What Is Hip Pain?

The hip is a highly complex joint where bones, cartilage, labrum, muscles, tendons, and surrounding nerves all work together to allow smooth, stable movement. Because so many structures contribute to hip function, pain in this area can originate from multiple sources, making hip conditions difficult to diagnose. See below where hip pain can show up around the joint and what conditions may be present. Note that seeing a hip specialist is essential in determining the true source of pain and guiding appropriate treatment.

Front of hip/groin

Front of hip/groin: most commonly associated with labral injury, cartilage damage, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or structural alignment issues

Abdominal/groin

Abdominal/groin: most commonly associated with core muscle injuries or athletic pubalgia

C sign

C sign: most commonly associated with intra-articular joint damage, such as a labral tear or FAI

Lateral

Lateral: most commonly associated with tendon injury around the outside of the hip, like a gluteus medius tear, IT band syndrome, or greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Radiating pain down leg

Radiating pain down leg: the injury may be in the hip, but can be felt radiating down the leg, even down to the knee. This is associated with labral or cartilage injury, FAI, hip alignment disorders, hip instability, among other conditions.

Inner thigh pain

Inner thigh pain: May be associated with adductor strain.

Get the Right Diagnosis

An accurate diagnosis ensures that care is targeted, appropriate, and effective: whether the issue is related to bone alignment, cartilage, soft tissue, or referred pain from another area. This allows for a more precise treatment plan and improves the likelihood of restoring function and returning to normal activity.

Consult the Experts

At the American Hip Institute, our specialists focus on identifying the true source of hip pain through a comprehensive evaluation that considers both structural and functional causes. Using advanced diagnostic techniques and extensive experience in hip preservation, we develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to each patient’s condition and goals. Our approach is designed not only to accurately diagnose the problem but also to guide you through targeted, effective care aimed at restoring function, reducing pain, and helping you return to an active lifestyle.