True hip pain is felt in the groin. Pain on the outside of the hip is usually something else entirely.
What it is
Hip joint pathology refers to the groin and the front of the thigh, sometimes to the knee.
Pain on the outer hip is far more often trochanteric bursitis or gluteal tendinopathy.
Pain in the buttock is frequently the sacroiliac joint or referred from the lumbar spine.
How it usually presents
- Groin pain and stiffness, worse with rotation — true hip joint.
- Outer hip tenderness, worse lying on that side — bursal or tendon.
- Buttock pain radiating down the leg — spine or sacroiliac.
- Difficulty with socks, shoes and getting in and out of a car.
How we treat it
- Working out which of the three it actually is, because they are treated differently.
- Bursa injection or image-guided joint injection.
- Physical therapy for gluteal tendinopathy, which responds well to loading and badly to rest.
To be assessed, call (314) 310-5577 or request an appointment. If this began with a crash or a fall, see accident and injury care.
Common questions
Why is my ‘hip pain’ being treated as a back problem?
Because pain in the buttock and outer hip most often originates in the spine or sacroiliac joint. The examination decides.
Hurt in an accident? Start here.
You do not need a lawyer, a police report or a referral to be seen. Bring your symptoms and we will work out the rest.
Or text (314) 886-5902 · Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.