Hip

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your history of trauma. 

Please visit the NHS 111 website for further advice and guidance.

Have you experienced any pain or stiffness in your back since your hip pain started?

Are you experiencing any pins and needles, numbness or burning-type pain radiating in the affected leg since your hip problem started?

Your hip pain could be a problem primarily coming from your back. 

Continue the symptom checker for back pain

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Do you have ANY of the following?

• Underlying inflammatory joint conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis)?
• The skin condition psoriasis?
• Inflammatory bowel conditions?
• Uveitis, also known as iritis, which is a condition that involves inflammation at the front of the eye?
• A recent infection (e.g. stomach upset, diarrhoea, other gut infection, sexually transmitted infection)?

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. Please mention your symptoms.

Have you noticed an unexplained lump that is increasing in size in the hip region?

Are you able to push the lump back in when lying down?  

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your hip pain symptoms. You may have an inguinal hernia.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.

Hernia information

Do you have a fever or feel unwell?

Do you have ANY of the following symptoms?

• Confusion, slurred speech or difficulty making sense / being understood
• Blue, grey, pale or blotchy skin, lips or tongue — on brown or black skin, this may be easier to see on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• A rash that does not fade when you roll a glass over it, the same as meningitis
• Difficulty breathing, breathlessness or breathing very fast

Symptoms of sepsis

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms, which need further medical assessment to rule out infection or sepsis.

Please contact 999 immediately for further advice and guidance.

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your hip pain symptoms.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. 

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your hip pain symptoms. You may have an inguinal hernia.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance. 

Hernia information

Do you have progressively worsening hip pain AND a previous history of cancer?

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your previous history of cancer.

If you are still under the care of the oncology service, please contact the department urgently today for further advice.

If you have been discharged from the oncology service or are unsure, please contact NHS 111 immediately for further advice and guidance, mentioning to the call handler that you have a previous history of cancer and new worsening hip pain.

Where is the main area where you feel pain in your hip region?

Is it painful when pressing over the area highlighted in this video?

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

You have symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which involves irritation and weakness of the tendons (where muscles attach to bone) on the side of your hip.

GTPS is relatively common, especially among middle-aged and older adults. Between 10% and 25% of people will experience it at some point in their lives. GTPS is more common in women and those who are less active or have recently increased activity levels too quickly.

Although GTPS can be very painful and cause distress and affect your sleep, it is usually not a sign of a serious problem. While symptoms can settle quickly, within 2 to 6 weeks, if it is not properly managed it can take many months to improve.

GTPS is best managed with an active approach which includes limiting body positions that can irritate the condition, taking exercise and addressing lifestyle factors.

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Further information on managing greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Unfortunately, GTPS can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

You have symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which involves irritation and weakness of the tendons (where muscles attach to bone) on the side of your hip.

GTPS is relatively common, especially among middle-aged and older adults. Between 10% and 25% of people will experience it at some point in their lives. GTPS is more common in women and those who are less active or have recently increased activity levels too quickly.

Although GTPS can be very painful and cause distress and affect your sleep, it is usually not a sign of a serious problem. While symptoms can settle quickly, within 2 to 6 weeks, if it is not properly managed it can take many months to improve.

GTPS is best managed with an active approach which includes limiting body positions that can irritate the condition, taking exercise and addressing lifestyle factors.

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Further information on managing greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Unfortunately, GTPS can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

You have symptoms of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), which involves irritation and weakness of the tendons (where muscles attach to bone) on the side of your hip.

GTPS is relatively common, especially among middle-aged and older adults. Between 10% and 25% of people will experience it at some point in their lives. GTPS is more common in women and those who are less active or have recently increased activity levels too quickly.

Although GTPS can be very painful and cause distress and affect your sleep, it is usually not a sign of a serious problem. While symptoms can settle quickly, within 2 to 6 weeks, if it is not properly managed it can take many months to improve.

GTPS is best managed with an active approach which includes limiting body positions that can irritate the condition, taking exercise and addressing lifestyle factors.

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Further information on managing greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Unfortunately, GTPS can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Unfortunately, GTPS can become persistent, which is complex and harder to treat. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Are you over 45 years of age?

Do you have activity-related joint pain? This means you experience pain when you make specific movements like walking, stair climbing or rising from a chair, or putting shoes and socks on, for example?

Do you have stiffness in your joints in the morning?

Does this stiffness in your joints last for more than 30 minutes?

Have you noticed any pain or stiffness in both of your hips and/or shoulders, which started at the same time your joint-related morning stiffness started?

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms and joint-related morning stiffness.

Do you have ANY of the following symptoms?

• A new or frequent headache that usually develops suddenly (your scalp may also feel sore or tender)
• Pain in your jaw muscles or tongue when eating or talking
• Problems with sight, such as double vision or loss of vision in one or both eyes

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.

Please contact NHS 111 immediately for further advice and guidance.

Please inform the call handler that you have a bilateral shoulder or hip pain, morning joint-related stiffness and associated symptoms.

Polymyalgia rheumatica

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance, making sure to tell them about your symptoms and joint-related morning stiffness.

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of hip osteoarthritis, which involves irritation of the hip joint.

Hip osteoarthritis is very common and while it is painful, is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of hip osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.

Hip osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Further information on managing hip osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, hip osteoarthritis can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of hip osteoarthritis, which involves irritation of the hip joint.

Hip osteoarthritis is very common and while it is painful, is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of hip osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.

Hip osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Further information on managing hip osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, hip osteoarthritis can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of hip osteoarthritis, which involves irritation of the hip joint.

Hip osteoarthritis is very common and while it is painful, is rarely a sign of a serious issue. Most acute flare-ups of hip osteoarthritis settle within 2 to 6 weeks, but it can take much longer to improve or even get worse over time if it is not managed well.

