Should I Keep Walking With Hip Pain or Get It Evaluated by a Specialist?
You should seek immediate medical attention if hip pain is persistent, severe, or recurrent and interferes with daily activities. Walking in this condition increases stress on the hip joint, which can worsen the problem, restrict movement, and weaken surrounding muscles. Over time, this ongoing strain may lead to chronic hip pain associated with arthritis or hip dysplasia, reducing mobility and overall quality of life.
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, our orthopedic specialists conduct clinical exams, assess hip mechanics, and review your medical history to pinpoint the source of your pain. Once the source is identified, we provide non-surgical care, including activity modification and targeted exercise, to reduce pain and support daily movement. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment.
When Should You Visit a Pain Management Specialist for Hip Pain?
If you experience persistent hip pain that limits your ability to walk, disrupts your sleep, or worsens with standing or prolonged sitting, despite conservative care, you should seek medical attention from a pain management specialist. These symptoms may indicate joint degeneration, nerve-related pain, bursitis, or other underlying hip conditions that require focused medical care to relieve pain and limit further joint damage.
You should also consult a pain management specialist if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Recurring flare-ups that return quickly after activity
- Intense pain radiating into the groin, thigh, knee, or lower back
- Clicking, popping, or grinding sensations in the hip joint
- Hip pain after a previous injury or high-intensity “weekend warrior” activity
- Sudden difficulty bearing weight or moving the hip
- Visible hip or leg deformity
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, Dr. Aristide Burducea, a board-certified pain management specialist, conducts a detailed clinical assessment and reviews imaging to identify the source of hip pain. Based on these findings, he provides targeted, non-surgical treatments, including image-guided injections and advanced pain procedures, to reduce persistent pain and improve function when conservative care does not provide effective relief. Contact us to book your consultation.
Why Does Hip Pain Get Worse While Walking?
Hip pain often worsens while walking because each step repeatedly loads the hip joint, increasing stress on irritated tissues. As joint cartilage wears down, friction increases during movement, which can trigger pain with every stride. Inflamed tendons or fluid-filled bursae around the hip also respond poorly to repeated motion, especially during long walks or on uneven surfaces.
Additionally, hip impingement can worsen symptoms during walking when normal hip motion causes repeated compression between the hip bone and surrounding tissue. This repeated mechanical stress often results in sharp groin pain or pain in the anterior hip. Over time, continuous pain can alter normal walking patterns, which place more stress on the affected hip and contribute to symptom progression.
How Does Gait Imbalance Contribute to Hip Pain?
An imbalanced gait places uneven stress on the hip joint during walking, which can worsen strain and lead to hip pain. This imbalance commonly results from muscle weakness in the gluteus medius, a muscle responsible for stabilizing the pelvis during single-leg stance. According to Physiopedia, weakness in the gluteus medius results in contralateral pelvic drop, leading to a Trendelenburg gait and increased mechanical stress across the hip joint.
With this continued gait dysfunction, the body increasingly relies on secondary stabilizers such as the tensor fasciae latae (TFL) and the quadratus lumborum (QL) to maintain balance. This compensatory muscle activity increases tension across the hip and lower back, which alters normal force distribution. Over time, this asymmetrical loading increases joint compression and soft-tissue strain, leading to progressive hip pain during walking and other weight-bearing activities.
Which Imaging Tests Can Help Identify the Cause of Hip Pain?
To identify the cause of hip pain, doctors and health professionals typically begin with an X-ray to assess bone structure, joint alignment, and degenerative changes. However, if symptoms persist or initial findings are unclear, an MRI is used to analyze cartilage, the labrum, and occult fractures in detail. In some cases, ultrasound is also used to assess tendons and support image-guided injections.
Here’s how imaging studies help doctors identify the underlying cause of hip pain:
- Determine whether pain originates from the hip joint or surrounding tissues.
- Identify the specific structure involved, such as cartilage, tendons, or bone.
- Detect inflammation or fluid buildup contributing to sudden or severe pain.
- Reveal subtle injuries that may not appear during a physical exam.
- Exclude non-hip sources, including referred sharp pain from the spine.
- Provide objective findings to guide decisions in treating hip pain.
Doctors at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine review your symptoms with X-ray, MRI, and ultrasound findings. After identifying the pain source, we recommend appropriate non-surgical treatment options based on objective imaging results. Call 855-321-6784 to schedule your appointment.
Are Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections Effective for Hip Pain?
Yes, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections can reduce hip pain, particularly in patients with early to moderate hip osteoarthritis. In fact, a pilot study published in the Journal of Hip Preservation Surgery found that PRP helped reduce inflammation and support tissue signaling in patients with hip osteoarthritis by delivering a concentrated portion of a patient’s own platelets directly into the hip joint.
However, PRP outcomes are inconsistent across different trials. For example, large reviews of PRP for hip osteoarthritis show no consistent benefit over other injections, including hyaluronic acid. Some analyses also report pain relief comparable to that of placebo saline injections. Therefore, PRP is typically considered a secondary option and used for symptom control rather than structural joint repair.
Can Radiofrequency Ablation Help Relieve Hip Pain?
