Why Does My Hip Hurt When I Walk? Common Causes and When Physio Can Help

Quick Answer

Hip pain while walking can come from several different sources, including the hip joint itself, the muscles and tendons around it, or even the lower back. Common causes include overuse, muscle weakness, tendon irritation, osteoarthritis, and changes in how you move.

If the pain is persistent, getting worse, or starting to limit your activity, a physiotherapy assessment can help identify what is contributing to it and build a treatment plan around your movement goals.

Common Causes of Hip Pain When Walking

Muscle or Tendon Irritation

The muscles around your hips work hard every time you walk.

If those muscles or their tendons become overloaded, you may notice pain at the front, side, or back of the hip. This can happen after an increase in walking, running, hiking, sport, or other activity.

Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis can cause pain, stiffness, and reduced movement in the hip joint.

Symptoms may be more noticeable after sitting for a while, first thing in the morning, or during longer walks.

Weakness Around the Hip

Weakness in the muscles that support the hip and pelvis can change the way you walk.

That does not always mean weakness is the only cause of pain, but it can be one factor that contributes to increased strain during activity.

Pain Referred From the Lower Back

Not all hip pain actually starts in the hip.

The lower back can sometimes refer pain into the hip or buttock area. This is one reason a proper assessment is useful rather than simply treating the area that hurts.

A Sudden Increase in Activity

Sometimes hip pain starts after doing more than your body is used to.

A longer walk, new exercise program, return to running, or busier week on your feet can all increase stress on the area.

Where Is Your Hip Pain?

The location of the pain can sometimes provide clues.

Pain at the front of the hip or groin may be related to the hip joint or surrounding muscles.

Pain on the outside of the hip can be associated with irritation of the muscles and tendons in that area.

Pain in the buttock or back of the hip may involve muscles around the pelvis or may sometimes be referred from the lower back.

The location alone cannot confirm the cause, but it can help guide an assessment.

Can Physiotherapy Help With Hip Pain?

Yes, physiotherapy can often help people with hip pain, depending on what is causing the symptoms.

At Waso Physio, treatment starts with an individualized assessment. Your physiotherapist will look at your symptoms, movement, strength, mobility, activity level, and the goals you want to get back to.

Your treatment plan may include:

• Tailored exercises

• Strength and mobility work

• Movement education

• Hands on treatment when appropriate

• Guidance on activity and gradually returning to what you enjoy

The goal is not simply to settle the pain temporarily. It is to help you understand what may be contributing to it and work together toward better movement and function.

When Should You See a Physiotherapist?

Consider booking an assessment if your hip pain:

• Keeps returning

• Is getting worse

• Limits how far you can walk

• Affects exercise, work, or daily activities

• Is accompanied by stiffness or loss of movement

• Is not improving with rest or changes in activity

If you have severe pain after a fall or injury, cannot put weight through the leg, or have other concerning symptoms, seek medical care promptly.

Get Back to Moving With More Confidence

Hip pain can make even a normal walk feel frustrating.

At Waso Physio in Lethbridge, physiotherapy sessions are one-on-one in private treatment rooms, so your physiotherapist can focus on you, your symptoms, and your movement goals.

Whether you want to get back to running, sport, work, or simply walking comfortably again, your treatment plan can be built around what matters to you.