Many people assume hip pain belongs to older age, but the early warning signs often start appearing in the 40s. Lifestyle changes, long sitting hours, old injuries, and natural wear and tear can quietly affect the hip joint.
In my 35 years of experience, recognising these early clues helps prevent long-term damage and keeps mobility intact.
Early signs of Hip Pain:
1. A persistent dull ache in the groin
A subtle, nagging pain that comes and goes, especially noticeable during walking, bending, or twisting.
2. Morning or post-rest stiffness
Feeling “rusty” when getting up from bed or after long meetings. The stiffness eases with movement but continues to return.
3. Clicking, popping, or catching sensations
Repeated snapping or clicking during everyday movements, sometimes with a brief twinge.
4. Pain that spreads to the thigh or knee
Hip issues commonly cause referred pain, often confusing people into thinking it’s a knee or thigh problem.
5. Reduced tolerance for walking or standing
Needing more breaks, tiring easily, or noticing a slight limp after prolonged activity.
6. Difficulty with simple movements
Trouble tying shoes, sitting cross-legged, climbing into a car, or rotating the leg fully.
7. Activity-linked flare-ups
Pain triggered by stairs, jogging, workouts, or even long drives often becomes more frequent over time.
Other subtle clues to watch out for:
- Heaviness or weakness around the hip
- Mild swelling or outer hip tenderness
- Discomfort while sleeping on one side
- Reduced flexibility compared to earlier years
When to seek help?
It’s time to consult an orthopaedic specialist if:
- Pain lasts longer than 2-3 weeks
- The discomfort keeps returning
- Movement is getting more restricted
- Daily activities feel difficult or tiring
- You notice limping or stiffness affecting posture
- Pain disturbs sleep or the morning routine
- Home remedies or painkillers only give temporary relief
- An old injury has started acting up again
At Apex Group of Hospitals, skilled orthopaedic specialists use modern diagnostics, precise assessment, and personalised treatments to help individuals restore mobility and protect long-term joint health.
If you’re noticing early signs of hip discomfort, don’t wait.
Schedule a consultation with the Orthopaedics Team at Apex Group of Hospitals now and take the first step towards pain-free movement and better joint health.
Click the link to know more about our consultants: https://apexgroupofhospitals.com/doctors/dr-a-b-waghela/
– Dr Vrajesh Shah ( Orthopedics & Joint Replacement Surgeon )
