Persistent hip pain at night may be more than simple soreness—it could be a sign of underlying inflammation. Left unaddressed, it can interfere with sleep, delay recovery, and affect daily activities. Understanding the cause is the first step toward effective treatment. Here’s what you need to know and how the right care can help.
Why Does Hip Pain Feel Worse at Night?
Inflammation tends to increase when you're at rest. During the day, movement helps circulate fluids and reduce swelling in the joints. At night, prolonged stillness can allow inflammatory chemicals to pool around the hip joint, irritating tissues and nerves. This is especially common in conditions like hip bursitis, arthritis, and tendonitis.
Common Inflammatory Causes of Nighttime Hip Pain
Several conditions can lead to nighttime hip discomfort, particularly due to inflammation:
- Osteoarthritis – cartilage breakdown causes joint inflammation and stiffness
- Hip bursitis – inflamed bursae near the joint can throb when pressure is applied during sleep
- Tendonitis – overused tendons become swollen and painful, especially after daily activity
- Labral tears – small injuries to the hip labrum can flare up after movement
- Inflammatory diseases – such as rheumatoid arthritis or lupus, which worsen at night
Simple Changes That Can Reduce Hip Pain at Night
The good news is that small changes can bring real relief:
- Use supportive pillows to align your hips and reduce pressure
- Apply ice therapy before bed
- Stretch and gently mobilize the hip joint in the evening
- Take anti-inflammatory medication or topical creams
- Avoid sleeping on the painful side
If your pain persists or worsens, it is important to consult an orthopedic specialist with expertise in hip conditions. A thorough evaluation can help identify the underlying cause and guide a personalized treatment plan, which may include physical therapy, targeted injections, or minimally invasive surgical options to address inflammation and restore mobility.
Managing the source of hip pain not only improves sleep but also supports faster healing and a more active recovery.
AUTHOR: Srino Bharam MD, MBA is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery specializing in the treatment of athletic injuries of the hip and groin. Dr. Bharam has over 20 years of experience in treating injuries and conditions of the hip to restore athletes and patients to an active lifestyle.
