Why does my hip hurt when I sleep on my side?
Hip pain at night or when lying on your side can make it difficult to get comfortable or stay asleep. Side sleeping places pressure on the outside of the hip, which can make an already irritated area more painful. Nighttime pain may also be related to the muscles, tendons or other tissues surrounding the hip joint.
“Hip pain at night can have several causes, and where the pain occurs can provide important clues,” said Thomas DeBerardino, MD, an orthopaedic specialist at UT Health San Antonio, the academic health center and health system for The University of Texas at San Antonio. “Pain on the outside of the hip, for example, may be related to the muscles and tendons surrounding the joint, while pain in the groin can point to a problem within the hip joint itself.”
Here are five things to know about hip pain when sleeping on your side.
1. Your sleeping position can put pressure on your hip.
Sleeping on your side places pressure on the outside of the hip. For people with an irritated or painful area, that added pressure can make symptoms worse.
Pain may be most noticeable when lying directly on the affected side, rolling over in bed or changing positions during the night.
2. The location of your pain can provide clues.
Hip pain does not always originate within the hip joint, which is why the location of the pain matters.
Pain on the outside of the hip may involve the muscles, tendons or other tissues surrounding the joint. Pain felt deeper in the groin may be more closely associated with the hip joint itself. Hip-related discomfort can also extend into the thigh or buttocks.
When talking with your healthcare provider, be as specific as possible about where you feel the pain and whether it stays in one area or spreads elsewhere. This can help narrow down what may be causing your symptoms.
3. Consider whether pain occurs during the day.
Nighttime hip pain may be part of a larger pattern if you notice symptoms during the day. Pay attention to whether your hip hurts while walking, climbing stairs, exercising or getting up after sitting.
Also note symptoms such as stiffness, swelling or reduced range of motion. Knowing when the pain occurs and which activities make it better or worse can give your healthcare provider useful information when evaluating the cause.
4. Simple changes may help reduce discomfort.
Changing sleeping positions or placing a pillow between your knees may help reduce pressure on the hip and provide additional support.
It can also be helpful to pay attention to activities or positions that make symptoms better or worse. This information can help your healthcare provider evaluate your symptoms.
5. Persistent nighttime pain should not be ignored.
Occasional hip discomfort after increased activity may improve with rest and time. However, pain that regularly disrupts sleep, continues to worsen or affects your ability to walk or move comfortably during the day may warrant an evaluation.
An orthopaedic specialist can help determine whether the pain is coming from the hip joint or the surrounding muscles and tissues and discuss treatment options based on the cause.
When should you seek care?
Consider seeing an orthopaedic specialist if hip pain:
- Wakes you regularly or interferes with your sleep
- Continues to worsen
- Makes walking or everyday activities difficult
- Is accompanied by stiffness, swelling or reduced range of motion
Persistent nighttime hip pain does not always indicate a serious problem, but symptoms that effect your sleep, mobility or daily activities should be evaluated.
To request an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist, call 210-450-9300.