Author: Mr Oliver Eaton BSc (Hons), PG.Cert – Orthopaedic Specialist
Reviewed by: Mr William Sharples BSc (Hons) – Pain Management Expert
Last Updated: September 2025
In this article, you will find out everything you need to know about hip pain and the most effective ways to treat it, including an advanced treatment called Prolotherapy.
Introduction to Hip Conditions
Hip pain is a widespread issue that can have a profound effect on your daily activities and overall well-being. The hip joint, one of the body’s largest ball and socket joints, is essential for supporting your weight and enabling smooth movement. When hip pain develops, it can occur at the front, side, or back of the hip, and sometimes radiates down the leg, making even simple tasks challenging. There are several hip disorders called hip osteoarthritis, hip impingement, and greater trochanteric pain syndrome that can cause pain in this area. Each condition affects the hip joint differently, so an accurate diagnosis is crucial for finding the right treatment and managing pain effectively. Understanding the specific causes of hip pain helps healthcare professionals create a personalized plan to restore mobility and improve quality of life.
Causes of Hip Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
Several conditions can cause hip pain that radiates down the leg, including pain caused by issues directly within the hip joint or by other sources such as the lower back. Hip conditions can also cause leg pain, which may affect mobility and daily activities.
- Sciatica: Often caused by compression of the sciatic nerve, leading to pain that travels from the lower back through the hip and down the leg.
- Sciatica-like Pain: Radiating nerve pain originating from the lower back or hip region, which can extend down the leg due to nerve root irritation or musculoskeletal issues.
- Hip Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, can cause pain that radiates down the leg.
- Greater Trochanter Pain Syndrome: A common cause of lateral hip pain due to injury or inflammation of the soft tissues around the greater trochanter, often associated with bursitis or tendinopathy.
- Arthritis: Osteoarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in the hip joint can lead to pain and stiffness that extends down the leg.
- Joint Pain: Joint pain is often felt during rest and is associated with conditions like osteoarthritis, differing from muscle pain which is usually activity-related.
- Herniated Disc: A bulging or ruptured disc in the spine can press on nerves, causing pain that radiates through the hip and leg.
- Muscle Strain: Overuse or injury to the muscles around the hip can result in pain that spreads down the leg.
- Hip Impingement: Abnormal contact within the hip joint (femoroacetabular impingement) can cause hip impingement pain, which often radiates to the front, side, and upper thigh or leg, especially during activities like squatting or sitting.
- Labral Tear: A tear in the cartilage ring (labrum) around the hip socket, known as a hip labral tear, can lead to joint instability, clicking, and pain radiating down the leg, especially during twisting, sitting, or walking.
- Nerve Involvement: Nerve involvement can influence the character and pattern of pain radiating down the leg, making it important in diagnosis.
- Nerve Pain: Nerve pain is characterized by sharp, shooting, or tingling sensations due to nerve irritation or compression, commonly seen in conditions like sciatica.
- Referred Pain: Pain can originate from the lower back or other areas and be felt in the hip or leg, making it important to identify the true source of discomfort.
Certain activities, conditions, or behaviors may increase the risk of developing hip pain that radiates down the leg. Severe hip pain may require prompt medical evaluation.
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is a common cause of discomfort on the side of the hip, right over the greater trochanter—a prominent bony area on the thigh bone. This painful condition often results from inflammation or irritation of the soft tissues, such as tendons and fluid-filled sacs (bursae), that surround the greater trochanter. People with GTPS typically experience lateral hip pain that can become worse with physical activity, prolonged sitting, or when lying on the affected side. The pain may also radiate down the leg, making movement uncomfortable. Treatment options for greater trochanteric pain syndrome include physical therapy to strengthen the hip muscles, corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation, and gentle exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain. By addressing the underlying soft tissue irritation, these approaches can help restore mobility and allow you to return to your normal activities.
Groin Pain
Groin pain is a frequent symptom of various hip problems, including hip labral tears, hip osteoarthritis, and hip impingement. The groin area, located near the hip socket, is particularly sensitive to changes or injuries in the hip joint and surrounding soft tissues. Groin pain can also be linked to other conditions such as sacroiliac joint dysfunction or piriformis syndrome, both of which can cause radiating pain down the leg. Because groin pain can have multiple causes, an accurate diagnosis is essential to determine the best course of treatment. If you experience persistent pain in the groin area, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms like stiffness or radiating pain, consult a healthcare professional to identify the underlying hip problem and develop an effective treatment plan.
Hip Fracture
A hip fracture is a serious injury that demands immediate medical attention. Most commonly caused by osteoporosis, falls, or severe trauma, a hip fracture can lead to severe pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected leg. People with a hip fracture often find it extremely difficult or impossible to bear weight or walk on the injured side. Prompt treatment is critical to manage pain and prevent complications. Treatment options typically include surgery to repair the fracture, followed by physical therapy to restore strength and mobility. Prescription medications may also be used to manage pain during recovery. If you suspect a hip fracture—especially after a fall or injury—seek immediate medical attention to ensure the best possible outcome.
