Key Takeaways:
- Hip pain while walking or climbing stairs may be caused by arthritis, bursitis, tendon injuries or problems involving the lower back.
- Stairs place greater demand on the hip joint and surrounding muscles, which can make an existing condition more noticeable.
- Treatment may include activity changes, physical therapy, medication, injections or other minimally invasive pain treatments.
- A pain management evaluation is recommended when hip pain persists, worsens or limits mobility.
Hip pain can make everyday activities, such as walking, climbing stairs or getting out of a chair feel increasingly difficult. While occasional soreness may follow strenuous activity, persistent hip pain when walking could indicate arthritis, inflammation, an injury or pain happening from the lower back.
Our pain management doctors in Chicago can help identify the source of your symptoms and recommend a personalized hip pain treatment plan.
Common Causes of Hip Pain When Walking
Walking requires the hip joint, muscles, tendons and surrounding tissues to work together. Chronic hip pain may develop when one of these structures becomes irritated, inflamed or damaged.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage within the joint gradually wears down. This can lead to pain, stiffness and reduced range of motion.
Arthritis pain is often felt in the groin, upper thigh or buttock. It may become worse after walking, standing for long periods or getting up after sitting. Some people also notice stiffness in the morning or after inactivity.
Hip Bursitis
Bursae are small, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joints. When a bursa on the outside of the hip becomes inflamed, it can cause hip bursitis.
This condition may cause tenderness or aching along the outer hip. Pain may worsen when walking, climbing stairs, lying on the affected side or standing up from a low chair.
Tendon or Muscle Injuries
The muscles and tendons around the hip help stabilize the pelvis and support movement. Overuse, weakness or a strain can make walking and climbing stairs painful.
Gluteal tendinopathy, hip flexor strain and other soft-tissue injuries may cause pain along the front or outside of the hip. Symptoms can develop gradually or begin after a sudden increase in activity.
Lower Back Problems and Sciatica
Not all hip pain begins in the hip. A herniated disc, spinal stenosis or irritated nerve in the lower back may cause pain that travels into the buttock, hip or leg.
Nerve-related pain may feel sharp, burning, tingling or electric. It may also occur with numbness or weakness in the leg.
Why Does My Hip Hurt More When Climbing Stairs?
Climbing stairs requires more hip movement and muscle strength than walking on a flat surface. Each step requires you to lift your body weight, bend the hip and stabilize the pelvis.
This added demand may increase pain caused by hip arthritis, bursitis, tendon irritation or muscle weakness. Pain when going up stairs may be related to the muscles lifting and stabilizing the leg, while pain going down stairs can occur as the hip absorbs additional force.
The location and timing of your pain can offer useful clues, but a pain management evaluation is needed to determine the underlying cause.
When Should I See a Pain Management Doctor for Hip Pain?
Consider scheduling an evaluation if your hip pain:
- Continues for more than a few weeks
- Worsens when walking or climbing stairs
- Interferes with work, sleep or daily activities
- Causes limping or reduced mobility
- Does not improve with rest and basic home care
- Occurs with numbness, tingling or radiating leg pain
Seek prompt medical care following a serious fall or injury or if you cannot bear weight on the affected leg. Sudden weakness, loss of bladder or bowel control, fever or severe swelling also requires immediate medical attention.
Hip Pain Treatment Options in Chicago, IL
Treatment depends on whether the pain comes from the hip joint, nearby soft tissues or the spine. A pain management specialist can review your symptoms, medical history and previous treatments before recommending imaging or diagnostic procedures.
Your hip pain treatment plan may include:
- Activity modification
- Physical therapy
- Prescription or over-the-counter medication
- Image-guided hip joint injections
- Bursa or soft-tissue injections
- Nerve blocks
- Radiofrequency ablation
- Other minimally invasive pain management procedures
The goal is to reduce pain; improve movement and help you return to daily activities with greater comfort.
Find Hip Pain Relief at Premier Pain & Spine
If hip pain is making it difficult to walk, climb stairs or stay active, don’t ignore it. Premier Pain & Spine provides personalized pain management in Chicago and the surrounding communities.
Our pain management doctors evaluate the possible source of hip pain and create an individualized treatment plan based on your condition, symptoms and goals. Contact Premier Pain & Spine to schedule an evaluation and explore your hip pain treatment options.
Schaumburg: 1365 Wiley Rd. #153, Schaumburg, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Downers Grove: 3800 Highland Ave. # 101, Downers Grove, IL. Phone: 847-519-4701
Berwyn: 6920 Ogden Ave. Suite C, Berwyn, IL. Phone: 708-637-3534
Frequently Asked Questions About Hip Pain
Q: Why does my hip hurt when I walk but not when I sit?
A: Walking places weight and repeated movement through the hip joint. Arthritis, bursitis, tendon irritation and muscle weakness may therefore cause more pain while walking than while resting.
Q: Why does my hip hurt when I climb stairs?
A: Climbing stairs requires greater hip flexion, muscle strength and joint stability than level walking. This can aggravate arthritis, inflammation or an injury involving the muscles and tendons around the hip.
Q: Can lower back problems cause hip pain while walking?
A: Yes. Spinal stenosis, sciatica and other lower back conditions can cause pain that travels into the buttock, hip or leg. Numbness, tingling or burning pain may suggest nerve involvement.
Q: What treatments help chronic hip pain?
A: Depending on the diagnosis, treatment may include physical therapy, medication, therapeutic injections, nerve blocks or radiofrequency ablation. A pain management doctor can recommend appropriate options after an evaluation.
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for diagnosis or treatment by a qualified healthcare professional. Individual treatment recommendations and outcomes vary.