Bilateral Hip Pain in Women: Conditions and Awareness

Hip pain can originate from the joint itself or from nearby muscles, tendons, or connective tissues that support movement and stability. When pain affects both hips at the same time, it is called bilateral hip pain. This may occur in both women and men, though certain conditions are reported more often in women.

First Aid & Workplace Relevance (Canada)

Hip discomfort can influence walking, standing tolerance, stair climbing, and workplace mobility. Awareness of conditions linked to hip pain helps individuals and workplaces better understand activity limitations, ergonomics, and the importance of early assessment when symptoms persist.

Scenario (Mild & Realistic)

A fitness instructor noticed her hips felt stiff and sore on both sides after weeks of increased stair use at work. She adjusted her class schedule to include more stretching and lighter sessions until the discomfort eased.

Bursitis of the Hip

Bursitis involves irritation or inflammation of the bursa—small fluid-filled sacs that cushion movement between bones and soft tissues. Around the hip, the trochanteric bursa is commonly affected.

Symptoms may include:

• Pain on the outer hip or thigh

• Discomfort when lying on the affected side

• Pain during prolonged walking or stair climbing

• Night pain due to pressure on the hip

Degenerative Joint Disease (Osteoarthritis)

Degenerative joint disease—also called osteoarthritis—can affect one or both hips. It involves gradual wear of the smooth cartilage covering the head of the femur and the hip socket. As cartilage thins, bones may rub together, causing stiffness and discomfort.

Common symptoms include:

• Pain with activity that eases with rest

• Reduced hip range of motion

• Limping during walking

• Stiffness or night discomfort

Osteoarthritis becomes more common with age and may affect women at higher rates, especially later in life.

Polymyalgia Rheumatica

Polymyalgia rheumatica is an inflammatory disorder that can cause bilateral hip pain and stiffness. It often affects older adults and may come on gradually over several days.

Symptoms can involve:

• Morning stiffness

• Tenderness around shoulders, hips, or upper arms

• Fatigue or malaise

• Reduced movement due to discomfort

It is most common in people over age 65 and is less common before age 50.

Prevention & Workplace Considerations

Lower body joint pain can be influenced by:

• Activity levels

• Workplace ergonomics

• Repetitive stair use or prolonged standing

• Muscle strength and flexibility

Workplaces that offer movement breaks, ergonomic assessments, and wellness programs may help reduce discomfort associated with repetitive hip loading or mobility demands.

FAQ (Educational)

Is bilateral hip pain always joint-related?
No. Pain may originate from muscles, tendons, bursae, or inflammation, not just the joint itself.

Why can hip pain worsen at night?
Night discomfort can occur when lying on the hip or when tissues stiffen during periods of inactivity.

Can osteoarthritis affect both hips?
Yes. Degenerative changes can develop in one or both hips, with symptoms ranging from mild stiffness to activity-related pain.

Does age influence bilateral hip pain?
In some conditions—such as osteoarthritis or polymyalgia rheumatica—age can play a role, though other causes may occur earlier in life.

Educational Note

This article supports public health and first aid awareness. Hip pain varies widely between individuals, and healthcare assessment may help identify contributing factors and support management planning.