5 Common Causes of Hip Pain in Women
Health ConditionsOrthopedic ConditionsHip Pain

5 Common Causes of Hip Pain in Women

5 Common Causes of Hip Pain in Women
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Updated on October 07, 2026
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Does your hip hurt? As with other types of chronic pain, women tend to experience it more than men.

 But because hip pain can have a number of different causes, determining the correct one is key to getting the best treatment.

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Symptoms of Hip Pain in Women

When you tell your doctor your hip hurts, they’ll likely confirm whether or not your hip is the source of the problem. What people may sometimes describe as hip pain can actually be pain in the side of the upper thigh, upper buttock, or lower back, says Stephanie E. Siegrist, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Rochester, New York. The location of your symptoms can point to which part of your hip may be affected. For example:

  • Deep in the hip joint: May be due to bone or cartilage issues.
  • Closer to the surface: Often related to muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
  • In the lower back or groin: Could be radiating (or spreading) from your hip.
Hip pain can sometimes go away on its own, but if it’s long-lasting or impacting your daily life, it’s best to see a healthcare provider.

Causes of Hip Pain in Women

Dr. Siegrist says she considers the patient’s age, build, and activity level when diagnosing the cause of a female patient’s hip pain.

Here are some of the most common causes of hip pain in women.

1. Arthritis

Chronic hip pain in women is often caused by arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, the wear-and-tear kind that affects many people as they age.

 “The ball-and-socket joint starts to wear out,” Siegrist says. Arthritis pain is often felt in the front of your thigh or in the groin because of stiffness or swelling in the joint.

2. Hip Fractures

Hip fractures are common in older women, especially those with osteoporosis (decreased bone density). Symptoms of a hip fracture include pain when you straighten, lift, or stand on your leg. Also, the toes on your injured side will appear to turn out, a sign that can aid your doctor’s preliminary diagnosis.

3. Tendinitis and Bursitis

Tendons connect muscles to the bones around your joints. These tendons can become inflamed if you overuse them or participate in strenuous activities. One of the most common causes of tendinitis at the hip joint, especially in runners, is iliotibial band syndrome. This is where the iliotibial band, the thick span of tissue that runs from the outer rim of your pelvis to the outside of your knee, becomes irritated from rubbing against the hip or knee bones.

Another common cause of hip pain in women is bursitis, says Marc Philippon, MD, an orthopedic surgeon in Vail, Colorado. Fluid-filled sacs called bursae cushion the bony part of the hip that is close to the surface. Like tendons, these sacs can become inflamed from irritation or overuse and cause pain whenever you move the hip joint.

4. Hernia

In the groin area, femoral and inguinal hernias, sometimes referred to as sports hernias, can cause anterior (frontal) hip pain in women. Pregnant people can be susceptible to inguinal hernias because of the added pressure on the wall of their abdomen.

5. Gynecological and Back Issues

“Hip pain in women can have gynecological causes,” Siegrist says. “It’s important not to just assume that the pain is caused by arthritis, bursitis, or tendinitis. Depending on your age and other health issues, the pain in your hip could be coming from some other system.”

Endometriosis (when tissue similar to the uterine lining tissue grows outside the uterus) can cause pelvic tenderness, which some women describe as hip pain. Pain from the back and spine can also be felt around the buttocks and hip, Siegrist says.

Sciatica, a pinched nerve, typically affects one side of the body and can cause pain in the back of the right or left hip — the pain from sciatica can start in your lower back and travel down to your buttocks and legs.

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

How to relieve your hip pain will depend on the diagnosis, but there are a few common approaches. Your doctor can determine the best course of action for your specific situation.

Rest and Over-the-Counter Medications

Pain that's caused by overuse or sports injuries is often treated with ice and rest. You may also choose to take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication, such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol).

 To prevent injuries, it is important to stretch before exercising and wear appropriate clothing, especially good shoes when running, Dr. Philippon says.

Physical Therapy

Hip weakness is typically related to side and rear hip pain. If hip weakness is suspected, a physical therapist can create a treatment plan to help you strengthen muscles and improve your stability to reduce pain.

Surgery

Some causes of hip pain may require surgery. For example, hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that can address pain and mobility issues. In other cases, hip replacement may be necessary.

EDITORIAL SOURCES
Everyday Health follows strict sourcing guidelines to ensure the accuracy of its content, outlined in our editorial policy. We use only trustworthy sources, including peer-reviewed studies, board-certified medical experts, patients with lived experience, and information from top institutions.
Resources
  1. Smith AF et al. Sex differences in the transition to chronic pain. The Journal of Clinical Investigation. June 2, 2025.
  2. Hip Pain. Cleveland Clinic.
  3. Hip Fracture. Mayo Clinic. September 10, 2025.
  4. Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Cleveland Clinic. October 19, 2021.
  5. Bursitis. Cleveland Clinic. March 7, 2023.
  6. Inguinal Hernia. Mayo Clinic. September 10, 2025.
  7. Sciatica. Cleveland Clinic. February 10, 2026.
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Allison M. Fout, PA-C

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Allison M. Fout, PA-C, has 20 years of experience as a Physician Assistant with a career rooted in orthopedic care. Since 2015, she has been a provider at Excelsior Orthopaedics in...

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Beth W. Orenstein is a freelance writer for HealthDay, Radiology Today, the Living Well section of The American Legion Magazine, St. Luke’s University Health Network, and others. S...

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