Hip Pain When Walking: Causes and What to Do

Short answer: hip pain when walking can come from a muscle strain, arthritis and other causes, and the NHS says not to self-diagnose.^[9] Keep moving without overdoing it, and know the warning signs.^[9]

Hip pain when walking: what to know

• Keep moving, but avoid strain: no heavy lifting and no low chairs, which add pressure on the hips.^[9]
• Cold pack wrapped in a towel for up to 20 minutes, repeated every few hours; paracetamol or ibuprofen gel may help.^[9]
• Supportive, cushioned footwear, gentle hip stretches, and a healthy weight.^[9]

When to see a doctor

See a GP if hip pain stops normal activities or affects sleep, is getting worse or recurring, hasn't improved after 2 weeks at home, or if hip stiffness lasts more than 30 minutes after waking.^[9] Urgent GP or NHS 111: sudden severe pain with no injury, a swollen and hot hip, skin colour change, or pain with a high temperature.^[9] Emergency (the NHS says call 999 or go to A&E): severe pain after a fall, being unable to walk or put weight on the leg, or tingling or loss of feeling after an injury. Don't drive yourself.^[9] In India, go to the nearest emergency department.

Sources

1. NHS, Hip pain

Written by the Prife iTeraCare team and last reviewed on 10 October 2026. This is general information, not medical advice, and it does not replace your doctor or physiotherapist. A session is a wellness experience, not a medical treatment.