By: Jessica Freedman, ATC
The hip is the largest ball and socket joint in the human body. The joint consists of the head of the femur articulating with the rim of the pelvis, with a ring of cartilage (the labrum) sitting between the two bones. When functioning properly, the hip joint allows us to move our legs smoothly in many different directions. However, if something is disrupting the hip, these motions can become very painful, making activities such as walking, running, or even standing difficult. Hip pain can occur suddenly or be lingering and gradually get worse over time. Pain inside the hip or in the groin region usually means there is something wrong with the hip itself. Pain felt on the outer hip, buttock, or upper thigh normally indicates that there is a problem with the muscles, tendons, or ligaments surrounding the hip joint. So what is causing your hip pain?
Hip pain can be caused by a number of problems including:
| · Arthritis · Tendinitis · Bursitis · SI Joint Dysfunction | · Muscle Strain · Labral Tear · Impingement |
What is the SI joint and how can it cause pain?
The sacroiliac (SI) joint is located between two large bones within the pelvis. While the SI joint does not move very much, its function is to provide flexibility to the pelvis and transfer the load of the upper body to the legs. When not working properly, our SI joints can become locked up, allowing for little mobility, or become too mobile. Either of these SI “dysfunctions” can cause problems with the muscles and ligaments surrounding the joint, which can then lead to pain. SI joint pain is often experienced in the buttock, lower back, or hip area. SI joint dysfunction can often be mistaken for hip or low back problems, due to the proximity of the different joints.
How Loudoun Sports Therapy Center can treat your hip pain:
In order to get rid of hip pain, you first have to figure out what is causing the pain. At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, one of our expert physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation to determine the exact source of your hip pain. We will then create a personalized plan of care based on your diagnosis in order to decrease your pain and help you return to your daily activities. If the SI joint is the source of your pain, then treatment will focus on restoring normal range of motion to the joint. If your hip is the cause of the problem, then we will focus on increasing the mobility and strength of your hip. Our goal is to relieve your pain quickly and restore your normal function.
If you or someone you know are experiencing hip pain, do not wait any longer and risk further injury. Call Loudoun Sports Therapy Center TODAY at (703) 450-4300. We will evaluate your hip/ SI joint problems to determine if physical therapy is a good course of treatment for you.
