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The 5 Most Common Hip Injuries – And How to Spot Them Early
October 23, 2025
Your hips are some of the hardest-working joints in the body, keeping you moving, balancing and supporting your weight every day. But when something goes wrong, the pain can quickly disrupt your life.
We asked Ryan Charette, MD, orthopedic and joint replacement surgeon with the Connecticut Orthopaedic Institute, to share the most common hip injuries — and what to look out for.
1. Osteoarthritis
This wear-and-tear arthritis develops slowly as the cartilage that cushions your hip joint gradually breaks down.
“With arthritis, the pain usually creeps in and gets worse over time,” says Dr. Charette.
You might notice stiffness in the morning, discomfort after sitting too long, or difficulty with everyday activities like putting on socks or climbing stairs. Staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and getting evaluated early can all help preserve mobility.
> Related: 5 Common Causes of Hip Pain
2. Hip fractures
For older adults, even a simple fall can have serious consequences.
“Hip fractures are one of the most common injuries we see in elderly patients, and they almost always require surgery,” Dr. Charette explains.
Treatment may involve rods, screws, or a hip replacement, and after surgery, physical therapy is key to regaining strength and balance. Preventing falls — by using assistive devices, wearing proper footwear, and keeping walkways clear — can help lower your risk in the first place.
> Related: Is Crossing Your Legs Bad for Your Hips?
3. Muscle strains and tears
If you’re active, your hips work overtime. Sports, exercise, or sudden movements can strain the muscles that support your hips — like the flexors, abductors, or glutes.
“These injuries are usually the result of high activity or trauma,” says Dr. Charette.
Mild strains often heal with rest, ice, and physical therapy, but more serious injuries may need medical treatment. Building strength gradually and stretching regularly can go a long way toward preventing them.
> Related: 4 Everyday Habits That Could Be Making Your Hip Pain Worse
4. Labrum tears
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines and stabilizes your hip socket. When it tears, you may feel a sharp pain in the front of your hip, a clicking or locking sensation, or a feeling that your hip is catching.
“Labrum tears are one of the most common soft tissue injuries that require surgery,” says Dr. Charette. Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures are often used to repair or reconstruct the cartilage.
Early diagnosis is important — because untreated tears can worsen over time and cause arthritis. If you notice recurring pain or instability, it’s worth getting checked.
5. Proximal hamstring ruptures
This is a serious injury that happens when the hamstring tendon pulls completely away from the bone.
“People often describe feeling a pop in the buttock, followed by significant bruising down the back of the thigh,” says Dr. Charette.
These injuries recover better when treated quickly with surgery.
> Related: 4 Stretches for Tight Hip Muscles
Protecting your hips
The good news? Many common hip injuries are preventable. Dr. Charette recommends:
- Maintaining a healthy weight
- Eating a balanced diet with enough vitamin D and calcium
- Exercising regularly, focusing on hip strength, core stability, and flexibility
- Using assistive devices if you’re at risk of falls
If pain or mobility issues interfere with your daily life, don’t ignore them. Early diagnosis and treatment can make a big difference when it comes to managing common hip injuries.