Hip pain with RA is something many people deal with, and it's worth taking seriously — especially when it's affecting your ability to walk. RA can cause inflammation in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling that makes movement really difficult.
The pain can show up in surrounding areas too, not just the Show Full Answer
Hip pain with RA is something many people deal with, and it's worth taking seriously — especially when it's affecting your ability to walk. RA can cause inflammation in the hip joint, leading to pain, stiffness, and swelling that makes movement really difficult.
The pain can show up in surrounding areas too, not just the hip itself. It may also be felt in the:
- Groin
- Buttocks
- Outer thigh
- Knee
- Down the inside of the leg
A myRAteam member described their hips as their "number one issue," making daily life and even sleep very difficult. Since this pain has come on over the past two weeks and is impacting your walking, it's really important to contact your rheumatologist as soon as possible. They can assess whether this is an RA flare affecting your hip and adjust your treatment plan if needed.
In the meantime, some options that may help manage the pain include:
- NSAIDs (like ibuprofen) to reduce inflammation and pain
- Hot or cold packs for at-home relief
- Corticosteroid injections for more persistent pain — one myRAteam member shared that a cortisone shot helped ease their pain to a "bearable stage"
- Physical therapy to help with mobility and strength
Please don't push through this alone — getting a proper assessment quickly gives the best chance of protecting that joint long-term.
2 hours ago