Dr Brady Bonner
Dr Brady Bonner is a Queensland-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a special interest in orthopaedic trauma, hip and knee arthroplasty…
Hip pain
Hip pain can develop gradually over time or occur suddenly following an injury. It may affect your mobility, independence and ability to participate in everyday activities, work, exercise and the hobbies you enjoy.
Explore orthopaedics > Hip Pain
There are many possible causes of hip pain, including arthritis, bursitis, soft tissue injuries and problems affecting the hip joint itself. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is an important first step in determining the most appropriate treatment approach.
This page provides general information about some common causes of hip pain, how they may be diagnosed, and the treatment options that may be considered by your healthcare team.
Hip arthritis
Hip arthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain. Osteoarthritis is the most common form and occurs when changes within the joint lead to pain, stiffness and reduced movement.
Common symptoms include:
- Hip, groin, buttock or thigh pain
- Joint stiffness
- Pain when walking or climbing stairs
- Difficulty getting up from sitting
- Reduced mobility
- Pain that impacts sleep or everyday activities
How is knee arthritis diagnosed?
Your GP or specialist will discuss your symptoms, perform a clinical examination and may recommend investigations such as X-rays, MRI scans or blood tests to better understand what is happening within the joint.
Treatment options
Treatment depends on your symptoms, lifestyle and individual circumstances and may include:
- Exercise and physiotherapy
- Weight management support
- Pain management strategies
- Walking aids or assistive devices
- Joint replacement surgery, where appropriate
Many people successfully manage hip arthritis without surgery.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis occurs when one of the fluid-filled sacs around the hip, called a bursa, becomes irritated or inflamed.
Hip bursitis can affect anyone, although it is more often seen in women than in men. Those who are overweight or obese, or who have muscle weakness in the hips may be more prone to developing hip bursitis.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain around the outside of the hip or groin
- Pain when walking or lying on the affected side
- Stiffness
- Swelling
- Limping
Treatment options
Most cases can be managed without surgery and may include:
- Activity modification
- Physiotherapy
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Corticosteroid injections
- Weight management strategies
Surgery is rarely required but may be considered in persistent cases.
Hip injuries
Hip injuries can affect people of all ages and range from minor soft tissue injuries through to fractures and dislocations requiring urgent medical attention.
Common hip injuries:
- Hip fractures
- Hip dislocations
- Hip subluxations
- Labral tears
- Hip dysplasia
- Soft tissue injuries involving muscles, tendons and ligaments
Signs you should seek medical advice:
- Ongoing hip or groin pain
- Difficulty walking or bearing weight
- Swelling or bruising
- Reduced movement
- Limping
- Symptoms following a fall, sporting injury or accident
Treatment options
Treatment varies depending on the type and severity of injury and may include:
- Rest and activity modification
- Physiotherapy and rehabilitation
- Pain management
- Walking aids
- Surgical intervention where appropriate
Rehabilitation and recovery
Rehabilitation is an important part of many treatment plans.
Depending on your condition, recovery may involve physiotherapy, strengthening programs, mobility training and support from allied health professionals to help you return to everyday activities as safely as possible.
Meet our hip specialists
Dr Grant Menegon
Dr Grant Menegon is a Queensland trained Orthopaedic Surgeon consulting at St Andrew’s Toowoomba Hospital …
Dr Dolapo Sotade
Dr Dolapo Sotade is a Fellowship-trained Orthopaedic Surgeon with a comprehensive practice in hip and knee joint replacement …
How to access orthopaedic care
If you'd like to see one of our orthopaedic specialists, speak with your GP about a referral. Your GP can discuss your symptoms, treatment history and whether a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may be appropriate.
Your patient journey: from referral to recovery
Slide through to understand your treatment journey from booking your GP in for an initial appointment, all the way through to rehabilitation and ongoing management.
Hip pain FAQs
Receiving a referral to an orthopaedic specialist may raise questions for you. Find answers to some commonly asked questions here.