Ajax Physiotherapy for Hip Pain
Hip pain can make everyday activities surprisingly difficult. Whether you’re walking through the grocery store, taking the dog for a walk, or simply moving around the house, discomfort in the hip can quickly affect your mobility and quality of life.
Many people assume hip pain is simply a normal part of getting older, but that’s not always the case. Several different conditions can contribute to hip pain while walking, and identifying the underlying cause is an important first step toward recovery.
At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, we help patients throughout Ajax and Durham Region understand the source of their hip pain and develop treatment plans designed to improve movement and reduce discomfort.
Why Does Hip Pain Occur When Walking?
Walking places repetitive stress through the hip joint, surrounding muscles, tendons, and ligaments.
If one of these structures becomes irritated, inflamed, weak, or injured, pain may develop during activity.
The location of the pain can often provide clues about what may be contributing to the problem.
Common Causes of Hip Pain While Walking
Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the protective cartilage within the hip joint gradually wears down over time.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain in the groin or front of the hip
- Stiffness after sitting
- Reduced range of motion
- Discomfort that worsens with walking or prolonged activity
Many people notice their symptoms are worse first thing in the morning or after periods of inactivity.
Gluteal Tendinopathy
The gluteal muscles help stabilize the hip while walking.
When the tendons become irritated, pain may develop on the outside of the hip.
Common symptoms include:
- Pain on the outer hip
- Discomfort when walking long distances
- Pain when lying on one side
- Tenderness around the hip bone
Hip Bursitis
Bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction around joints.
When one becomes irritated, inflammation can develop and lead to pain on the outside of the hip.
Symptoms may include:
- Sharp or aching pain on the side of the hip
- Tenderness to touch
- Increased pain when walking, climbing stairs, or lying on the affected side
Muscle Strains and Weakness
Weakness or tightness in the muscles surrounding the hip can alter movement patterns and place additional stress on the joint.
This may lead to:
- Aching during walks
- Fatigue in the hip muscles
- Reduced stability
- Difficulty with stairs or hills
Referred Pain from the Lower Back
Sometimes hip pain isn’t actually coming from the hip itself.
Conditions affecting the lower back can irritate nerves that travel into the hip and leg, causing symptoms that feel like hip pain.
Signs may include:
- Pain that travels down the leg
- Numbness or tingling
- Back stiffness
- Symptoms that change with sitting or bending
When Should You Be Concerned?
While many cases of hip pain improve with appropriate treatment, you should seek medical attention if you experience:
- Sudden severe pain
- Inability to bear weight
- Significant swelling
- Pain following a major fall or injury
- Unexplained weakness in the leg
Persistent symptoms that interfere with walking should also be assessed by a healthcare professional.
How Physiotherapy Can Help
A physiotherapy assessment can help determine which structures may be contributing to your pain.
Your physiotherapist may evaluate:
- Hip mobility
- Muscle strength
- Walking mechanics
- Balance and stability
- Lower back function
- Movement patterns
Treatment may include:
- Strengthening exercises
- Mobility and flexibility work
- Manual therapy techniques
- Balance training
- Walking and movement retraining
- Education on activity modification
The goal is to address the underlying cause of the pain while helping you return to daily activities with greater comfort and confidence.
Tips for Managing Hip Pain
While waiting for an assessment, some people find relief by:
- Avoiding activities that significantly increase pain
- Taking shorter walks more frequently
- Performing gentle mobility exercises
- Wearing supportive footwear
- Gradually increasing activity levels instead of pushing through pain
Because hip pain can have many different causes, obtaining an accurate diagnosis is important before starting a treatment program.
Physiotherapy for Hip Pain in Ajax
If your hip hurts when you walk, don’t assume it’s something you simply have to live with.
At Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic, our team helps patients throughout Ajax and Durham Region identify the cause of hip pain and develop personalized treatment plans to improve mobility and function.
Contact Durham Orthopedic & Sports Injury Clinic at 905-428-7800 to book an assessment and learn how physiotherapy may help you get back to walking comfortably.