Serious hip pain may need urgent medical attention when it starts after a fall or accident, stops you from standing or bearing weight, causes visible deformity, or occurs with fever, marked swelling or rapidly worsening symptoms.

Most hip pain is not an emergency. Muscle, tendon, bursa, joint and lower-back problems can all cause hip-area pain. The important first step is deciding whether you need emergency care, prompt medical assessment or a non-urgent physiotherapy review.

For a broader guide to pain locations and possible causes, visit our hip pain hub. You can also read about when to worry about hip or groin pain.

What are the red flags for serious hip pain?

Red flags are symptoms or circumstances that may indicate a fracture, significant joint injury, infection or another condition needing medical care.

• Severe hip pain after a fall, collision, accident or direct blow
• Inability to stand, walk or bear weight through the affected leg
• An obvious change in the shape or position of the hip or leg
• An open wound, uncontrolled bleeding or severe swelling
• Sudden pain that is intense or rapidly worsening
• Fever, chills, marked warmth or redness around the joint
• Feeling generally unwell alongside severe hip pain
• Persistent unexplained pain at complete rest

One symptom alone does not always confirm a serious condition. However, severe pain combined with trauma, inability to bear weight or systemic illness needs prompt medical assessment.

How do I know if hip pain is serious?

Hip pain is more concerning when it is severe, sudden, linked to trauma or stops you from walking normally. Visible deformity, marked swelling, fever, redness or feeling unwell also increase the need for medical review.

Older adults should take hip pain after a fall seriously, even when the fall seemed minor. A hip fracture may sometimes occur without dramatic bruising or an obvious change in leg position.

Younger people can also sustain significant hip injuries during sport, twisting incidents, high-speed accidents or direct contact.

When does hip pain need emergency help?

Seek emergency help when serious hip pain follows major trauma, the hip or leg looks deformed, an open injury is present, bleeding will not stop, or you cannot stand or bear weight.

Call Triple Zero (000) for a serious injury or medical emergency. Avoid trying to walk on the affected leg while waiting for help.

When should I seek prompt medical assessment?

Seek prompt medical advice for sudden severe hip pain without an accident, rapidly increasing pain, significant swelling, a hot or red joint, fever, chills or feeling generally unwell.

Persistent unexplained pain at complete rest also deserves assessment, particularly when it occurs with unexplained weight loss, fever, recent infection or a history of serious illness.

For further public-health guidance, see Healthdirect’s hip pain guide.

Can I walk on hip pain?

You may be able to continue gentle walking when discomfort is mild, your walking pattern remains normal and symptoms do not increase during or after activity.

Walking ability does not prove that an injury is minor. Some people can still take a few steps despite a fracture or significant soft-tissue injury.

Is hip pain after a fall serious?

Hip pain after a fall can be serious, particularly when you cannot stand, walk or place normal weight through the leg. Possible causes include a fracture, joint injury, muscle or tendon tear, and significant bruising.

Do not try to walk it off when pain is severe, the leg feels unstable or weight-bearing is difficult. Seek medical care first.

Is hip pain at night serious?

Night pain is not always a red flag. Tendon irritation, arthritis, pressure on the outer hip, sleep position and reduced movement can all make hip pain more noticeable at night.

Arrange an assessment when night pain persists, keeps worsening or occurs with fever, unexplained weight loss, marked swelling, feeling unwell or pain at complete rest.

Can serious hip pain feel like back pain or sciatica?

Yes. Hip pain can overlap with lower-back pain and sciatica. Pain location alone does not always identify the source.

These patterns are guides rather than diagnostic tests. Hip and spinal conditions can occur together, so assessment may be needed when symptoms are persistent or unclear.

What are common non-urgent causes of hip pain?

Many cases of hip pain are not emergencies. Common causes include:

• hip arthritis
• gluteal tendinopathy
• greater trochanteric pain syndrome
• hip flexor strain
• groin strain

Non-urgent hip pain may still need assessment when it limits normal movement, causes repeated limping or fails to improve.

What should I do first for non-urgent hip pain?

When no red flags are present, temporarily reduce activities that clearly increase symptoms. Stay active within comfort and avoid repeatedly pushing through severe pain or limping.

Gentle walking may be suitable if your symptoms remain mild and your gait stays normal. Avoid aggressive stretching, heavy loading or repeated impact when these activities clearly worsen pain.

