Hello! If I were you - I would go to an orthopedic doctor - preferably one that specializes in hips. I had hip pain for years before being diagnosed with bilateral hip dysplasia at age 28. I had a hip scope done then to repair a torn labrum - which did not help. Since then I have had 2 children - and the hips hurt more and more. I too had to stop running. They didn't hurt while I ran - just after. I get a dull ache deep in the hip - and get sharp pains in the groin after I sit. My hips also "pop" and "crack" a lot. I am still able to walk, swim and do the elliptical - but am limping around by the end of the day.
I am now facing either replacement or resurface in both hips - or a surgery called periacetabluar osteotomy where they try to reconstruct your own hips. (and I am only 33!!!)
I now not only have the dysplasia (the hip socket is too shallow for the "ball"), I now have osteoarthritis and cysts in both hips.
Hope all goes well - I know that having hip pain is no picnic!
Beth