If it doesn't go away and continues to get worse even after stretching, icing, and OTC pain meds, see a Rheumotologist. It could be Bursitis. Mine started out like yours, but with activities it became worse (without proper stretching). I have severe Bursitis in both hips and shoulders and had cortisone shots in the Bursa of each of those joints. Not fun. Now I have to do exercises everyday for the rest of my life because of it. It started last August when I installed new kitchen flooring. I used to walk a 4 mile loop up around my house a few times a week, and spent several hours a week bent over and kneeling in my flower beds. In October my husband and family cut, hauled , and stacked 3 cord of wood. January 1st I could barely walk or move my arms, I think the Drs. thought I was nuts because I was in so much pain, I don't think they believed me. Well I changed Drs. 2 times and then was sent to a Rheumotolgist, it is severe Bursitis and Tendonitis, then came the Corti shots, instant pain relief but will have to keep stretching and exercising for ever. I still can't sleep on my sides. Sometimes being idle to long in between activities will cause this. Hope it helps and sorry my story is so long.(Oh yeah if I am not completely healed in 2 more months, I will have to have the shots all over again, and damn did it hurt, they had to go deep into the bursa). Don't mean to scare you but this may be a possibility.

I am a 44 year old female and I have the same hip problem as you do. It affects my left hip and after sitting for 30 minutes, I need to stand up for awhile. I never experienced an injury to cause it and I have had it now since I was 31 years old. I have seen every doctor imaginable and no one can appropriately diagnose and treat the symptoms ie, burning, aching pain. I wish I had an answer for you, but I thought you'd at least like to know you are not alone regarding this problem. Lori

Add me to this list...I was told it was some kind of a sciatic nerve problem....Comes and goes....

I am a physical therapist and have seen 2 orthopedist for the same problem. Interesting sitting is what causes my pain also. I workout and leg press several hundred pounds with no pain but sitting especially while driving is very painful. I am going to try a lumbar support.

I have a similar problem 44 y/o active female. Had left hip pain just prior to and during pregnancy with 2nd child at age 34. Had with each following pregnancy and on and off between pregnancy around time of my period. Have had now for 2 months dull ache, hurts more on use and sitting but always present. Motrin helps.

It could be tight hit flexors, bursitis, labral tear or something called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).

Get it checked out!

It sounds stupid but have you tried a cushion! My hip pain returned after starting driving (6week break). A pillow on the driving seat helped considerably so I am looking into some of the more respectable aids - a back friend or a wedge I think.

I am 46 and I have been going through this for about 2 years, but became unmanagable over this past memorial day, I had never seen a doctor till then. I was diag. with bursitis and Im on my 3rd series of cort. injections and will be starting physical therapy next week for a full mth to try to figure out the best course of action. My pain gets so severe that even short distance driving or riding in the car puts me down for the rest of the day, i agree that the doctors dont understand how bad the pain gets, but I am lucky cause I have a great Rhuematologist who at least listens and is sympathetic. This is a real frustrating experience because it is so debilitating, ice packs really help.

Try seeing a chiropractor. You may have a pinched nerve. Sitting usually irritates it. Try getting some adjustments done. It will normally take a few adjustments before you notice an improvement. If it is a pinched nerve, the longer you wait, the longer it will take for you to feel better so don't wait until the pain starts running down your legs and into your foot.

Good luck!

hi... and ouch...i would go to a dr. it could be bursitis, it could be fibromyalgia.
i had a hip replacement in december 08. i was 58 years old. after having one, you have to sit on a pillow whenyou're in a car or sitting on a chair.. your knees have to be lower than your hip... i would try that and see if it helps you.. put the back of seat in a little recline and sit on a pillow, hope it helps.different chairs make the position of your hips change . i found that i can no longer sit in a beach chair...(aw). the recline just kills..
all these comments are only suggestions.. really.. see a dr.. good luck