Hip pain can come from several very different problems.

You may feel pain:

• In the groin
• On the outside of the hip
• In the buttock
• When walking
• When climbing stairs
• When getting out of a chair
• When sleeping on one side
• When exercising

And sometimes what feels like “hip pain” is actually coming from the lower back.

So who should you see first?

For many patients, a practical starting point is a licensed medical doctor who can examine the hip and lower back, determine the likely source of pain, and decide whether physiotherapy, medication, imaging or specialist referral is appropriate.

The location of hip pain provides useful clues. Mayo Clinic notes that pain in the groin or inner hip more often points toward the hip joint itself, while outer-hip pain more commonly involves surrounding muscles, tendons or bursae. Pain can also be referred from the lower back.

What Type of Doctor Treats Hip Pain?

Several healthcare professionals may be involved.

Depending on the problem, you may see:

• A GP or other licensed medical doctor
• A physiotherapist
• An orthopaedic surgeon
• A radiologist for imaging
• Another specialist where necessary

The right pathway depends on what is actually causing the pain.

Should I Start With a GP or Medical Doctor?

For many patients, yes.

A medical assessment can help determine whether symptoms are more likely to come from:

• The hip joint
• Gluteal tendons
• Bursa
• Muscles
• Labrum
• Arthritis
• Lower back
• Nerves
• Another structure

A doctor can also decide whether you need:

• No imaging
• X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• Medication
• Physiotherapy
• Specialist referral

Mayo Clinic describes accurate diagnosis as important because hip pain can arise from repetitive tendon problems, arthritis, inflammatory conditions, impingement and other causes, with investigations selected accordingly.

When Should I See a Physiotherapist?

Physiotherapy can be very useful for many musculoskeletal hip problems.

It may help with:

• Hip strength
• Gluteal strengthening
• Mobility
• Balance
• Walking tolerance
• Return to exercise
• Movement control

Physiotherapy may be particularly reasonable when:

• There was no major injury
• Symptoms are relatively mild
• The diagnosis appears straightforward
• There are no major warning signs
• Function is gradually improving

Should I See a Physiotherapist Before a Doctor?

Sometimes.

But a medical assessment may be more useful first if:

• The diagnosis is uncertain
• Walking is becoming increasingly difficult
• Pain is severe
• There was a significant injury
• You cannot comfortably bear weight
• Night pain is substantial
• Physiotherapy has already failed
• Imaging may be needed

The important issue is not simply who you see first, but whether the person assessing you can identify when the problem needs a different investigation or treatment pathway.

When Should I See an Orthopaedic Surgeon?

Orthopaedic review becomes more relevant when:

• Severe hip arthritis is present
• A significant labral or structural problem is suspected
• A fracture is present
• A major tendon injury is identified
• Symptoms remain severe despite appropriate non-surgical treatment
• Hip replacement or another operation may need to be considered

Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not mean that surgery is inevitable.

Many hip conditions can still initially be treated with:

• Physiotherapy
• Exercise
• Activity modification
• Medication where appropriate
• Selected injections
• Other non-surgical treatments

What if My Hip Pain Is in the Groin?

Groin pain is particularly important because it more commonly suggests that the source is inside the hip joint.

Possible causes include:

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

Mayo Clinic notes that pain in the inner hip or groin generally points more toward problems within the hip joint itself.

If groin pain persists, a medical assessment can help determine whether X-ray or more advanced imaging is useful.

What if My Pain Is on the Outside of the Hip?

Outer hip pain is often associated with surrounding soft tissues.

Possible causes include:

• Gluteal tendon problems
• Trochanteric bursitis
• Other muscle or tendon conditions

You may notice pain when:

• Walking
• Climbing stairs
• Standing on one leg
• Lying on the affected side

Mayo Clinic notes that pain on the outside of the hip, upper thigh or outer buttock is more often associated with muscles, tendons, ligaments or bursae surrounding the joint.

What if My Hip Hurts When I Walk?

Pain while walking can arise from:

• Hip osteoarthritis
• Tendon problems
• Bursa irritation
• Labral conditions
• Lower-back problems
• Other causes

Useful questions include:

• Is the pain in the groin or outside of the hip?
• Does it start immediately or after walking for a while?
• Is there stiffness?
• Does the pain travel down the leg?
• Do you have lower-back pain?

These details help determine whether the hip joint itself is the main problem.

What if My Hip Hurts When Sleeping on My Side?

Pain caused mainly by lying directly on the outer hip often raises concern about:

• Gluteal tendon irritation
• Bursa-related pain
• Other outer-hip soft-tissue problems

This pattern is somewhat different from hip-joint arthritis, which more commonly produces:

• Groin pain
• Walking pain
• Stiffness
• Reduced range of movement

Could My Hip Pain Actually Be Coming From My Back?

Yes.

This is one of the most important reasons to have persistent “hip pain” properly assessed.

