Hip Pain

What Is Hip Pain?

Hip pain is pain or discomfort felt in or around the hip joint, where the thigh bone connects to the pelvis. The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the body, used constantly to move, support body weight, and maintain balance. It can be caused by arthritis, injuries, bursitis, and structural issues.

Hip pain is a common complaint that can affect people of all ages, from active individuals and athletes to older adults experiencing age-related joint changes. While some causes are temporary and respond well to rest and self care, others may benefit from a more structured management approach.

Because the foot is the base of the body's kinetic chain, problems with foot alignment and gait can travel upward, placing uneven load on the hips over time. Addressing foot mechanics can therefore form part of a broader strategy for managing certain types of hip discomfort.

Common Symptoms of Hip Pain

Symptoms vary depending on the underlying cause, but may include:

• Pain on the outside of the hip or upper thigh
• Aching in the groin that may radiate toward the knee
• Stiffness in the hip joint, particularly in the morning or after rest
• Discomfort when walking, climbing stairs, or getting up from a seated position
• Tenderness when pressing on the outer hip area
• Pain that worsens with activity and eases with rest

Hip pain should be assessed by a healthcare professional if it is severe, lasts longer than two weeks, or is interfering with daily activities such as walking.

What Causes Hip Pain?

Hip pain can arise from a number of different conditions, often related to the joint itself, surrounding soft tissues, or the way the body moves.

Osteoarthritis Hip osteoarthritis occurs as a result of the loss of cartilage that protects the space between the bone surfaces. The pain comes on gradually and worsens with time, often accompanied by stiffness, particularly in the morning or after sitting. The pain is often felt in the groin and may radiate to the knee or buttock.

Bursitis Trochanteric bursitis is a common cause of hip pain, with the main symptom being pain over the point of the hip on the outside of the leg, which can extend down the outside of the thigh. It may begin as a sharp, intense pain in a small area before spreading and becoming a deeper ache.

Flat Feet and Overpronation People with flat feet or high arches often face misalignment in their lower body that can lead to hip pain. The absence of natural arch support can cause an uneven distribution of weight across the feet, and this imbalance can extend up the kinetic chain, affecting the hips and leading to discomfort.

Leg Length Discrepancy When one leg is longer or shorter than the other, whether due to structural differences or functional causes such as foot pronation and pelvic tilt, the body may compensate with altered gait and uneven load on the knees, hips, and spine. Over time, this can contribute to hip pain and gait asymmetry.

Overuse and Repetitive Stress Some hip conditions develop slowly over time from repetitive stress, while others appear suddenly after injury. Running, prolonged standing, and high impact activities can all place repeated strain on the hip joint and surrounding structures.

How Orthotics May Help Hip Pain

When hip pain is linked to poor foot mechanics, gait asymmetry, or uneven load distribution through the lower limb, orthotics may help by addressing the foundation of the body's movement pattern.

Benefits may include:

Improved Gait Symmetry Research has found that orthotic insoles significantly improved gait symmetry in pelvic motion and ankle movement, as well as reducing pain in people with leg length discrepancy suggesting that even mild discrepancies may benefit from orthotic support.

Reducing Overpronation For people with flat feet, orthotics provide arch support to reduce the inward roll of the foot, which can help relieve stress transmitted upward through the kinetic chain to the hips.

Better Load Distribution For people with high arches, orthotics offer cushioning and support, helping to distribute weight more evenly and reduce strain on the hips.

Shock Absorption Orthotics with cushioning help reduce the impact forces generated with each step, lessening the cumulative load placed on the hip joint during walking, standing, and exercise.

While orthotics are not a cure for hip pain, and many causes of hip pain require assessment and treatment beyond footwear, they can form a useful part of a broader management plan, particularly where foot alignment and gait mechanics are contributing factors.

Who May Benefit From Orthotics?

Orthotics may be suitable for people who:

• Experience hip discomfort linked to flat feet, overpronation, or high arches
• Have a mild leg length discrepancy contributing to uneven gait
• Spend long hours walking or standing on hard surfaces
• Participate in running or other high impact activities
• Need additional cushioning and alignment support in everyday footwear
• Are managing hip pain as part of a broader conservative treatment plan

SOLE5 Orthotics for Hip Pain

SOLE5 orthotics are designed to provide structured arch support and cushioning while fitting comfortably inside a wide range of footwear.

Key features include:

• Arch support to reduce overpronation and improve lower limb alignment
• Heel stabilisation for more consistent foot positioning during movement
• Shock absorption to reduce impact forces through the lower limb
• Even pressure distribution across the foot
• Lightweight construction suitable for daily wear

Whether you're managing recurring hip discomfort or looking to support your body's alignment during everyday activity, orthotics may help address the foot mechanics that contribute to hip pain.

References

1. Mayo Clinic – Hip Pain Overview
2. American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons – Hip Bursitis
3. NHS – Hip Pain
4. Cleveland Clinic – Hip Pain