When should I book a physiotherapy assessment?

Book a physiotherapy assessment when hip pain persists, keeps returning or limits walking, stairs, work, exercise, sleep or sport.

A physiotherapist can assess hip movement, strength, walking pattern and load tolerance. They can also consider whether symptoms may come from the hip joint, tendons, bursae, muscles, groin or lower back.

If your assessment identifies features that need medical investigation, your physiotherapist can advise you about the appropriate next step.

What to do next

Seek emergency or urgent medical care first when you cannot bear weight, have severe pain after trauma, notice deformity, have an open injury, develop fever or feel seriously unwell.

When no urgent warning signs are present but hip pain persists or limits normal activity, physiotherapy may help clarify the cause and guide safe recovery.

Frequently asked questions

How do I know if hip pain is serious?

Hip pain may be serious when it follows a fall or accident, stops you from standing or bearing weight, causes visible deformity, or occurs with marked swelling, fever, redness or rapidly worsening symptoms.

When does hip pain need emergency help?

Seek emergency help for severe hip pain after major trauma, obvious deformity, an open injury, uncontrolled bleeding or an inability to stand or bear weight. Call Triple Zero (000) for a serious injury or medical emergency.

Can I walk on hip pain?

Gentle walking may be reasonable when discomfort is mild, your gait remains normal and symptoms do not worsen. Stop walking and seek help when pain is severe, you become unstable or you cannot bear weight.

Is hip pain after a fall serious?

Hip pain after a fall can be serious, especially for an older adult or when standing and walking are difficult. Do not try to walk it off when pain is severe or the leg feels unstable.

Is hip pain at night always serious?

No. Many non-urgent hip conditions ache at night. However, persistent worsening night pain with fever, weight loss, marked swelling, feeling unwell or pain at complete rest needs assessment.

When should I see a physiotherapist for hip pain?

Consider physiotherapy when no urgent warning signs are present but pain persists, keeps returning or limits walking, stairs, sleep, work, exercise or sport.

References

1. Healthdirect Australia. Hip pain. Healthdirect Australia. Accessed July 22, 2026.
2. Mayo Clinic Staff. Hip pain: when to see a doctor. Mayo Clinic. Accessed July 22, 2026.
3. National Health Service. Hip pain in adults. NHS. Accessed July 22, 2026.

Quick Answer: Is Hip Clicking Normal?

Hip clicking can be normal when it is painless, occasional, and does not limit walking, sport, stairs, or gym work. It often comes from tendons gliding over bone or pressure changes inside the hip joint.

However, a clicking hip needs assessment if it is painful, frequent, linked with catching, locking, giving way, limping, night pain, or reduced performance. These signs may point to tendon irritation, hip joint irritation, or a condition that needs a clearer plan.

What Causes Hip Clicking?

Hip clicking has several causes. The location of the click gives useful clues. Front-of-hip clicking, side-of-hip snapping, and deep groin catching can each suggest a different source.

Front-of-Hip Clicking

Front hip clicking often relates to the hip flexor or iliopsoas tendon. This tendon can snap as it moves over nearby bone or soft tissue. You may notice it when lifting the knee, getting up from sitting, kicking, climbing stairs, or moving from a bent hip position into standing.

Front hip symptoms can also overlap with Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS) or hip labral tear, especially if you feel groin pain, pinching, catching, or a blocked feeling with squats, lunges, sitting low, or turning.

Outer Hip Clicking

Outer hip clicking often comes from external snapping hip. This can happen when the iliotibial band, gluteal tendon region, or gluteus maximus moves over the greater trochanter, which is the bony point on the outside of the hip.

This pattern can overlap with Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (GTPS), gluteal tendinopathy, or trochanteric bursitis. It is often worse with walking, stairs, hills, side-lying, or standing on one leg.

Deep Hip or Groin Clicking

Deep clicking, catching, or locking may come from the hip joint. Possible causes include FAIS, labral irritation, hip osteoarthritis, cartilage irritation, or loose bodies inside the joint.

If symptoms overlap with groin pain, this guide may help: What Causes Hip and Groin Pain?

When Should You Worry About Hip Clicking?

You should seek assessment if hip clicking is painful, frequent, or linked with a change in function. Also book a review if the hip catches, locks, gives way, feels unstable, or stops you from walking, running, working, sleeping, or playing sport.

