Pain in hip joint has lasted for several months. Have tried resting it, taking nsaids. Pain diminishes some, so I feel like exercising and it seems worse after running. Already take fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin. 57 year old female, otherwise good health. Are there tests that can be done to diagnose such a thing or would it be a waste of money?

There are several tests that can be run. You need to rule out sciatica versus hip problems that could cause hip replacement.

You need to discuss this with your primary care physician, if you haven't already.

Going to see an orthopedic doctor is not a waste of money.

If pain is worse after running, have someone stand in front of you and peer intently at your feet as you run toward them. You may have a weak ankle that turns outward slightly as your foot lands, and you aren't aware of it.

The most common cause of pain in runners is running along a road - very bad! Most roads slope down on the sides for rain runoff, and one foot is landing higher than the other, and you can't really adjust each side of your body. You need a flat track.