Hip pain is a very common problem which can cause difficulty with many daily activities. People often come to physical therapy with different complaints involving the hip. The number one complaint is pain localized to the hip joint and muscles surrounding the joint. Some people also experience stiffness in and around the hip and the lower back. This causes difficulty moving the joint and generalized weakness in the affected leg. When you are dealing with pain or stiffness in your hip, it can create difficulty performing the following activities:
- Walking
- Going up or down stairs
- Squatting
- Standing up from a chair
- Prolonged sitting
- Prolonged standing
When a patient is feeling significant stiffness in their hips, they can also start to experience difficulty with tasks such as sitting with their legs crossed, putting on shoes and socks, and getting in and out of the car. These restrictions can really limit your normal daily routine and become a serious problem.
Hip problems can stem from many causes. Some of the most common hip injuries include arthritis, labral tears, and muscle strains. Regardless of the injury, inflammation is typically present which will contribute to stiffness, decreased range of motion, muscle weakness and pain. Prolonged inflammation will cause slowed tissue healing and can start to negatively affect the tendons, ligaments and muscles that surround the hip. Muscle weakness will cause your movement mechanics to change and put increased stress on your knee and back or your opposite hip. The longer you experience symptoms, the weaker and stiffer your hip can become, further limiting your mobility.
