Hip Pain (Coxalgia): Symptoms, Complaints, Signs

The following symptoms and complaints may indicate coxalgia (hip pain):

Main symptoms

  • Groin pain/groin pain (common).
  • Lateral hip pain (common)
  • Lateral buttock pain (common)
  • Gonalgia (knee pain; less common).
  • Deep-seated low back pain (less common)
  • Lower abdominal pain (less common)

Secondary symptoms

  • Limping
  • Radiating pain to upper/lower thigh, pelvis.
  • Movement restriction (or load refusal).
  • Gentle posture
  • Tension / hardening of the muscles

Warning signs (red flags)

The trademarks listed below should be cause for prompt radiologic diagnosis:

  • History of cancer
  • Massive pain
  • Severe limping
  • Unable to stand on one leg (test to check stability; disorders of the sense of balance and paralysis of the external hip muscles can be detected in this way)
  • Restricted active and passive mobility
  • Leg length discrepancy