Lower-back problems can cause pain around:

• Buttock
• Outer hip
• Thigh

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

The back becomes more important to consider if you also have:

• Lower-back pain
• Pain running down the leg
• Tingling
• Numbness
• Burning sensations
• Weakness

Can Sciatica Feel Like Hip Pain?

Yes.

Sciatic nerve irritation can produce pain around the buttock and hip region.

If the pain:

• Travels down the leg
• Feels electrical or burning
• Is associated with tingling or numbness

then the lumbar spine and nerves may need to be assessed.

Scanning only the hip in this situation may not answer the real question.

What if I Have Already Tried Physiotherapy?

If you have completed several weeks or months of physiotherapy and your hip pain remains significant, it may be time to reassess rather than simply repeat the same programme.

Useful questions include:

• Is the diagnosis correct?
• Is there significant arthritis?
• Is a tendon problem present?
• Could there be a labral problem?
• Is the pain actually coming from the lower back?
• Would imaging change treatment?

A different diagnosis may require a different rehabilitation strategy.

Do I Need an X-Ray?

For many persistent hip problems, an X-ray is an appropriate initial imaging test when the doctor is looking for:

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

For acute hip pain following a fall or minor trauma, RadiologyInfo states that X-ray of the hip and pelvis is generally the most appropriate first imaging test.

Can X-Ray Show Arthritis?

Yes.

X-ray can show changes associated with osteoarthritis, including:

• Joint-space narrowing
• Bone changes
• Other degenerative findings

This is why MRI is not always necessary as the first scan for suspected hip arthritis.

Can X-Ray Show a Tendon or Labral Tear?

Not well.

X-rays mainly show bones and joint alignment.

They provide limited detail of:

• Tendons
• Labrum
• Cartilage
• Muscles
• Other soft tissues

This is where ultrasound or MRI may be more useful.

When Is Ultrasound Useful?

Ultrasound can help assess:

• Gluteal tendons
• Bursa
• Some superficial soft tissues
• Dynamic abnormalities

It can also be used to guide certain injections.

Mayo Clinic notes that ultrasound may be used for dynamic assessment and image-guided procedures in hip evaluation.

When Is MRI Useful?

Hip MRI provides detailed images of:

• Bone
• Cartilage
• Tendons
• Ligaments
• Muscles
• Labrum
• Joint structures
• Bone marrow

RadiologyInfo states that MRI can be used to evaluate hip pain, arthritis, tendon and bursal problems, labral or cartilage injuries, fractures not visible on X-ray and other internal abnormalities.

MRI becomes particularly useful when:

• X-ray does not explain persistent symptoms
• A tendon injury is suspected
• A labral problem is suspected
• An occult fracture remains possible
• Symptoms persist despite treatment
• The diagnosis remains uncertain

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

Yes.

Some hip fractures may initially be difficult to see on X-ray.

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

Does Hip MRI Use Radiation?

No.

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

Does Everyone With Hip Pain Need MRI?

No.

Many hip problems can initially be assessed using:

• History
• Examination
• X-ray where appropriate

MRI should usually answer a specific question.

For example:

• Is there a labral problem?
• Is there a tendon tear?
• Is there a hidden fracture?
• Why does the pain remain unexplained?

Should I Get an MRI Before Seeing a Doctor?

Usually, assessment first makes more sense.

The correct scan depends on what is suspected.

For example:

Suspected arthritis

An X-ray may be sufficient initially.

Suspected gluteal tendon problem

Ultrasound or MRI may be useful.

Suspected labral injury

MRI may be more appropriate.

Buttock pain with numbness down the leg

The lumbar spine may actually need assessment rather than the hip.

The goal is not simply to obtain the most detailed scan.

The goal is to scan the correct anatomical area using the correct test.

Does an Abnormal MRI Mean I Need Surgery?

No.

Many MRI abnormalities can still be treated non-surgically.

Treatment depends on:

• Symptoms
• Severity
• Examination findings
• Age
• Functional limitations
• Response to treatment

An MRI should support the treatment decision, not make it by itself.

What if MRI Shows Hip Arthritis?

Hip arthritis does not automatically mean hip replacement.

Earlier treatment may include:

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

Orthopaedic review becomes more relevant when pain and disability remain severe despite appropriate non-surgical treatment.

What if MRI Shows a Labral Tear?

Again, surgery is not automatic.

Treatment may depend on:

• Age
• Symptoms
• Hip anatomy
• Functional demands
• Degree of cartilage damage
• Response to physiotherapy

Some patients are initially managed conservatively.

Which Doctor Should I See if I Want to Avoid Surgery?

You do not necessarily need to start with an orthopaedic surgeon.

A licensed medical doctor can first assess:

• The likely source of pain
• Whether imaging is needed
• Whether physiotherapy is reasonable
• Which non-surgical treatments may be appropriate

If the clinical findings suggest surgery should genuinely be considered, orthopaedic referral can then be arranged.

Which Doctor Should I See if I Think I Need an MRI?

