Menu

13/08/2026

Hip pain during exercise: why it happens and when to seek medical attention

The hip supports the body’s weight and allows essential movements such as walking, running, jumping, and squatting. As a result, it is one of the joints that works hardest throughout our lives and one that is subjected to significant stress during sports and physical activity.

According to Dr. Jorge Guadilla, an orthopedic trauma surgeon specializing in hip surgery at Hospital MiKS, in addition to physical activity, each person’s individual anatomy can also influence the health of this joint.

In some people, slight variations in the shape of the femoral head or pelvis can cause these structures to come into contact more than usual during certain movements, creating a mechanical conflict. This is particularly common in sports that require deep hip flexion, a wide range of hip motion, or repetitive movements.

Although this friction may initially go unnoticed or cause only occasional discomfort, over time it can damage the cartilage and other structures within the joint, most commonly the labrum. If the injury progresses, it may contribute to the early development of hip osteoarthritis. In fact, femoroacetabular impingement is the leading cause of hip osteoarthritis in younger patients.

What symptoms may indicate a hip problem?

It is advisable to consult a specialist if symptoms such as the following occur:

• Pain in the groin or on the outer side of the hip during or after sports or physical activity.
• Discomfort when bending the hip, squatting, or rotating the leg.
• A sensation of locking, clicking, or reduced range of motion.
• Pain that persists even after reducing physical activity.

Early detection can help prevent the injury from progressing and allow for more effective treatment.

Acting early can help protect the joint

Hip discomfort should not be considered normal, especially when it occurs repeatedly during sports or physical activity. Early diagnosis makes it possible to identify the underlying cause and determine the most appropriate treatment to relieve pain, preserve mobility, and prevent the condition from progressing.

Not all hip injuries require the same approach. Depending on the type and severity of the injury, treatment may range from conservative options to biologic therapies or surgery when indicated, generally after conservative measures have been exhausted. Having a broad range of treatment options makes it possible to tailor care to each patient.

In this context, biologic therapies using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) have emerged in recent years as an option within the conservative treatment of certain hip conditions, with the goal of helping relieve pain and improve joint function in selected cases. Hospital MiKS has been a pioneer in incorporating PRP into orthopedic practice and continues to promote its development through clinical research.

When a patient continues to experience pain and functional limitations despite different nonsurgical treatments, joint replacement surgery, involving the placement of a total hip replacement, may be necessary.

Our Center is the only facility in the Basque Country equipped with the Mako robotic system (Mako SmartRobotics) for hip replacement surgery. This technology allows the procedure to be carefully planned and personalized according to the biomechanics of the hip and the spine-hip relationship. It also assists the surgeon during the procedure with a high degree of precision, making it possible to perform surgery that is safer and more individualized than ever.

Ultimately, regardless of the surgical technique or approach used, the most important thing is for each patient to receive the most appropriate treatment at the right time, with the goal of relieving pain, restoring mobility, and maintaining hip function for as long as possible.