Can hip tendonitis cause groin pain as well as outer hip pain? 

Hip tendonitis can cause significant pain in both the groin and the outer hip, depending on which specific group of tendons is affected. While many people associate hip issues only with the side of the leg, the hip joint is surrounded by multiple tendon complexes that control movement in different directions. Inflammation in the tendons at the front of the hip typically manifests as groin pain, while issues with the tendons on the side lead to discomfort on the outer hip. Because these areas are anatomically distinct, identifying the exact location of the pain is a vital step for healthcare professionals in the United Kingdom to determine which tendon is injured. 

What We’ll Discuss in This Article 

• The difference between iliopsoas tendonitis and gluteal tendonitis. 

• Why iliopsoas inflammation is the primary cause of groin pain. 

• The link between gluteal tendons and outer hip discomfort. 

• How certain movements, like lifting the leg, trigger specific pain. 

• Identifying “referred pain” that travels between the groin and the hip. 

• NHS-aligned management and recovery steps for hip tendon injuries. 

Iliopsoas tendonitis and groin pain 

Groin pain is a classic symptom of iliopsoas tendonitis, which involves the inflammation of the tendon that connects the psoas and iliacus muscles to the upper thigh bone. This muscle group is the primary hip flexor, responsible for lifting your knee toward your chest. When this tendon becomes overworked or strained, the pain is felt deep in the crease of the groin or the front of the hip. According to NHS information on hip pain, this type of tendonitis is common in individuals who perform repetitive kicking, running, or jumping, as these activities place high levels of tension on the front of the joint. 

Gluteal tendonitis and outer hip pain 

Pain on the outer hip is usually caused by gluteal tendonitis, which affects the tendons of the gluteus medius and minimus muscles where they attach to the bony bump on the side of the hip. This condition is often part of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. The pain is typically felt directly on the bone and may radiate down the outside of the thigh. Unlike groin pain, which is triggered by lifting the leg, outer hip pain is most noticeable when walking, standing on one leg, or lying on your side at night. This is because these actions place a direct mechanical load or pressure on the tendons on the side of the joint. 

Identifying referred pain patterns 

In some cases, the pain from one area of the hip can be “referred” to another, making it difficult for a patient to pinpoint the source. For example, severe inflammation in the gluteal tendons on the outer hip can sometimes cause a secondary ache that is felt toward the front of the hip or the buttock. Similarly, a very tight or inflamed iliopsoas tendon in the groin can cause the muscles on the side of the hip to overcompensate, leading to localized soreness there as well. NICE clinical standards for musculoskeletal pain suggest that a physical examination, involving specific resistance tests, is the best way to distinguish between these overlapping pain patterns. 

Movements that trigger specific tendon pain 

The specific movements that cause your pain can help identify which tendon is involved. If you feel a sharp catch in your groin when getting out of a car or putting on socks, it is a strong indicator of iliopsoas involvement. If the pain is most acute when you are walking up a hill or climbing stairs and is felt on the side of your hip, it points toward the gluteal tendons. Understanding these triggers allows you to modify your daily activities to avoid “pinching” or straining the inflamed tissue while it is in the early stages of healing. 

Shared risks for both types of tendonitis 

While they affect different areas, both groin and outer hip tendonitis share common risk factors. These include a sudden increase in exercise intensity, poor footwear, or muscle imbalances where certain muscles are too weak to support the joint correctly. Being overweight or having an underlying condition like osteoarthritis can also place additional stress on all the tendons around the hip, making simultaneous inflammation in both the groin and outer hip more likely. In the UK, a holistic approach to joint health involves addressing these systemic factors alongside localized treatment. 

Management and recovery strategies 

The recovery process for hip tendonitis, whether felt in the groin or the outer hip, begins with the PRICE method to settle the initial inflammation. Once the acute pain has subsided, a structured exercise program is essential. For groin pain, this involves gentle stretching and strengthening of the hip flexors. For outer hip pain, the focus is on strengthening the gluteal muscles to provide better support for the joint. According to NHS guidance, most people find that their symptoms improve significantly within six to twelve weeks of consistent, low-impact rehabilitation and activity modification. 

Conclusion 

Hip tendonitis can indeed cause both groin pain and outer hip pain, though they usually involve different tendon groups. Iliopsoas tendonitis is the typical cause of deep groin discomfort, while gluteal tendonitis is responsible for pain on the side of the hip. While the symptoms may overlap or radiate, identifying the primary site of inflammation is key to following the correct rehabilitation path. With appropriate rest and targeted exercises, most hip tendon injuries can be managed effectively. If you experience severe, sudden, or worsening symptoms, call 999 immediately. 

Authority Snapshot 

This article examines the relationship between various hip tendons and the location of joint pain to assist patients in their recovery. It has been written by the MyPatientAdvice Medical Writing/Research Team and reviewed by Dr. Rebecca Fernandez to ensure clinical accuracy. The information provided is strictly aligned with the current NHS and NICE protocols for managing hip and soft tissue injuries in the United Kingdom.