Hip pain is often assumed to be an issue that only affects older adults with arthritis. In reality, a significant number of hip complaints in people under 40 come from a completely different set of causes — ones that are frequently missed or misdiagnosed for months.
Common causes in younger patients
Three conditions account for most hip pain in active young adults:
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI): abnormal contact between the hip bones during movement, common in athletes and dancers
- Labral tears: damage to the cartilage rim that stabilises the hip socket, often linked to FAI or sudden twisting injuries
- Hip dysplasia: a developmental condition where the socket doesn't fully cover the ball of the joint, sometimes only becoming symptomatic in adulthood
Why it's often missed
Because these conditions don't show up clearly on a standard X-ray the way arthritis does, and because "hip pain in a 25-year-old" doesn't immediately raise red flags, patients are sometimes told their pain is muscular or told to simply rest. Persistent groin pain, a clicking or catching sensation, or pain that worsens with sitting for long periods are all signs worth investigating further with a clinical exam and, where needed, an MRI.
Treatment doesn't always mean surgery
Physiotherapy focused on hip stability and movement mechanics resolves a meaningful proportion of cases. Where structural problems like a labral tear or significant impingement are confirmed, hip arthroscopy — a minimally invasive, camera-guided procedure — can address the issue directly, often allowing a return to sport or activity over a few months.