Seek urgent medical care if you cannot bear weight, have severe pain after trauma, fever, unexplained weight loss, major swelling, severe night pain, or feel unwell with hip pain.

Can Physiotherapy Help Hip Clicking?

Physiotherapy may help when hip clicking relates to tendon irritation, movement control, training load, weakness, or stiffness. The goal is not just to stop a noise. The aim is to identify why the click occurs and whether it matters for your activity.

Assessment Usually Checks

• where the click occurs: front hip, outer hip, deep groin, or buttock
• what triggers it: stairs, running, squats, kicking, sitting, or side-lying
• hip range of motion, strength, balance, and pelvic control
• signs of FAIS, labral irritation, arthritis, GTPS, or hip flexor pain
• whether imaging may help if symptoms persist or the hip catches or locks

Treatment May Include

• Load changes: reduce sprinting, hills, deep squats, or kicking while symptoms settle.
• Strength exercises: rebuild hip abductors, rotators, hip flexors, and trunk control.
• Movement retraining: improve squat depth, running cadence, stride control, or kicking mechanics.
• Manual therapy: joint mobilisation or soft tissue techniques may help short-term comfort when paired with exercise.
• Return-to-activity planning: progress walking, stairs, gym, running, or sport in stages.

Should You Keep Exercising With a Clicking Hip?

You can usually keep exercising if the click is painless, does not worsen during activity, and does not cause limping or next-day pain. Choose lower-irritation options while you watch the pattern.

Reduce or pause sharp, loaded, or repeated triggers if pain builds. Common triggers include hill running, sprinting, kicking, deep squats, low chairs, lunges, and repeated stairs.

Related Hip and Groin Guides

• Why Do My Joints Click When I Move?
• What Is Hip Impingement?
• Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS)
• Hip Labral Tear
• Hip Flexor Pain
• Deep Hip Rotators

Hip Clicking FAQs

Is hip clicking normal?

Yes. Hip clicking can be normal when it is painless, occasional, and does not limit activity. It often comes from tendon movement or pressure changes in the joint. However, painful clicking, catching, locking, giving way, or limping should be assessed.

What causes clicking at the front of the hip?

Front hip clicking often relates to the iliopsoas tendon, which is part of the hip flexor group. It may also overlap with FAIS or labral irritation if you also feel groin pain, pinching, catching, or a blocked feeling with squats or sitting low.

What causes clicking on the outside of the hip?

Outer hip clicking often relates to the ITB or gluteal tissues moving over the greater trochanter. It may occur with walking, stairs, hills, running, or side-lying. If it is painful, GTPS or gluteal tendinopathy may also be involved.

Can hip clicking come from a labral tear?

Yes, a labral tear can cause clicking, catching, locking, or deep groin pain. However, labral changes can also appear on scans in people without symptoms. A physiotherapy assessment helps match scan findings with your pain and movement pattern.

Do I need a scan for hip clicking?

Not always. Many cases can start with a clinical assessment and a trial of load changes and exercise. Imaging may help if symptoms persist, the hip catches or locks, pain follows trauma, or the assessment suggests a joint lesion.

Can physiotherapy stop hip clicking?

Physiotherapy may reduce painful clicking by improving load tolerance, hip strength, pelvic control, and movement technique. The goal is to reduce irritation and improve function. A painless click that does not limit activity may not need treatment.

What To Do Next

Track where you feel the click and which movement triggers it. Note whether it is painless, painful, sharp, catching, or linked with weakness or limping.

If hip clicking is painful, keeps returning, or limits walking, running, gym, work, or sport, book a physiotherapy assessment. A clear assessment can help identify the likely source and guide the right next step.

References

• Walker P, Ellis E, Scofield J, Kongchum T, Sherman WF, Kaye AD. Snapping Hip Syndrome: A Comprehensive Update. Orthop Rev (Pavia). 2021;13(2):25088. doi:10.52965/001c.25088
• Musick SR, Varacallo MA. Snapping Hip Syndrome. In: StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2023 Aug 4.
• Pasculli RM, DiStasio AJ, Kunze KN, Nwachukwu BU. Non-operative Management and Outcomes of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome. Curr Rev Musculoskelet Med. 2023.
• Disantis AE, Andrade AJ, Baillou A, et al. The 2022 ISHA physiotherapy agreement on assessment and treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS). J Hip Preserv Surg. 2023;10(1):48-56.