Burning Hip Pain: What It Means and When to Seek Help
- Mr Simon Garrett
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
Have you been feeling a burning or searing pain in your hip, maybe deep in the joint, around your thigh, or even down the side of your leg? You’re not alone. This type of discomfort can be frustrating and worrying, especially when it starts affecting your sleep or daily movement.
A burning pain in the hip is often a sign of nerve irritation, inflammation, or joint strain, and while it can have several causes, the good news is that there are ways to treat it effectively once the underlying issue is identified.
Common Causes of Burning Hip Pain
1. Nerve compression or irritation
Conditions like sciatica or meralgia paresthetica can cause burning, tingling, or numbness down the leg or outer thigh. These occur when nerves in the lower back or pelvis become compressed or irritated.
2. Hip bursitis
A common reason for burning pain on the side of the hip is bursitis which is inflammation of the small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. This pain often worsens when lying on that side, sitting for long periods, or climbing stairs.
3. Tendinitis or tendinopathy
Overuse injuries or muscle imbalances can irritate the tendons that connect your gluteal muscles to the hip bone. This can create a deep, burning ache that flares up during repetitive movements like walking uphill or standing from a seated position.
4. Osteoarthritis
Hip arthritis is another leading cause of burning pain. It happens when the cartilage cushioning your joint wears down, leading to stiffness, inflammation, and discomfort, particularly in the groin or front of the thigh.
5. Muscle strain
Sometimes, burning hip pain is linked to a simple muscle strain or overuse injury. Tiny tears in the muscle fibres can trigger inflammation and a burning sensation that worsens with movement.
When to Seek Help
See a healthcare professional if your pain:
Lasts longer than one or two weeks
Is sharp, worsening, or interferes with walking
Comes with swelling, redness, fever, or chills
Follows a fall or injury
These could signal infection, inflammation, or other conditions that need early diagnosis and management. The quicker you identify the pain and make an appointment, the quicker you will be able to get back on your feet.
How Burning Hip Pain Is Diagnosed
When I see patients with this type of pain, the first step is a thorough consultation and physical examination. We’ll discuss when the pain started, what makes it worse, and what activities might be contributing.
Depending on your symptoms, imaging such as X-rays or an MRI scan may be arranged to pinpoint whether the cause is arthritis, tendon inflammation, or another structural issue. From there, we can tailor a treatment plan that’s right for you, whether that’s physiotherapy, lifestyle changes, medication, or, in some cases, minimally invasive treatment.
The Takeaway
Burning hip pain can be unsettling, but it’s not something you have to live with. Understanding the cause is the first step toward relief, and early diagnosis can make all the difference.
If you’re experiencing ongoing hip pain or discomfort that’s stopping you from doing the things you love, don’t ignore it. You can always book an appointment to discuss your symptoms and get the right plan in place to help you move comfortably again.
📞 07776 476 667
