Hip pain after walking can be the result of a variety of things. Something as simple as a muscle strain can lead to discomfort within your hip, where as more serious conditions, like osteoarthritis, can also be contributing to the pain. When you feel any level of pain from physical activity, it's best to talk to your doctor.
Strain
Hip pain from walking can be a sign of a strain. Strains occur when a muscle or tendon has stretched beyond its normal capacity, sometimes to the point of tearing. This type of injury usually responds well to self-care such as resting, icing and immobilizing the affected hip. Given enough time, you'll be back to your everyday activities. However, talk to your doctor to make sure the area is healing properly.
Bursitis
The pain you're experiencing in your hip after walking could also be an indication of bursitis. Overuse of the hip joint can lead to repetitive stress, causing irritation and eventually inflammation within the bursa covering the tip of your thighbone. Normally, the bursa cushions the joint, but swelling often leads to a sharp pain at the hip that may radiate out into the thigh or even groin. Temporarily refraining from walking as well as icing the hip can alleviate the swelling and lessen discomfort. You may also want to stretch and pick up a pair of shoes for your chosen activity to reduce the chances of recurrence.
Tendinitis
Just like bursitis, the repetitive stress from walking can lead to tendinitis. Tendinitis develops from the irritation and subsequent inflammation to one of the tendons in your hip. Resting, icing and immobilizing the affected hip are usually helpful in reducing the swelling and pain associated with this condition. Stretching before hitting the trails and investing in a good pair of walking shoes may help prevent reinjury.
Arthritis
Arthritis is another potential cause of hip pain from walking. The most common form is osteoarthritis, but it could also be rheumatoid, septic or psoriatic arthritis affecting your hip. Like strains, you should talk to your doctor to determine which form you're dealing with, but treatment usually begins with rest and pain relievers. A good night's sleep combined with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, like ibuprofen or naproxen, may be enough to ease your discomfort. From there, medical professionals often recommend exercise to maintain your strength and endurance.
Sciatica
The pain in your hip may even be linked to sciatica as a result of a low back problem such as a herniated disk or spinal stenosis. Though sciatica is usually marked by pain in the lower back that radiates down one of the legs, you may begin to feel some discomfort in your buttocks and hip. Stretching the lower back may help to relieve compression placed on the affected nerve, but you should talk to your doctor to determine other forms of treatment and exercise to improve your condition.
