsApp agent RUA for clear guidance and support.

Medical Disclaimer

This content is for general awareness only and does not replace professional medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment.