Hip and buttock pain or swelling are common and can be caused by injuries, overuse, or medical conditions. The pain may be sharp, aching, or feel like stiffness. Most cases improve with self-care, but some may need clinical attention.
Common Causes of Hip and Buttock Pain or Swelling
1. Injuries
- Sprains and Strains – Overstretching or tearing of muscles, ligaments, or tendons, often from sudden movement or exercise.
- Hip Fractures – More common in older adults, usually due to falls.
- Dislocated Hip – When the hip bone moves out of its joint, causing severe pain and difficulty moving.
2. Overuse and Lifestyle Factors
- Repetitive Movements – Running, cycling, or prolonged sitting can strain the hip and buttock muscles.
- Poor Posture – Sitting with poor alignment or standing for long periods can lead to discomfort.
- Being Overweight – Puts extra pressure on the hip joint, increasing pain and stiffness.
3. Medical Conditions
- Arthritis – Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis can cause hip stiffness and pain.
- Sciatica – A trapped nerve in the lower back that causes pain to spread through the buttock and down the leg.
- Bursitis – Inflammation of fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint, leading to sharp pain.
- Tendonitis – Inflammation of tendons around the hip, often from overuse.
- Piriformis Syndrome – A condition where a small muscle in the buttock irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain.
Seek further NHS Advice if you think any of the above causes of Hip or Buttock pain applies to you. eg search “NHS Advice Bursitis“
Self-Care and Home Treatment
Mild to moderate hip and buttock pain or swelling can be managed at home using the RICE method:
- Rest – Avoid activities that worsen the pain but keep moving gently to prevent stiffness.
- Ice – Apply an ice pack (wrapped in a towel) to the affected area for 15–20 minutes every 2–3 hours.
- Compression – Use a support bandage if it helps, but do not wrap too tightly.
- Elevation – Lie down and elevate your leg slightly to reduce swelling.
Other helpful treatments include:
- Pain Relief – Take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Stretching and Strengthening Exercises – Gentle hip and buttock exercises can improve flexibility and support the joint.
- Weight Management – Losing weight can reduce pressure on the hips.
- Supportive Footwear – Well-cushioned shoes can ease strain on the hip joint.
- Heat Therapy – A warm bath or heat pack can help relax tight muscles.
Help at the Pharmacy
Discuss your symptoms with a pharmacist who will advise, including when to see a doctor. They can advise on pain and anti-inflammatory treatments where strains or knocks have occurred.
When to See a Doctor
Seek medical advice if you:
- Have severe pain or cannot move your hip or leg.
- Have swelling, hot-to-touch skin, or redness in the hip or buttock.
- Feel a clicking or locking sensation in the hip joint.
- Have pain that lasts more than two weeks despite self-care.
- Experience pain spreading down the leg with tingling or numbness.
- Have had a recent injury or fall and struggle to walk.
Medical Treatment Options
If self-care does not improve the pain, a doctor may recommend:
- Physiotherapy – Special exercises to strengthen muscles and improve movement.
- Injections – Corticosteroid injections to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Medications – Stronger pain relief or anti-inflammatory drugs if needed.
- Surgery – In severe cases, procedures like hip replacements or joint repairs may be required.
Preventing Hip and Buttock Pain
To reduce the risk of hip and buttock problems:
- Stay Active – Regular low-impact exercise like swimming or walking helps keep joints healthy.
- Warm Up and Cool Down – Before and after exercise to prevent muscle strain.
- Maintain Good Posture – Sit and stand with proper alignment to avoid strain.
- Take Breaks from Sitting – Move around every 30 minutes to prevent stiffness.
- Strengthen Core and Hip Muscles – Helps support the hip joint and reduce pain.
- Manage Medical Conditions – Follow treatment plans for arthritis or sciatica to prevent worsening pain.
Conclusion
Hip and buttock pain are often treatable with self-care. However, if pain persists or worsens, medical advice should be sought to prevent long-term problems.