Hip Pain While Walking, Sitting, or Sleeping? Expert Treatments That Help

Whether it flares up while walking, aches during long periods of sitting, or keeps you awake at night, persistent hip discomfort is more than just an inconvenience; it’s a sign that something isn’t working as it should.

At Pain Care, we start with diagnosing what’s causing your hip pain. Your care team then develops a personalized treatment strategy to relieve discomfort, restore mobility, and improve your quality of life.

Knowing the cause and treatment options for your hip pain can empower you to move, sit, and sleep comfortably again.

Understanding hip pain

The hip is one of the body’s largest and most complex joints, designed to support weight and allow smooth movement. Because it’s used constantly, it’s also vulnerable to injury and wear.

Hip pain can originate from the joint itself, surrounding muscles and tendons, or even nerves in the lower back. Pain patterns often provide clues about the cause.

For instance, pain while walking may point to arthritis or muscle strain. Discomfort during sitting can suggest labral issues or nerve-related pain. Nighttime hip pain, especially when lying on one side, is commonly associated with bursitis or joint inflammation.

At Pain Care, we start with a thorough evaluation to pinpoint the source of your pain, which guides the treatment strategy we develop.

Underlying causes of hip pain

Potential causes of hip pain include:

Arthritis

Osteoarthritis is one of the most frequent causes of hip pain, especially in adults over 50. It develops as cartilage wears down. This leads to stiffness, reduced range of motion, and pain that worsens with activity or after rest.

Bursitis

Inflammation of the bursae (small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the joint) can cause sharp or burning pain, particularly when lying on the affected side or standing up after sitting.

Muscle or tendon strain

Overuse, sudden movements, or repetitive activities can strain the muscles and tendons around the hip, leading to pain during walking or climbing stairs.

Hip labral tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that stabilizes the hip joint. Tears can cause deep groin pain, clicking sensations, and discomfort when sitting for long periods.

Referred pain from the spine

Sometimes hip pain doesn’t come from the hip at all. Conditions such as herniated discs or spinal arthritis and related nerve irritation or compression can send pain signals to the hip area.

Expert treatments that help

Our pain management specialists offer personalized, non-surgical solutions designed to reduce pain and restore function.

Your strategy for pain originating in the hip joint may include:

Physical therapy

Targeted exercises strengthen supporting muscles, improve flexibility, and reduce joint stress.

Medication management

Anti-inflammatory medications or muscle relaxants may help control pain and swelling when used appropriately.

Image-guided injections

Corticosteroid or regenerative injections can reduce inflammation and provide long-lasting relief for many patients.

Lifestyle and movement modifications

Simple changes in posture, activity level, or sleep position can significantly reduce daily hip pain.

Treatment for spinal conditions

If a herniated disc, degenerative changes in the spine, or nerve compression are at the root of your hip pain, our team will recommend therapies to address those issues.  

When to seek professional help

We recommend scheduling a visit if your hip pain lasts longer than a few days, worsens rather than improves, interferes with sleep, or limits daily activities. Early treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and help you return to an active, pain-free life.

Schedule an appointment at Pain Care today.