Hip pain in women can come from problems in the joint itself, nearby muscles and tendons, or even gynecologic and spine conditions that “refer” pain into the hip area.

Quick Scoop: Main Causes

Here are some of the most common causes when someone asks “what can cause hip pain in a woman?”

  • Osteoarthritis (wear‑and‑tear arthritis) – The ball‑and‑socket joint gradually wears out, leading to stiffness, swelling, and deep aching pain, often felt in the groin or front of the thigh; this is especially common with age and after menopause.
  • Inflammatory arthritis (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis) – The immune system attacks the joint lining, causing pain, swelling, and morning stiffness in one or both hips.
  • Bursitis – Inflammation of small fluid‑filled sacs (bursae) around the hip, often from overuse, trauma, or conditions like rheumatoid arthritis and gout; pain typically worsens with sitting, lying on that side, or activity.
  • Tendonitis and overuse injuries – Irritation of tendons and soft tissues around the hip from repetitive activities like running or cycling, including iliotibial band syndrome, which is more common in women due to anatomy and training patterns.
  • Hip fractures and stress fractures – More common in older or postmenopausal women because of thinner bones and osteoporosis; can cause sudden severe pain after a fall, or gradually worsening pain in athletes from repeated impact.
  • Hip impingement or structural problems (dysplasia, misalignment) – Abnormal shape or alignment of the hip joint causes bones to pinch soft tissue, leading to pain with certain movements, limited range of motion, and sometimes clicking or catching.
  • Spine and nerve problems (sciatica, low‑back issues) – A pinched nerve in the lower back can cause burning, tingling, or shooting pain that feels like it is in the hip or leg rather than the back.
  • Gynecological causes (e.g., endometriosis, pelvic issues) – Endometrial tissue growing near pelvic nerves can cause pain that radiates into the hips, buttocks, or legs; pelvic conditions may be mistaken for hip problems.
  • Groin/inguinal hernias – A hernia near the groin can cause pain that seems like it is next to or in the hip.
  • Muscle strain and poor mechanics – Weak or tight hip muscles, flat feet, leg length differences, or prolonged sitting can strain the hip area and lead to chronic discomfort.

When to Worry and See a Doctor

You should seek urgent or same‑day medical care if hip pain:

  • Follows a fall, accident, or sudden twisting injury.
  • Makes it hard or impossible to put weight on the leg.
  • Comes with fever, redness, or warmth over the joint.
  • Is associated with numbness, weakness, or loss of bladder/bowel control.

For ongoing or slowly worsening hip pain (weeks or more), especially if you are over 40, postmenopausal, or very active in impact sports, a clinician can evaluate for arthritis, structural issues, or referred pain from the back or pelvis and guide treatment.

Typical Next Steps

A healthcare provider will usually:

  1. Ask detailed questions (location of pain, timing, injuries, periods, activity level).
  2. Examine your hip, back, and gait.
  3. Order X‑rays, ultrasounds, or MRI if needed.
  4. Suggest treatments such as rest/activity changes, physical therapy, medication, injections, or, rarely, surgery, depending on the cause.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.