Is Hip Pain Slowing You Down? Let’s Uncover the Common Culprits.
Natala Balla, PT, DPT
Whether you're dealing with stiffness, pain, or discomfort in your hips, you're not alone. The hip joint is a complex structure, and several musculoskeletal conditions can impact its function. In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most common causes of hip pain, from labral tears to hip flexor strains—and how to manage them effectively.
In our previous blog, we reviewed the anatomy of the hip and discussed common orthopedic diagnoses, including osteoarthritis and bone spurs.
In this post, we will explore other musculoskeletal conditions. We previously touched on the cartilage that surrounds the ball-and-socket structure of the hip joint. The labrum is the outer ring of that cartilage, lining the socket.
The labrum plays a crucial role in providing cushioning and stability to the joint, ensuring smooth and safe movement.
Injury to the labrum can result from several factors, including:
- Degenerative changes
- Trauma (e.g., a fall)
- Repetitive stress (from certain sports or activities)
If you tear your labrum, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Pain in the hip, groin, or buttocks
- A clicking or catching sensation in the joint
- Joint instability
- Stiffness in the hip area
In addition to cartilage, our bodies also have bursa sacs, which cushion and reduce friction between tissues. A common bursa that can become irritated is located in the hip, leading to a condition known as bursitis. Inflammation of the bursa can cause:
- Pain on the outside of the hip
- Tenderness to touch
- Swelling
- Pain with prolonged sitting or standing
Another common issue is pain where your thigh meets your hip, which could indicate a hip flexor strain. Muscle strains can occur due to:
- Sudden movements or twisting
- Trauma
- Overuse or repetitive motions
The hip flexor is composed of two muscles: the iliacus and psoas major. These muscles begin in the lower back and insert onto your femur. When the muscle is stretched past its limit or torn, you may experience:
- Mild to sharp pain
- Difficulty walking
- Muscle spasms or cramping
- Swelling or bruising
- Stiffness after prolonged periods of rest.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to get evaluated by your medical doctor and/or a physical therapist.
Along with activity modification, your physical therapist will focus on reducing pain and inflammation through targeted techniques, such as manual therapy, ice or heat application, and possibly modalities like electrical stimulation. These methods help manage discomfort and support the healing process.
As your symptoms begin to improve, your therapist will gradually introduce strengthening and flexibility exercises into your treatment plan. These exercises will be tailored to your specific condition and needs, focusing on building strength in the muscles around the hip to improve stability and prevent further injury. Stretching and flexibility work will also help improve the range of motion in the joint, reducing stiffness and promoting smoother, more fluid movement.
The goal is to restore optimal mobility so you can return to your daily activities with less pain and better function. Throughout your rehabilitation, your therapist will monitor your progress and make adjustments to your plan as needed, ensuring you get the best results possible while minimizing the risk of re-injury.
Here at Fyzical Therapy and Balance Centers at Fairless Hills, we want to help you be your best self.
Is your day-to-day life affected by hip pain?
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