Lateral Hip Pain and What To Do About It

Pain on the outside of the hip is often called lateral hip pain. NHS and hospital musculoskeletal leaflets describe it as pain felt over the outer side of the hip, sometimes spreading into the upper thigh. It is commonly aggravated by walking, standing, climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.

What may be causing it

Lateral hip pain is often linked with irritation of the gluteal tendons and surrounding tissues around the greater trochanter. NICE CKS uses the term greater trochanteric pain syndrome and notes that it can overlap with other local soft tissue problems.

What makes it worse

Common aggravating factors include:

• lying on the sore side
• walking for longer distances
• standing on one leg
• hills or stairs
• running or repetitive loading

Recent NHS leaflets also note that sudden increases in walking or exercise can contribute.

What usually helps

Conservative care usually focuses on:

• modifying aggravating activity rather than stopping everything
• avoiding prolonged standing on one hip
• using pillows at night to reduce compression
• gradually rebuilding gluteal strength
• pacing activity so pain is not constantly flared

NHS rehabilitation leaflets emphasise that the right amount of activity is usually better than complete rest, and that strength work is a key part of recovery.

Where chiropractic care may fit

For persistent lateral hip pain, chiropractic care may help assess:

• hip movement
• lower back and pelvic mechanics
• walking pattern
• load through the hip during standing and stair use
• related weakness or stiffness in the glutes, thighs and lower back

Treatment may include manual work where appropriate, plus exercise progression and advice on movement habits that reduce compression on the irritated area.

When to seek assessment

You should seek medical advice if:

• you have hip pain after a fall or injury
• pain is severe, worsening or affecting sleep significantly
• you have fever, unexplained weight loss or feel unwell
• you are not improving with sensible load management and exercise

Local note

At Alpha Chiropractic in Hemel Hempstead, we help people with hip and lower-limb pain from St Albans, Watford, Harpenden, Berkhamsted, Tring, Kings Langley and Apsley.

Pain on the outside of your hip when walking or lying on your side? Book an assessment and let’s work out what is most likely to help.

Sources

• Royal United Hospitals Bath. Lateral hip pain information.
• Worcestershire Acute Hospitals. Understanding and managing lateral hip pain.
• East Lancashire Hospitals NHS. Lateral hip pain leaflet.
• NICE CKS. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome differential diagnosis and clinical assessment.
• NHS. Hip pain in adults.

Note: We operate a policy that ensures you have adequate time to read the consent form and ask questions. We believe a reflective, no-pressure approach is essential.