In a nutshell
Many different things can cause hip pain. If you’re having any type of hip pain, tell your doctor about it, especially if the pain is severe or continuous. Describing what you’re feeling to the doctor is fundamental, and you should always be honest about what you do and how intense your pain is. The more accurate you are, the more helpful you will be to the process of receiving a diagnosis.
The first step in diagnosing hip pain is to perform a medical history. It is important to describe the intensity and location of pain in clear and accurate words. Your doctor may also need to know what triggers your pain and will probably ask questions that are apparently unrelated to hip pain. However, they will help them rule out different ailments in the process.
A physical exam is a series of tests used to determine the cause of your pain. It involves evaluating your joints, muscles, ligaments, and tendons for signs of injury or disease. During this exam, the doctor may test your range of motion, look for redness or swelling, and perform other movements and tests. A physical exam is essential because it helps the doctor narrow down which part of the body is causing the pain. The doctor may use imaging tests such as x-rays or MRIs to get a better picture of the source of the pain. They are done to confirm the findings and after doctors have an initial suspicion of what the problem is.