I Have Pain In The Front Of My Hip Near

I have pain in the front of my hip near the crease of my leg when I apply pressure to walk. I've had this for years sometimes more, making it hard to walk without limping. I'm a 43 yr old smoker 50 lbs overweight. I'm worried it's my artery there because that's where it hurts. Sharp stabbing pain causes me to almost fall. What could this be?