Hip osteoarthritis is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise, pain relief (if required) and addressing lifestyle factors such as weight loss, poor sleep, or quitting smoking (if applicable).

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Further information on managing hip osteoarthritis

Unfortunately, hip osteoarthritis can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Do you recall any specific injury (e.g. twisting injury, landing from a jump, direct impact, sports related) that caused your hip pain to start?

Can you stand on your affected leg and take full weight without pain?

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of hip adductor-related groin pain, which involves irritation or strain of the muscles on the inside of the upper thigh.

Hip adductor-related groin pain is relatively uncommon, but it is more common if you play sport regularly and can also result from a fall or sudden stepping movement.

Recovery depends on the extent of injury - mild cases usually settle within 1 to 4 weeks but those with more severe injury can take between 6 and 12 weeks to recover.

Hip adductor-related groin pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Recovery time can be affected by lifestyle or psychological factors. Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of hip flexor (iliopsoas)-related groin pain, which involves irritation and weakness of the tendons (where muscles attach to bone) at the front of your hip.

Iliopsoas-related groin pain is relatively uncommon but is more likely to affect those who play sport and are involved in sprinting or kicking. It can also develop in people not engaging in sport and may be a symptom of a hip joint problem.

Recovery times depend on the extent of injury - mild cases usually settle within 1 to 4 weeks but those with more severe injury can take between 6 and 12 weeks to recover.

Iliopsoas-related groin pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Recovery time can be affected by lifestyle or psychological factors. Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

As iliopsoas is a less common cause of hip pain, if you do not start to improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or your pain worsens despite you following our self-help advice, please contact your GP practice and ask for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment for further advice and support.

Thank you for using the symptom checker

Unfortunately we are unable to identify a cause for your hip pain.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

Does your hip pain worsen when performing the test shown in this video?

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of hip flexor (iliopsoas)-related groin pain, which involves irritation and weakness of the tendons (where muscles attach to bone) at the front of your hip.

Iliopsoas-related groin pain is relatively uncommon but is more likely to affect those who play sport and are involved in sprinting or kicking. It can also develop in people not engaging in sport and may be a symptom of a hip joint problem.

Recovery times depend on the extent of injury - mild cases usually settle within 1 to 4 weeks but those with more severe injury can take between 6 and 12 weeks to recover.

Iliopsoas-related groin pain is best managed with an active approach, which includes relative rest (resting just enough to allow symptoms to settle but staying active to maintain your movement and strength) along with movement, exercise and pain relief (if required).

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Recovery time can be affected by lifestyle or psychological factors. Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

As iliopsoas is a less common cause of hip pain, if you do not start to improve within 2 to 4 weeks, or your pain worsens despite you following our self-help advice, please contact your GP practice and ask for a first-contact physiotherapy appointment for further advice and support.

Thank you for using the symptom checker

Unfortunately we are unable to identify a cause for your hip pain.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.

Thank you for using the symptom checker

Unfortunately we are unable to identify a cause for your hip pain.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your symptoms.

Please contact your GP practice for further advice and guidance.

Does your hip pain worsen and feel stiffer than the other side when performing the test shown in this video?

Does your hip pain worsen and feel stiffer than the other side when performing the test shown in this video?

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which involves irritation of the hip joint.

FAI is relatively common and can be present in around 1 in 5 people, but it often doesn't cause pain. It is more likely to cause pain or symptoms if you play sport or regularly take part in activity involving twisting movements.

Most acute flare-ups of FAI settle within 2 to 6 weeks but it can take many months to improve if it is not managed well. It is best managed with an active approach, which includes limiting body positions that can irritate the condition, taking exercise and addressing lifestyle factors.

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Unfortunately, FAI can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Does your hip pain worsen and feel stiffer than the other side when performing the test shown in this video?

You are likely experiencing a flare-up of femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which involves irritation of the hip joint.

FAI is relatively common and can be present in around 1 in 5 people, but it often doesn't cause pain. It is more likely to cause pain or symptoms if you play sport or regularly take part in activity involving twisting movements.

Most acute flare-ups of FAI settle within 2 to 6 weeks but it can take many months to improve if it is not managed well. It is best managed with an active approach, which includes limiting body positions that can irritate the condition, taking exercise and addressing lifestyle factors.

Find self-help advice and suggested exercises for hip pain

(You will need to enter 2025 where asked to 'Enter your year of birth')

Unfortunately, FAI can become persistent and get worse over time. Developing persistent pain can be associated with lifestyle or psychological factors.

Find tips and advice on how to improve your overall health and wellbeing and reduce your risk of developing persistent pain on the NHS Better Health website.

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Does your hip pain worsen and feel stiffer than the other side when performing the test shown in this video?

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Click here to continue the symptom checker

This question relates to gender assigned at birth.

Are you currently pregnant? (females only — males click 'No')

Did your hip or groin-related problems start or get significantly worse during this current pregnancy?

You are likely to be experiencing pelvic girdle pain in pregnancy.

Pelvic girdle pain is common in pregnancy. It affects 1 in 5 women and birthing people and is usually more common in second or further pregnancies.

Symptoms will usually go away after you have given birth, but you can manage the condition yourself during your pregnancy.

Pelvic girdle pain guidance

Pelvic pain in pregnancy

You should access help early by discussing your symptoms with your midwife. If appropriate, they may recommend your GP or consultant refers you to physiotherapy for further advice and support.

Thank you for using the symptom checker

We are unable to complete the self-management symptom checker because of your groin pain symptoms and your pregnancy status.

Please contact your GP practice or midwife for further advice or a physiotherapy referral.

Click here to continue the symptom checker

Unable to complete symptom Checker. This is for individuals 18 years of age and over. Please contact your GP or 111 service for further advice