Hip pain when walking can make even simple activities difficult.

You may notice pain when:

• Walking longer distances
• Climbing stairs
• Standing up after sitting
• Getting out of a car
• Taking the first few steps in the morning
• Walking uphill
• Carrying groceries
• Exercising

The cause depends partly on where the pain is located.

Pain in the groin or front of the hip is more likely to come from the hip joint itself, while pain over the outer side of the hip is more often related to surrounding muscles, tendons or bursae. Pain around the buttock may sometimes originate from the lower back rather than the hip.

Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Walk?

Walking repeatedly loads the hip joint and the muscles and tendons surrounding it.

Possible causes include:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Gluteal tendon problems
• Trochanteric bursitis
• Muscle strain
• Hip labral problems
• Femoroacetabular impingement
• Stress or other fractures
• Pain referred from the lower back

The pain pattern can provide useful clues, but it does not establish the diagnosis by itself.

Where Exactly Is Your Hip Pain?

This is one of the most useful questions.

Pain in the Groin or Front of the Hip

This pattern can suggest a problem involving the hip joint itself.

Possible causes include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Labral injury
• Hip impingement
• Other joint-related conditions

Mayo Clinic notes that pain on the inside of the hip or in the groin more commonly points toward a problem within the hip joint.

Pain on the Outside of the Hip

Outer hip pain is more commonly associated with soft tissues such as:

• Gluteal tendons
• Bursa
• Muscles around the hip

Mayo Clinic notes that pain over the outer hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is more often related to surrounding muscles, ligaments, tendons or bursae.

Pain in the Buttock

Not all “hip pain” is actually coming from the hip joint.

The lower back can refer pain toward the:

• Buttock
• Outer hip
• Thigh

Mayo Clinic specifically notes that hip pain can sometimes be referred from the lower back.

Could Hip Arthritis Cause Pain When Walking?

Yes.

Hip osteoarthritis is a common cause of pain and stiffness, especially with increasing age.

Symptoms can include:

• Groin pain
• Pain when walking
• Stiffness
• Reduced hip movement
• Difficulty getting out of a chair
• Difficulty putting on shoes or socks

The NHS lists osteoarthritis as a possible cause when hip pain is worse with walking and associated with stiffness.

Does Hip Arthritis Always Mean I Need a Hip Replacement?

No.

Many people with hip arthritis can initially be managed using:

• Activity modification
• Appropriate exercise
• Physiotherapy
• Weight management where relevant
• Medication where appropriate
• Selected injections

Hip replacement is generally considered when symptoms become severe and significantly affect daily life despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

The NHS notes that some people with a damaged hip joint may eventually need replacement surgery if other treatments do not help.

Why Does My Outer Hip Hurt When Walking?

Outer hip pain may involve the soft tissues around the greater trochanter, the bony prominence on the outside of the hip.

Possible causes include:

• Gluteal tendon irritation
• Trochanteric bursitis
• Other local soft-tissue problems

The pain may also become worse when:

• Lying on the affected side
• Climbing stairs
• Standing for long periods

Mayo Clinic describes outer hip pain and pain when lying on the affected side as features seen with conditions involving the tissues around the hip.

Why Does My Hip Hurt After Walking for a While?

Pain that increases with distance may occur because repeated loading irritates an already sensitive hip structure.

Questions that may help include:

• Does the pain begin immediately or only after 10–20 minutes?
• Is it in the groin or outside of the hip?
• Does resting make it better?
• Is there stiffness?
• Does the pain travel down the leg?
• Is there numbness or tingling?

The answers can help distinguish hip-joint pain from tendon-related or referred spinal pain.

What if My Hip Hurts With the First Few Steps?

Pain and stiffness after rest can occur with arthritis and other joint conditions.

Some people notice:

• Pain after getting out of bed
• Pain after sitting for a long period
• Initial stiffness that improves slightly after moving

The pattern should be interpreted together with age, duration and examination findings.

Could It Be a Hip Labral Tear?

Possibly.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage around the hip socket.

A labral tear can cause:

• Groin pain
• Pain after prolonged walking
• Pain after sitting
• Clicking
• Catching
• Locking sensations
• Stiffness

Mayo Clinic notes that hip labral tears may cause hip or groin pain that is worsened by standing, sitting, walking or athletic activity, together with catching or locking in some patients.

What if My Hip Clicks or Catches?

Clicking by itself does not necessarily mean something serious.

However, repeated painful clicking or catching together with:

• Groin pain
• Restricted movement
• Pain after prolonged walking

may make a labral or other structural hip problem worth considering.