Yes, radiofrequency ablation (RFA) can help relieve hip pain. It is often used for patients with chronic hip osteoarthritis or degenerative pain that does not improve with conservative treatment. In these cases, RFA targets the sensory branches of the femoral and obturator nerves, which transmit pain signals from the hip.
Moreover, a review published in Regional Anesthesia & Pain Medicine reported high rates of pain relief and functional improvement after hip RFA. In some patients, benefits lasted from several weeks to multiple months and, in certain cases, up to three years. Although RFA does not repair joint damage, it can significantly reduce chronic pain and improve walking tolerance when hip replacement surgery is not appropriate.
What are the Best Low-Impact Exercises for Hip Pain?
Swimming and water-based exercises are the best low-impact exercises for hip pain. These activities support body weight and reduce stress on the hip joint, allowing for smooth, controlled movement. Stationary cycling is another effective option because it maintains joint motion and builds endurance without impact when performed with proper seat height and light resistance.
In addition, doctors often recommend the following low-impact exercises for chronic hip pain:
- Tai chi, to improve balance, coordination, and joint control
- Elliptical training, for smooth, continuous hip motion without impact
- Gentle stretching or yoga, emphasizing controlled movement and breathing
- Walking on flat surfaces, at a comfortable pace and distance
- Resistance band exercises, to strengthen hip-supporting muscles safely
How Can You Prevent Hip Pain During Walking?
To prevent hip pain during walking, it is essential to strengthen your hip abductors and core through exercises such as bridges and clamshells. Improved strength in these muscle groups enhances pelvic stability during gait, which helps control hip movement and reduces mechanical stress on the joint with each step.
Here are some other strategies that help reduce hip muscle strain during walking:
- Increase walking distance and pace gradually to avoid excessive joint loading
- Stretch the glutes and hip flexors to maintain smooth hip motion during stride
- Maintain a healthy body weight to limit cumulative stress on the hip joint
- Use walking poles on uneven terrain to improve balance and reduce compensatory strain
- Warm up before walking and cool down afterward to minimize overuse stress
Book an Appointment with Dr. Aristide Burducea for Hip Pain Treatment at Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine!
Persistent hip pain while walking can gradually interfere with your routine. As discomfort persists, even simple movements may increase joint stress, decrease range of motion, and lead to ongoing fatigue. Without proper treatment, underlying conditions can progress over time, significantly reducing overall mobility.
At Total Orthopedics & Sports Medicine, we offer targeted, non-surgical care for hip pain that addresses joint overload, soft tissue irritation, and movement-related discomfort during walking. To ensure accurate diagnosis and efficient treatment, we offer these services in one convenient location, allowing you to focus on your healing and minimizing unnecessary delays. Call 855-321-6784 or visit our office at 5500 Merrick Road, Massapequa, NY 11758 to achieve lasting pain relief.
FAQs
What Is The Fastest Way To Relieve Hip Pain?
The fastest way to relieve hip pain is to reduce stress and inflammation in the joint, although the most effective approach depends on the underlying cause. For mild discomfort, rest, ice, activity modification, and over-the-counter medications and pain relievers can help ease symptoms. However, sharp, severe, or recurring pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional to determine the effective treatment.
Should I Stop Walking With Hip Pain?
Yes, you should stop walking if hip pain worsens with movement or begins to limit normal motion. Walking under these conditions increases stress on the hip joint and surrounding tissues, potentially worsening the underlying issue. In these situations, it is advisable to reduce activity and seek medical advice to address the underlying cause of the pain before the symptoms worsen.
What Will An Orthopedic Doctor Do For Hip Pain?
An orthopedic doctor assesses hip pain through a physical examination, gait analysis, and imaging. This assessment helps determine whether the pain originates from the hip joint, its surrounding tendons, or nearby nerves. Based on these findings, the doctor develops a structured treatment plan, which may include conservative care or surgical options.
What Kind Of Doctor Should You See If You Have Hip Pain?
You should consult a hip specialist if your hip or groin pain persists or significantly affects your daily movement. A hip specialist identifies the underlying cause through a thorough evaluation and recommends the best course of treatment. Moreover, early medical assessment helps preserve mobility and reduces the risk of long-term joint problems that often develop from ignoring hip pain.
Can Worn-Out Shoes Cause Hip Pain While Walking?
Yes, worn-out shoes can contribute to hip pain and chronic discomfort. They disrupt normal gait and increase stress on the hip joint during long periods of walking. When your supportive shoes lose cushioning and support, foot alignment changes, placing additional strain on the hip and surrounding structures, which can worsen pain over time.
Can Walking Uphill Or On Stairs Worsen Hip Pain?
Yes, walking uphill or climbing stairs increases the load placed on the affected leg, which can worsen hip pain or discomfort. These movements require more muscle strength and joint control than walking on a flat surface. If the hip is already irritated or has a reduced range of motion, this additional load places further stress on the joint and surrounding tissues, causing pain during stair use.
Is Swelling Around The Hip After Walking Normal?
No, swelling around the affected side of the hip area after walking is not normal and often indicates an underlying hip issue, such as joint inflammation or irritation of fluid-filled sacs. While mild, temporary swelling after a minor strain may be normal, persistent swelling with pain or limited range of motion requires medical attention to identify the root cause and prevent further progression.
