Hip Pain

Pain coming from the hip joint or structures in front of the hip, typically presents as pain in the front of the groin. However, hip pain may present as pain in the buttock, back, hamstring, front of the thigh, and knee.

The list of differential diagnoses is long, and it can be difficult to diagnose the cause of groin pain.

It is common for groin pain to be soft tissue related, and some of the time it can be managed with physical therapy, modification of sport and exercise, and anti-inflammatory medication. Hip pain that does not alleviate within a couple of months or if getting worse, must be investigated further. Seeing your family doctor or sports physician initially is an excellent starting point. They will take a thorough history, make a thorough examination and may request plain X-rays of your pelvis and hips.

The diagnosis of groin pain can be elusive, and despite having apparently ‘normal scans’ and being otherwise well, some people can be left with pain and no clear diagnosis as to what is causing the pain. Activity related pain that is not improving despite the above, should be referred to an orthopaedic surgeon with a special interest in hip pain.



Dr Agolley is a hip surgeon on the Gold Coast who has a special interest in all aspects of hip pathology in adolescents, young adults, and older adults. Dr Agolley will help you come to a diagnosis, and will recommend both non-surgical and surgical options as appropriate.