Could My Hip Pain Actually Be Coming From My Back?

Yes.

This is especially worth considering when pain is associated with:

• Lower back pain
• Buttock pain
• Pain extending down the leg
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning or shooting sensations

Mayo Clinic notes that lower-back conditions can refer pain to the hip region.

This is why scanning the hip without first determining whether the pain is actually coming from the hip can sometimes miss the real problem.

Can Sciatica Feel Like Hip Pain?

Yes.

Sciatic nerve irritation can sometimes be described by patients as hip pain, particularly when the pain is mainly in the buttock.

If pain travels down the back or side of the leg, the lumbar spine and nerves may need to be assessed.

What if My Hip Hurts When I Lie on My Side?

Outer hip pain that worsens when lying directly on the affected side may point more toward the tendons or bursa surrounding the hip than toward the joint itself.

The NHS notes that bursitis can cause pain spreading into the upper thigh and may worsen when lying on the affected side.

Should I Stop Walking?

Usually not completely unless an injury or doctor specifically requires this.

For many non-traumatic hip problems, it is reasonable to continue moving while reducing activities that clearly produce major worsening.

The NHS advises keeping moving when possible while avoiding excessive strain.

You may temporarily need to:

• Reduce walking distance
• Avoid steep hills
• Reduce high-impact exercise
• Take more frequent breaks

The aim is often gradual restoration of activity rather than permanent avoidance.

Can Physiotherapy Help Hip Pain?

Yes, depending on the cause.

Physiotherapy may focus on:

• Hip mobility
• Gluteal strength
• Leg strength
• Walking mechanics
• Balance
• Gradual return to activity

The NHS includes physiotherapy among common treatments for persistent hip pain.

What if Physiotherapy Is Not Helping?

If hip pain has persisted despite appropriate rehabilitation, reassessment may be useful.

Questions include:

• Is the pain actually coming from the hip?
• Could it be referred from the back?
• Is there significant arthritis?
• Could a tendon or labral problem be present?
• Would imaging change treatment?

The answer is not necessarily to stop physiotherapy, but the diagnosis or programme may need to change.

Should I Get an X-Ray?

For many persistent hip problems, X-ray is a useful first imaging test when the clinical question involves:

• Osteoarthritis
• Joint-space narrowing
• Bone abnormalities
• Fracture

X-rays are particularly important after trauma.

RadiologyInfo states that hip and pelvis X-rays are the most appropriate first imaging test when a fracture is suspected after a fall or minor trauma.

When Is MRI More Useful?

MRI provides more detailed assessment of:

• Cartilage
• Labrum
• Tendons
• Muscles
• Bone marrow
• Soft tissues

RadiologyInfo notes that hip MRI can evaluate hip pain or stiffness, arthritis, occult fractures, bursitis, tendon problems and labral or cartilage injuries.

MRI becomes more useful when:

• Symptoms remain unexplained
• X-rays do not explain the pain
• A labral problem is suspected
• A tendon injury is suspected
• A fracture is still suspected despite normal X-rays
• Symptoms persist despite treatment

MRI vs X-Ray for Hip Pain

They answer different questions.

X-Ray Is Particularly Useful For:

• Arthritis
• Joint-space narrowing
• Fracture
• Bone alignment

MRI Is Particularly Useful For:

• Tendons
• Labrum
• Cartilage
• Muscles
• Occult fractures
• Other soft-tissue abnormalities

One is not automatically better than the other.

Can MRI Find a Fracture That an X-Ray Misses?

Yes.

Some fractures may be difficult to see on initial X-rays.

RadiologyInfo states that when a fracture remains clinically suspected despite a negative X-ray, MRI without contrast is an appropriate next test and can reveal subtle fractures and soft-tissue injuries.

Does Hip MRI Use Radiation?

No.

Hip MRI uses a magnetic field and radiofrequency energy rather than ionising radiation.

Does Everyone With Hip Pain Need MRI?

No.

Many hip problems can be assessed using:

• History
• Physical examination
• X-ray where appropriate

MRI is most useful when it answers a specific question that may change treatment.

When Should I See a Doctor?

Arrange an assessment if:

• Hip pain is affecting normal daily activities
• Walking distance is becoming shorter
• Pain is getting worse
• Pain keeps returning
• Sleep is affected
• Symptoms have not improved after a few weeks

The NHS advises medical review when hip pain affects normal activities or sleep, worsens or keeps returning, or fails to improve after about two weeks of home management.

When Is Hip Pain Urgent?

