Does your hip start aching after a few minutes of walking, climbing stairs, or simply moving through your daily routine? Hip pain while walking can develop for many reasons, ranging from overuse and muscle strain to arthritis or other joint problems. Understanding what may be causing the discomfort is the first step toward finding the right treatment and moving more comfortably.
At Summit Healthcare, patients in Show Low and throughout Arizona’s White Mountains have access to comprehensive orthopedic care close to home. Our experienced team provides personalized evaluation and treatment options designed to address the source of hip pain and help patients maintain mobility and independence.
Common Causes of Hip Pain When Walking
Hip pain does not always originate in the hip joint itself. Muscles, tendons, cartilage, and even the lower back can contribute to discomfort during movement.
Some common causes include:
- Osteoarthritis: Wear and tear of the cartilage inside the hip joint can cause stiffness, aching, and pain that worsens with activity.
- Bursitis: Inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs on the sides of the hip can create tenderness and pain along the outside of the joint.
- Tendinitis: Repetitive activity can irritate tendons around the hip, causing pain during walking or exercise.
- Muscle strains: Overstretching or overuse of the muscles around the hip may cause soreness and limited movement.
- Labral tears: Damage to the cartilage on the hip socket may cause pain, clicking, or a catching sensation.
- Hip impingement: Abnormal contact between bones in the hip joint can cause pain, particularly during certain movements.
- Referred pain: Problems involving the lower back or nerves may sometimes be felt in the hip, buttock, or upper leg.
When Should Hip Pain Be Evaluated?
Consider scheduling an orthopedic evaluation if hip pain continues for several days, regularly interferes with walking, limits your usual activities, or is becoming progressively worse.
Seek more immediate medical attention if hip pain follows a serious fall or injury, you cannot bear weight on the affected leg, or the joint appears noticeably swollen or deformed.
Treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, medications, injections, or, in some cases, surgery.
Improve Your Mobility With Hip Pain Treatment in Show Low, AZ
You do not have to accept persistent hip pain as a normal part of getting older or staying active. Call 928-537-4375 to schedule a consultation and learn more about hip pain treatment in Show Low, AZ.