It is useful to first see a doctor who can determine:

• Whether MRI is actually required
• Whether an X-ray or ultrasound may be more appropriate
• Whether the hip or lower back should be scanned
• Whether imaging is likely to change treatment

This can help avoid unnecessary or incorrectly targeted imaging.

When Should Hip Pain Be Checked by a Doctor?

Arrange an assessment if:

• Hip pain affects walking
• Pain interferes with sleep
• Symptoms keep returning
• Movement is becoming restricted
• Pain has persisted for several weeks
• Physiotherapy has not helped
• You are not sure whether the pain comes from the hip or back

When Is Hip Pain More Urgent?

Seek prompt medical attention if:

• You cannot bear weight after an injury
• You cannot walk normally after a fall
• The hip looks deformed
• There is sudden severe pain
• There is major swelling
• The hip becomes hot and swollen with fever
• You feel systemically unwell

For suspected hip fracture after trauma, X-ray is generally the first imaging investigation, followed by MRI if clinical suspicion remains despite negative X-rays.

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

Singapore’s Ministry of Health confirms that the annual MediSave withdrawal limit for outpatient scans increased from S$300 to S$600 from 1 January 2026.

Current MOH guidance states that eligible outpatient scans used to diagnose or treat a medical condition may qualify for up to S$600 per patient per year, subject to prevailing requirements and remaining limits.

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 Which Doctor to See for Hip Pain

Should I see a GP or orthopaedic surgeon for hip pain?

For many hip problems, a GP or other licensed medical doctor can provide the initial assessment. Orthopaedic review becomes more relevant when significant arthritis, structural injury or possible surgery needs to be considered.

Should I see a physiotherapist first?

That can be reasonable for straightforward musculoskeletal hip pain. Medical review becomes more useful when the diagnosis is unclear, walking is difficult, symptoms are severe or physiotherapy is not helping.

What does groin pain usually mean?

Groin or inner-hip pain more commonly suggests a problem involving the hip joint itself.

What does outer hip pain usually mean?

Outer hip pain more commonly involves surrounding muscles, tendons, ligaments or bursae.

Could hip pain actually come from my back?

Yes. Lower-back conditions can refer pain into the buttock or hip region.

Do I need an X-ray or MRI?

It depends on the suspected problem. X-rays are useful for arthritis, fracture and bone abnormalities, while MRI gives greater detail of tendons, cartilage, labrum, muscles and bone marrow.

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 the images and formal radiologist’s report.

Can I use MediSave for a hip MRI?

Eligible outpatient diagnostic scans may qualify for up to S$600 per patient per year from MediSave, subject to prevailing rules and remaining limits.

Not Sure Who to See for Your Hip Pain?

You do not necessarily need to decide by yourself whether you need:

• Physiotherapy
• An X-ray
• Ultrasound
• MRI
• An orthopaedic surgeon

A useful first step is determining:

• Where the pain is actually coming from
• Whether the hip joint is involved
• Whether the lower back may be contributing
• Whether physiotherapy is appropriate
• Whether imaging is necessary
• Which type of imaging would be most useful
• Whether specialist referral is required

At The Pain Relief Clinic, hip pain can be assessed by a licensed medical doctor with access to in-house physiotherapy and fast imaging where medically appropriate.

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
• Review of previous treatment
• Non-surgical treatment where appropriate
• Fast access to X-ray, ultrasound or MRI when indicated
• 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
• Assistance with relevant insurance documentation
• Orthopaedic referral when appropriate

Arrange a Hip Pain Assessment

The Pain Relief Clinic

Call / WhatsApp: +65 9068 9605

If you are unsure whether your hip pain needs physiotherapy, imaging, another non-surgical treatment or an orthopaedic opinion, contact us for an assessment and a practical next-step plan.

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References

1. Mayo Clinic — Hip Pain: Causes, updated 22 December 2025.
2. Mayo Clinic Healthcare — Hip Orthopaedics.
3. RadiologyInfo.org — Hip MRI, reviewed 15 June 2026.
4. RadiologyInfo.org / American College of Radiology — Acute Hip Pain: Suspected Fracture.
5. Singapore Ministry of Health — Outpatient Care.
6. Singapore Ministry of Health — S$600 Annual MediSave Withdrawal Limit for Outpatient CT and MRI Scans, 6 August 2026.

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Important Medical Information

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

Hip pain can arise from the hip joint, tendons, muscles, bursae, lower back, nerves or other structures. Pain location can provide useful clues but cannot establish a diagnosis by itself.

Imaging is not required for every case of hip pain. X-ray, ultrasound and MRI answer different clinical questions, and the appropriate investigation depends on symptoms, examination findings, trauma history, duration and treatment response.

Seek prompt medical attention for inability to walk or bear weight after an injury, visible deformity, sudden severe pain, significant swelling, or a hot swollen hip associated with fever.

Reviewed by Dr Terence Tan, Founder of The Pain Relief Clinic — 19 September 2026