Symptoms of Hip Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
Symptoms can vary depending on the underlying cause but often include:
- Pain in the hip joint that extends down the leg
- Numbness or tingling sensations in the leg
- Weakness in the leg muscles
- Difficulty walking or standing for long periods
- Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip
Patients may also feel pain spreading down the leg or originating from the hip joint, which can persist and is sometimes linked to other issues such as back problems.
Describing Hip Pain
Describing your hip pain accurately is an important step toward getting the right diagnosis and treatment. Hip pain can vary widely: it may be mild or severe, constant or come and go, and can be made worse by physical activity or prolonged sitting. Some people experience radiating pain that travels down the leg, which is often seen in conditions like hip impingement or sciatica. When talking to your healthcare professional, be sure to mention where the pain is located, how intense it feels, how long it lasts, and what activities make the pain worse or better. Providing a clear and detailed description of your hip pain helps your healthcare professional develop a personalized treatment plan to manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life.
Diagnosing Hip Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
Accurate diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. A healthcare provider will typically perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests such as X-rays, MRI, or CT scans to identify the underlying cause of the pain. Evaluation of the lumbar spine may also be necessary to identify spinal issues that could contribute to hip pain radiating down the leg. Blood tests may also be conducted to rule out inflammatory conditions like arthritis.
Treatments for Hip Pain That Radiates Down the Leg
Treatment options depend on the underlying cause and severity of the pain. Common approaches include:
- Medications: Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs can help reduce pain and swelling.
- Physical Therapy: Exercises to strengthen the hip and leg muscles, improve flexibility, and enhance mobility.
- Injections: Corticosteroid injections may be used to reduce inflammation and provide temporary pain relief.
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying issue.
If hip pain that radiates down the leg persists or is complex, consulting a sports medicine specialist can help with accurate diagnosis and effective treatment, especially for musculoskeletal conditions such as trochanteric bursitis.
Prolotherapy
In recent years, Prolotherapy has built its reputation within the medical community for its clinically proven ability to treat hip pain. Published research has proven its pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, and regenerative benefits.
Prolotherapy involves injecting a natural regenerative solution with tiny needles. This has been shown to stimulate the production of collagen cells, the small cells needed to help with hip pain. As prolotherapy is helping to treat the root cause of hip pain, it is deemed to be a permanent fix, preventing the symptoms from returning.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this section is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Prolotherapy may not be suitable for everyone, and outcomes can vary. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional regarding your specific medical condition or treatment options. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of information you have read here.
Case Study: Successful Management of Hip Pain
Patient: Female, 45, avid runner
Symptoms: Persistent hip pain radiating down the leg, difficulty running long distances.
Treatment: The patient underwent a combination of physical therapy and prolotherapy injections at ProHealth Clinic.
Outcome: Within four months, the patient experienced significant pain reduction and improved mobility, allowing her to return to running without discomfort.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most effective treatment for hip pain that radiates down the leg?
The most effective treatment depends on the underlying cause. Options include physical therapy, prolotherapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery.
Can hip pain that radiates down the leg be prevented?
Maintaining a healthy weight, staying active, and practicing good posture can help prevent hip pain. Early intervention and treatment of underlying conditions are also crucial.
Is prolotherapy safe for treating hip pain?
Prolotherapy is considered safe when performed by experienced practitioners. It offers a regenerative approach to treating the underlying causes of hip pain, with minimal side effects.
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Author Bio
Having performed over 10,000 procedures, Mr Eaton is one of the UK’s leading practitioners in the field of treating hip pain, with patients travelling to see him from across the UK, Europe, and the Middle East.
With over 12 years of clinical experience, Oliver is dedicated to helping patients understand their symptoms associated with hip pain and providing effective treatment options to alleviate them.
He qualified in Prolozone Therapy and Prolotherapy in America with the American Academy of Ozonotherapy. He continued on to complete further qualifications at the Royal Society of Medicine, Charing Cross Hospital in London, Keele University’s Anatomy & Surgical Training Centre, and the medical department of Heidelberg University in Germany.
Over the years he has had the privilege of treating many elite-level athletes, including both Olympic and Commonwealth medallists.
Mr Eaton’s expertise has been featured in many national news and media publications, including The Telegraph, The Daily Mail, The Daily Express, Women’s Health Magazine, and The Scotsman.
References
- Weiner DK, et al. Pain management in older adults: prevention and treatment. Clin Geriatr Med. 2016;32(4):705-724. View Study
- Frontera WR, et al. Essentials of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation: Musculoskeletal Disorders, Pain, and Rehabilitation. 4th ed. Elsevier; 2018.
- Hochberg MC, et al. American College of Rheumatology 2012 recommendations for the use of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic therapies in osteoarthritis of the hand, hip, and knee. Arthritis Care Res (Hoboken). 2012;64(4):465-474. View Study
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making treatment decisions.