You should get hip pain checked out by a healthcare professional if…

1. Severe Pain – If you are experiencing severe or intense hip pain that is interfering with your daily activities and is not improving with rest or over-the-counter pain medication, it’s necessary to seek medical attention.
2. Sudden Onset of Pain – If your hip pain has a sudden and unexplained onset, especially after a fall, injury, or accident, it is crucial to get it evaluated promptly to rule out any fractures or serious injuries.
3. Persistent Pain – If your hip pain is persistent and has been lasting for more than a few days or weeks, it’s a good idea to have it assessed to identify the underlying cause and prevent any potential worsening of the condition.
4. Limited Range of Motion – If you notice a significant decrease in your hip’s range of motion, along with pain or stiffness, it may indicate a problem that requires medical attention.
5. Pain at Night – If your hip pain worsens at night or prevents you from getting a good night’s sleep, it could be a sign of an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
6. Fever or Swelling – If your hip pain is accompanied by fever, redness, warmth, or swelling in the hip area, it may indicate an infection or inflammation that requires medical evaluation.
7. Numbness or Tingling – If you experience numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hip or down the leg, it could be a sign of nerve compression or other nerve-related issues that need medical attention.
8. Difficulty Bearing Weight – If you find it difficult to bear weight on the affected hip or leg, it may indicate a significant problem that needs to be assessed by a healthcare professional.
9. History of Hip Problems – If you have a history of hip issues or previous hip injuries, it’s necessary to monitor any new pain or changes and seek medical advice if necessary.

Always listen to your body and trust your instincts. If you feel that something is not right with your hip, it’s better to seek medical evaluation sooner rather than later. Early detection and treatment can often lead to better outcomes and prevent further complications. A healthcare professional, such as a primary care physician or orthopedic specialist, can perform a thorough examination, diagnose the underlying cause of your hip pain, and recommend appropriate treatment or further tests if needed.