Where Does Your Hip Hurt? Anterior vs Lateral vs Posterior Hip Pain Explained
Hip Pain
Why Does My Hip Hurt in the Front (Anterior Hip Pain)?
What Are the Most Common Causes?
- Hip flexor strain or tendonitis: Overuse, sudden activity, or poor technique.
- Hip labral tear: Usually deep groin pain, possibly with clicking or “catching”.
- Hip osteoarthritis: Gradually worsening pain, stiffness, and loss of movement.
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): Sharp or catching pain with rotation, squats or sitting.
- Hip stress fracture (athletes, older adults): Pain with weight-bearing, worse over time.
- Sports hernia, nerve entrapment, or other rare conditions.
How Is It Treated?
- Rest, ice, and gradual return to activity
- Physical therapy for stretching, hip and core strength, and movement correction
- Anti-inflammatories or pain medication (short term)
- Injections or arthroscopy in persistent cases (labral tear, FAI, stress fracture)
- Surgery only for severe, unresponsive cases
What’s the Prognosis?
- Most muscle/tendon injuries heal in weeks to months with proper rehab
- Labral tears and FAI may need longer treatment, but good outcomes are common
- Arthritis is chronic but can be managed for years with non-surgical care
Why Does My Hip Hurt on the Outside (Lateral Hip Pain)?
What Are the Most Common Causes?
- Gluteal tendinopathy or tear: Overuse, running, stair climbing, aging.
- Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS): Includes bursitis and tendon injuries at the hip’s outside.
- Iliotibial band (ITB) syndrome: Snapping, burning, or aching with movement or pressure
- Direct trauma or overloading the hip
- Hip osteoarthritis (may radiate to the side)
How Is It Treated?
- Activity modification, rest from aggravating movements
- Physical therapy for strengthening and hip stability exercises
- NSAIDs or corticosteroid injections for swelling
- Shockwave or PRP therapy for chronic cases
- Very rarely surgery for tendon repair or bursectomy
What’s the Prognosis?
- Most lateral hip pain resolves with rehab and activity adjustments in several weeks to months
- Tendon tears or advanced arthritis may require longer recovery
Why Does My Hip Hurt in the Back (Posterior Hip Pain, Buttock Pain)?
What Are the Most Common Causes?
- Piriformis syndrome: Nerve pain or numbness from tight or inflamed piriformis muscle.
- Lumbar spine issues (herniated disc, sciatica): Lower back pain radiating into the hip.
- Sacroiliac (SI) joint dysfunction: Pain with walking, turning, standing, or lying on one side.
- Hamstring strain/tear: Sudden, sharp pain after running or jumping, or chronic overuse
- Hip arthritis or labral tears (in some cases)
- Stress fracture or referred pain from pelvis/spine
How Is It Treated?
- Physical therapy and stretching for muscle/tendon pain
- Core, gluteal, and pelvic strengthening
- Ice/heat, massage, posture training
- Injections or guided rehabilitation for persistent nerve or SI joint pain
- Surgery rarely needed except for severe, unresponsive, or structural injuries
What’s the Prognosis?
- Most muscle and tendon injuries resolve in weeks with therapy
- Nerve and SI joint pain may need longer rehabilitation
- Chronic spine conditions require ongoing management but can often be well controlled
Why Choose Holistiq Spine & Orthopaedic
Holistiq provides advanced diagnostics for all types of hip pain and offers integrated treatments—physical therapy, nutrition, state-of-the-art therapies, and guided recovery—for every hip pain location.
Move Beyond Buttock Pain—Start Now
Relieve your hip pain—wherever it is. Schedule an expert evaluation with Holistiq Spine & Orthopaedics and get a custom plan for fast pain relief, safe movement, and lasting results!
Let us help to restore your quality of life. Book a personalized evaluation today.
Where Does It Hurt? We Can Help.
Holistiq understands that chronic pain can manifest in various ways. Our holistic approach addresses a wide range of conditions throughout your body, helping you find lasting relief. Explore the map below to understand what we treat.
Hip Pain
