Acute Hip Pain
What Is Acute Hip Pain?
Acute hip pain is sudden discomfort around the hip joint, groin, outer hip, or upper thigh. It can follow a fall, sports injury, awkward twist, or overuse, and may make walking or bearing weight difficult. Because hip pain can also come from the spine, pelvis, or soft tissues around the joint, an orthopaedic evaluation helps clarify the source.
What Are the Symptoms of Acute Hip Pain?
Symptoms may include:
- Pain in the groin, outer hip, buttock, or upper thigh
- Pain with walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a chair
- Limited range of motion
- Catching, clicking, or a feeling of instability
- Swelling or bruising after trauma
- Limping or inability to bear weight
Inability to walk after a fall, severe deformity, or open injury warrants emergency evaluation.
What Causes Acute Hip Pain?
Causes commonly seen in Express Care include:
- Muscle strains or tendon injuries around the hip
- Contusions or blunt trauma
- Labral irritation or sports-related hip injury
- Bursitis flare
- Joint inflammation or sprain
- Suspected fracture, including stress-related concerns in some patients
- Referred pain from the low back
How Is Acute Hip Pain Diagnosed?
Your provider will discuss the onset of symptoms, examine the hip and related joints, and check gait, strength, and stability. X-ray imaging may be performed to evaluate for fracture or other bony findings. Further imaging or specialist follow-up within Colorado Springs Orthopaedic Group can be coordinated when needed.
How Is Acute Hip Pain Treated?
Depending on the diagnosis, care may include:
- Activity modification and protected weight-bearing
- Ice, elevation, and supportive measures
- Pain or anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- Crutches, bracing, or other supports
- Home care instructions and activity guidance
- Referral to a CSOG hip, sports medicine, or other orthopaedic specialist
- Physical therapy when indicated
When Should You Visit CSOG Express Care for Hip Pain?
Consider walk-in care for sudden hip or groin pain after injury or activity, pain that limits walking, or concern for a joint, soft-tissue, or bone injury that does not require the emergency room.
