Hip Pain: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment in Charleston SC

Are you experiencing hip pain in Charleston SC? Whether you have discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or sleeping on your side, hip pain can make everyday activities difficult. Understanding the cause of your symptoms is the first step toward finding relief and improving your mobility.

Your hips carry your body weight every time you stand, walk, climb stairs, or get out of a chair. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint held together by strong muscles, tendons, and ligaments. When any of these parts get hurt or worn, it can make everyday life hard.

Hip pain does not always start in the hip. Problems in the lower back, pelvis, or nerves can send pain to the hip area. That is why we look at your whole body, not just the spot that hurts.

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What are the signs and symptoms of hip problems?

• Pain in the groin, the outside of the hip, the buttock, or the front of the thigh
• Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a chair
• Pain at night, especially when lying on the sore side
• Stiffness, often worst in the morning or after sitting
• Trouble putting on shoes and socks or getting in and out of the car
• Limping or feeling like one leg is weaker
• Clicking, catching, or locking in the hip joint
• Pain that spreads down the leg toward the knee
• Low back pain along with hip pain

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What causes hip pain?

• Hip arthritis. The smooth cartilage in the joint wears down, causing stiffness and groin pain.
• Bursitis. Small fluid-filled sacs on the outside of the hip get swollen and sore.
• Tendon problems. Tendons around the hip get irritated from overuse.
• Muscle strains. Pulled muscles in the hip, groin or buttock.
• SI joint problems. The sacroiliac joint, where your spine meets your pelvis, can get stiff or irritated.
• Piriformis syndrome. A tight buttock muscle presses on the sciatic nerve.
• Pinched nerves in the lower back that send pain into the hip.
• Falls and injuries, including fractures in older adults.

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How we diagnose hip pain in Charleston SC

We ask where your pain is and what makes it worse. We check how your hips, pelvis, and lower back move, test your strength, and watch how you walk. If needed, we order X-rays or an MRI, especially after a fall.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I know if my hip pain is coming from my back? Pain from the back often sits in the buttock and may travel down the leg with tingling or numbness. Pain from the hip joint is often felt in the groin. An exam can help tell the difference.

Why does my hip hurt at night? Lying on your side can press on swollen tissues like the bursa. A pillow between your knees can help. If it keeps happening, it is time to get checked.

Can a chiropractor help with hip pain? Yes. Some types of hip pain, especially those involving muscles, the SI joint or the lower back, may respond well to chiropractic care and exercise.