Pain in groin and hip area female nhs

Pain in the hip can be caused by a problem with the joint, muscles, tendons or other soft tissues.

Table of Contents Show

How can I help myself to get better?
Pain relief
When should I see my GP or physiotherapist?
Specific hip conditions
Osteoarthritis of the knee
Osteoarthritis of the hip
Osteoarthritis of the hand
What can cause pain in the groin and hip area of a woman?
What can cause pain in the groin area of a woman NHS?
What does it mean when your groin and hip hurt?
When should I go to the doctor for groin pain female?

Hip pain is often felt in the groin, buttock and can refer down the front or side of the leg. It may be caused by an injury or may gradually build up over time, due to of weakness in certain muscles or in some cases overtraining. As we get older, or after a previous injury, osteoarthritis may develop in the hip, which can also cause pain and stiffness.

Most hip pain has a simple cause and will resolve within a short period of time. Even more persistent problems, such as osteoarthritis can be self-managed successfully with good advice and exercises.

How can I help myself to get better?

Minor injuries, such as mild sprains and strains, can be treated at home and should start to improve after a few of days. Using a protection, rest and ice regime initially can help.

There is self-management advice provided below to help minimise symptoms and facilitate the healing process.

Pain relief

Getting the right pain relief to allow you to return to your usual activities is the key to success in the early stages. Pain killers, such as ibuprofen, paracetamol and gels can help. Make sure you discuss this with your GP or pharmacist.

Exercise

Keeping your hip moving can be important to stop structures stiffening up and your muscles becoming weak. You need to find the right balance between rest and exercise – some people find too much increases the pain while too little makes the hip stiffen up.

Some basic exercises can be useful in easing your hip pain and to help it move better. If the pain is the result of overuse or overtraining try to reduce the amount of activity (rather than stopping it altogether) that may be exacerbating your symptoms for a short period, until the pain settles. You should then aim to slowly work back up to your previous activity level. If exercising does not affect your symptoms or improves them, try to stay as active as possible.

Sedentary and inactive lifestyles increase the risk of developing pain and can also delay your recovery. Being active for 30 minutes in your day can make a big difference in your overall health and improve your pain.

When should I see my GP or physiotherapist?

Many episodes of hip pain get better or improve on their own, however you should seek medical advice for the following

After a sudden traumatic or high impact injury
If the pain is severe or the hip is hot, red or very swollen
If you have tingling or numbness in the leg or foot
If you develop acute hip pain at the same time as feeling unwell or having a fever you should see your doctor immediately.

Specific hip conditions

If you have been given a diagnosis, below is some advice to help you manage your specific condition.

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Hip osteoarthritis

The main symptoms of osteoarthritis are pain and stiffness in your joints, which can make it difficult to move the affected joints and do certain activities.

The symptoms may come and go in episodes, which can be related to your activity levels and even the weather. In more severe cases, the symptoms can be continuous.

You should see your GP if you have persistent symptoms of osteoarthritis so they can confirm the diagnosis and prescribe any necessary treatment.

Other symptoms you or your doctor may notice include:

joint tenderness
increased pain and stiffness when you have not moved your joints for a while
joints appearing slightly larger or more "knobbly" than usual
a grating or crackling sound or sensation in your joints
limited range of movement in your joints
weakness and muscle wasting (loss of muscle bulk)

Osteoarthritis can affect any joint in the body, but the most common areas affected are the knees, hips and small joints in the hands. Often, you'll only experience symptoms in 1 joint, or a few joints at any 1 time.

Osteoarthritis of the knee

If you have osteoarthritis in your knees, both your knees will usually be affected over time, unless it occurred as the result of an injury or another condition affecting only 1 knee.

Your knees may be most painful when you walk, particularly when walking up or down hills or stairs.

Sometimes, your knees may "give way" beneath you or make it difficult to straighten your legs. You may also hear a soft, grating sound when you move the affected joint.

Osteoarthritis of the hip

Osteoarthritis in your hips often causes difficulty moving your hip joints. For example, you may find it difficult to put your shoes and socks on or to get in and out of a car.

You'll also usually have pain in the groin or outside the hip. This is often worse when you move the hip joints, although it can also affect you when you're resting or sleeping.

Osteoarthritis of the hand

Osteoarthritis often affects three main areas of your hand:

the base of your thumb
the joints closest to your fingertips
the middle joints of your fingers

Your fingers may become stiff, painful and swollen and you may develop bumps on your finger joints. Over time, the pain may decrease and eventually disappear altogether, although the bumps and swelling can remain.

Your fingers may bend sideways slightly at your affected joints or you may develop painful cysts (fluid-filled lumps) on the backs of your fingers.

In some cases, you may also develop a bump at the base of your thumb where it joins your wrist. This can be painful and you may find it difficult to perform some manual tasks, such as writing, opening jars or turning keys.

Page last reviewed: 19 August 2019
Next review due: 19 August 2022

What can cause pain in the groin and hip area of a woman?

Usually, groin pain is related to an injury relating to overuse or straining. However, other things can cause groin pain in women. Some of the more serious causes of female groin pain include appendicitis, ovarian cysts, or even cancer. These are very rare, however.

What can cause pain in the groin area of a woman NHS?

This groin pain can become more intense by standing or walking for extended periods of time..

Enlarged lymph nodes. ... .

Femoral hernia. ... .

Hip fracture. ... .

Inguinal hernia. ... .

Kidney stones. ... .

Osteitis pubis. ... .

Ovarian cyst. ... .

Pinched nerve..

What does it mean when your groin and hip hurt?

Causes of pain in the hip and groin can be musculoskeletal or internal. Musculoskeletal issues begin in the bones, joints, or muscles. Those that cause hip and groin pain are often sports injuries. Some internal health problems that cause this pain include a hernia, endometriosis, or a cystic lesion.

When should I go to the doctor for groin pain female?

Most cases of groin pain do not require medical attention. However, you should see a doctor if you experience severe, prolonged pain accompanied by fever or swelling. These symptoms may indicate a more serious condition. Your doctor will evaluate your symptoms and ask about any recent physical activity.