A recent survey by Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center highlights that many Americans are unaware that symptoms like knee, groin, thigh, and back pain can be signs of underlying hip problems, with 72% not recognizing knee pain and 69% not recognizing groin pain as related to the hips.

Early diagnosis and treatment, including hip replacement surgery, can significantly improve recovery outcomes, with Dr. Beal noting that post-surgery mobility often allows for quick physical therapy and a better quality of life.

The survey was conducted via web and telephone from June 6 to 9, 2025, among 1,004 U.S. adults, with a margin of error of +/-3.5 percentage points.

Many individuals tend to respond to unexplained pain by 'pushing through' (40%) or using over-the-counter medications (52%), which underscores the importance of seeking medical consultation for proper diagnosis.

Additional symptoms linked to hip issues include night pain or sleep difficulties (45%), thigh pain (34%), groin pain (31%), and knee pain (28%), while common signs also encompass clicking or catching sensations in the hip (71%), difficulty bending or tying shoes (59%), and lower back pain (53%).

Orthopedic surgeon Dr. Matthew Beal emphasizes that proper diagnosis, often involving X-rays, is crucial since hip problems can manifest as knee pain, and accurate identification determines if hip replacement surgery is necessary.