Walking is a common daily activity for most of us. So, when hip pain occurs during walking, it can significantly disrupt your routine. Hip pain while walking may be a sign of issues affecting the bones, joints, or nerves. In this article, we’ll explore the possible causes of this discomfort and when you should seek medical advice.

Causes of Hip Pain When Walking

Walking involves much more than just the movement of your legs. It also requires the active participation of the bones and joints in your hips, legs, and feet. When something goes wrong with the bones, joints, tendons, or muscles in the hip area, it can lead to pain during walking.

Although this condition is more commonly seen in older adults, younger individuals are also susceptible to experiencing hip pain. The pain itself can vary, affecting one or both hips.

It may start as mild discomfort or stiffness and gradually worsen over time, or it can occur suddenly with sharp, intense pain. Recognizing the cause of the pain and addressing it promptly is crucial for getting the right treatment.

Some common causes of hip pain while walking include:

Arthritis

Arthritis is the inflammation of one or more joints and can significantly affect hip function. There are several types of arthritis that may lead to hip pain during walking, including:

• Juvenile idiopathic arthritis: The most common form of arthritis in children.
• Osteoarthritis: A type of arthritis caused by wear and tear of the joints.
• Rheumatoid arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that causes joint inflammation.
• Ankylosing spondylitis: A form of arthritis that primarily affects the spine, causing inflammation.

Injury

Injuries to the hip or areas nearby, like the knee, can damage the bones, ligaments, or tendons connected to the hip joint, triggering inflammation and resulting in pain while walking.

Muscle or Tendon Issues

Problems with the hip joint, such as bursitis (inflammation of the bursa), sprains, tendon irritation, or tears in the cartilage ring around the hip socket, can make walking painful and difficult.

Bone Disorders

Certain bone conditions can also contribute to hip pain, particularly during walking. These conditions include:

• Fractures or broken bones
• Dislocations: When bones within a joint move out of their normal position
• Osteoporosis
• Osteomyelitis
• Bone cancer

Nerve Damage

Nerve-related issues can sometimes cause hip pain during walking. Some common causes of nerve damage include:

• Pinched nerves in the hip area.
• Sciatica, pain caused by irritation of the sciatic nerve, which can radiate from the lower back down through the legs.
• Sacroiliitis, inflammation in one or both sacroiliac joints that connect the spine to the pelvis.

When Should You Seek Medical Help?

While some cases of hip pain may resolve on their own after a few days, persistent pain or certain symptoms should prompt you to see a doctor. If you experience any of the following, seek immediate medical attention:

• Pain accompanied by bleeding in the hip area.
• A popping or snapping sound coming from the joint.
• Visible bone or muscle exposure.
• Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
• Noticeable swelling or deformity of the hip.
• Tenderness, warmth, or redness in the area.
• Fever or chills.

Treatment for Hip Pain

The treatment for hip pain depends on its underlying cause. In some cases, the pain may improve without specific medical intervention. For other cases, treatment may include physical therapy, medication, or even surgery.

Some common treatments for hip pain while walking are:

• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility.
• Strengthening exercises for the hips and hamstrings.
• Low-impact exercises to build core muscle strength.

Doctors may also prescribe medications such as anti-inflammatory drugs, muscle relaxants, and pain relievers to manage the pain. Other treatments that might be suggested include:

• Applying warm or cold compresses.
• Using knee braces or specially designed insoles for shoes.
• Losing excess weight to reduce stress on the hip joint.
• Using mobility aids such as a cane or crutches.

In more severe cases, surgical intervention may be recommended. If your hip pain persists despite home treatments, consult with a healthcare provider. Additionally, you can utilize consultation services through the Ai Care app, available on both the App Store and Play Store, for expert advice.

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