How to Compare Hip Muscle Pain to Joint Pain

When you are experiencing pain around the hip area, it's often difficult to tell where it is coming from. It could be muscle pain or pain in the hip joint or pelvis area. Pay attention to the symptoms in order to decide whether medical attention or physical therapy is needed.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

1. Listen for certain sounds when you compare hip muscle pain to joint pain. If the pain is coming from the joints (hip or pelvis area), you may hear a "crackling" in the joints when you walk. Popping sounds are often heard with twisting movements.

2. Move around. Notice if the pain is more pronounced with movement. Usually, when hip or pelvis joints are involved, the pain is much sharper than the usual muscle pain you might experience with physical exertion.

3. Notice whether the physical pain is constant or if it comes and goes when you compare hip muscle pain to joint pain. Muscle pain is usually constant. It feels like a dull ache that won't go away. Muscle pain is often accompanied by cramping.

4. Relax and give the pain some time when you compare hip muscle pain to joint pain. If you suspect it is coming from the muscle after reviewing the above steps, take comfort in the fact that a strain (pulled or stretched muscle) is less serious than joint problems.

5. Seek medical attention early if you suspect your hip pain is coming from the joint. Joint pain is more serious because it can mean a crack, fracture or that your hips are out of alignment. This condition may require some type of physical therapy or other medical intervention to correct.