Hip pain can sneak up on you and really impact daily life. It might feel like a dull ache when you get out of bed, a sharp pain when you twist, or a sore spot that keeps you awake at night. The tricky thing is that not all hip pain is the same and figuring out the cause is the first step to finding relief.
Three common reasons for hip pain are labral tears, osteoarthritis, and bursitis. Here’s how they differ.
Labral Tears – The Sharp and Clicky Kind
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, keeping the joint stable. When it tears, you might notice sharp pain in the groin or hip, sometimes with clicking, locking, or even a sense that the hip might give way.
This type of injury often shows up in younger, active people, think athletes or dancers and can be caused by sudden trauma, repetitive twisting movements, or underlying structural issues in the hip.
Hip Osteoarthritis – The Achy, Stiff Type
Osteoarthritis happens when the smooth cartilage inside the hip wears down over time. Without that cushion, the bones rub together, leading to pain and stiffness. People often describe it as a deep, aching discomfort in the groin, thigh, or buttock that’s worse in the morning or after sitting still.
It’s most common in people over 50, especially if there’s been a past hip injury, but can also be linked to genetics, body weight, or repetitive stress from work or sport. Unlike a labral tear, the pain here is usually more diffuse and goes together with stiffness and reduced movement.
Hip Bursitis – The Sore Spot on the Side
Bursae are small fluid-filled cushions that help reduce friction around the joints. When they get irritated, bursitis develops. The most common type in the hip is trochanteric bursitis, which shows up as pain and tenderness on the outside of the hip, sometimes spreading down the thigh.
People often notice it gets worse when lying on the sore side, climbing stairs, or walking long distances. It can also flare up at night, making sleep uncomfortable. Unlike arthritis or a labral tear, bursitis pain is very localised and often sore to touch.
Spotting the Differences
While these conditions can overlap, here’s a simple way to tell them apart:
- Labral tear: sharp, clicky groin pain, often in younger, active people
- Osteoarthritis: deep aching and stiffness, more common with age
- Bursitis: sore outer hip that’s tender and worse at night.
Hip pain has many causes, and it’s not always easy to tell them apart without a proper assessment. An osteopath will look at your movement, strength, and history, and sometimes scans are needed for a clear diagnosis. The good news is that with the right treatment plan, most people find ways to manage their hip pain and get back to doing what they love