Seek urgent medical assessment if:

• You cannot bear weight
• You cannot walk after an injury
• The hip is visibly deformed
• There is sudden severe pain or swelling
• The hip is hot and swollen with fever
• There has been a significant fall

Mayo Clinic advises prompt medical care for inability to bear weight, intense pain, sudden swelling or hip deformity after an injury.

The NHS similarly recommends emergency assessment for severe hip pain after an injury or inability to walk or bear weight.

How Much Does a Hip MRI Cost in Singapore?

For many patients arranging a hip MRI through The Pain Relief Clinic, the current price is approximately:

S$1,000

This generally includes:

• MRI examination
• MRI images
• Formal radiologist’s report

Eligible outpatient diagnostic scans may qualify for up to:

S$600 per patient per year from MediSave

subject to prevailing rules and the patient’s remaining annual limit.

How Quickly Can I Get a Hip MRI?

When MRI is medically appropriate, The Pain Relief Clinic can often arrange hip imaging:

Within one working day

subject to:

• MRI safety screening
• Appropriate imaging protocol
• Appointment availability

Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain When Walking

Why does my hip hurt when I walk?

Possible causes include arthritis, tendon-related pain, bursitis, labral problems, muscle strain or referred pain from the lower back.

Does groin pain mean the problem is inside my hip?

Groin or inner hip pain is more commonly associated with the hip joint itself, although a clinical assessment is still needed.

Why does the outside of my hip hurt?

Outer hip pain more commonly involves surrounding tendons, muscles or bursae rather than the hip joint itself.

Could hip pain actually come from my back?

Yes. Lower-back conditions can cause referred pain around the hip or buttock.

Do I need an MRI?

Not automatically. MRI is useful when soft-tissue, labral or occult bone problems are suspected, or when symptoms remain unexplained despite assessment and treatment.

Does hip MRI use radiation?

No. MRI does not use ionising radiation.

How much does a hip MRI cost?

A hip MRI arranged through The Pain Relief Clinic is currently approximately S$1,000, including scan images and a formal radiologist’s report.

Hip Pain Making It Harder to Walk?

If hip pain is progressively reducing how far you can walk, it may be useful to determine whether the problem is coming from:

• The hip joint
• Tendons or bursa around the hip
• A labral problem
• The lower back or nerves
• Another structure

At The Pain Relief Clinic, we can assess:

• The location of your pain
• Hip movement
• Strength
• Whether the lower back may be contributing
• Whether X-ray, MRI or no imaging is most appropriate
• Whether physiotherapy or another non-surgical treatment may be suitable

When MRI is medically indicated, hip imaging can often be arranged within one working day.

Hip pain assessment through The Pain Relief Clinic

• Medical assessment by a licensed medical doctor
• In-house physiotherapy
• Assessment of hip and lower-back causes
• Fast access to imaging where appropriate
• Hip MRI often available within one working day
• Approximately S$1,000 for many hip MRI examinations
• Up to S$600 MediSave for eligible outpatient diagnostic scans
• Formal radiologist’s report
• Non-surgical treatment options where appropriate
• Specialist referral when appropriate

Arrange a Hip Pain Assessment

The Pain Relief Clinic

Call / WhatsApp: +65 9068 9605

If hip pain is making it increasingly difficult to walk, exercise or perform normal daily activities, contact us for an assessment of whether further investigation or a different treatment approach may be appropriate.

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References

1. Mayo Clinic — Hip Pain: Causes, updated 22 December 2025.
2. Mayo Clinic — Hip Pain in Adults: When to Seek Medical Advice.
3. Mayo Clinic Healthcare — Hip Orthopaedics.
4. Mayo Clinic — Hip Labral Tear: Symptoms and Causes.
5. NHS — Hip Pain in Adults.
6. RadiologyInfo.org, American College of Radiology and Radiological Society of North America — Hip MRI, reviewed 15 June 2026.
7. RadiologyInfo.org — Acute Hip Pain: Suspected Fracture.

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Important Medical Information

This article provides general educational information and does not replace an individual medical consultation.

Hip pain while walking can arise from the hip joint, muscles, tendons, bursae, lower back, nerves or other conditions. Pain location and activity pattern can provide useful clues but cannot establish a diagnosis by themselves.

Imaging is not required for every case of hip pain. The appropriate investigation depends on symptoms, age, trauma history, examination findings, duration, response to treatment and whether imaging would change management.

Seek urgent medical attention if you are unable to walk or bear weight after an injury, the hip appears deformed, there is sudden severe pain or swelling, or the hip becomes hot and swollen with fever.

Reviewed by Dr Terence Tan, Founder of The Pain Relief Clinic — 18 September 2026