Hip and leg pain: from the hip, or referred from the back
Hip pain is not always the hip. Low back structures refer symptoms into the buttock, groin and thigh, and hip joint problems refer elsewhere in turn. Sorting out which is which is the first useful step.
Who this page is for
Adults with pain in the hip, groin, buttock or thigh, including pain that limits walking, stairs or sleeping on one side.
Why people come in
These are reasons patients give for booking. They are not a diagnosis, and only an examination can tell you what is happening in your case.
- Groin pain when putting on shoes or getting out of a car
- Buttock pain that travels down the thigh
- Pain lying on that side at night
- Stiffness in the hip after sitting
How the evaluation works
We test the hip joint, the low back and the surrounding soft tissue to identify the source, and screen for presentations that need medical imaging.
How we may approach care
Care may combine manual therapy for the identified source, shockwave where a soft tissue complaint is suitable, and progressive strengthening.
What a first visit may involve
Expect movement testing of both hip and back, then an explanation of which one your findings point to.
Safety and when to seek other care
Inability to bear weight, hip pain after a fall, fever, or a hip that gives way needs medical assessment and possibly imaging before manual care.
Questions patients ask
Is this arthritis?
Arthritic change is one possibility among several. Examination, and imaging when indicated, is what clarifies it.
Can back problems cause hip pain?
Yes, referred symptoms are common, which is why both areas are examined.
Where this care is offered
The clinical explanation above is the same at every clinic. Location links add only what is specific to that clinic.
Related pages
Clinical review
Clinician review pending. This page has not yet been signed off by a named Inspine provider, and no reviewer is claimed until one confirms it. See our provider profiles.
Take the first step.
Call the clinic nearest you, or send a request and our team will follow up to agree a time.