Hip problems make doing our daily activities like walking difficult and painful. Anyone who has experienced hip problems, knows how it can affect our quality of life and stop us from doing what we love. It is important to know the common causes of hip pain to determine what treatment can be done.
What are the three most common causes of hip pain?
- Arthritis: Chronic hip pain is often due to arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis. This is the ‘wear and tear’ kind of pain that affects many people as they age. The ball and socket joint in the hip starts to wear out. Arthritis pain is often felt in the front of your thigh or in the groin, because of stiffness or swelling in the joint. As the joint continues to degenerate or ‘wear away’ many individuals are faced with the option of undergoing total hip replacements.
- Hip fractures: Hip fractures are most commonly the result of a traumatic event such as a fall. In many cases, hip fractures require surgery. Fractures can also be common among older women because they often have decreased bone density (osteoporosis). Symptoms of a hip fracture include the inability to lift or pull weight on the injured side.
- Tendinitis and bursitis: ‘Itis’ refers to inflammation. There are many tendons that attach muscles to the hip. These can become inflamed when they are overused. Repetitive and strenuous activity such as running can result in types of hip tendonitis like IT Band Syndrome. ‘Bursitis’ refers to an inflamed bursa. The bursa is the fluid-filled sack that can be found on the bony surfaces and act as a cushion. When you perform activities that require repetitive hip movements, the bursa can become irritated and this results in pain.
How can physical therapy help all these conditions and any other problems in your hips?
Through targeted stretching and strengthening exercises as well as manual therapy, physical therapy an improve the following:
- Hip flexibility
- Hip joint mobility
- Hip range of motion
- Hip strength
Physical therapy will also teach you movement patterns to ensure proper alignment and resolve or prevent hip problems that are negatively affecting your life. At Loudoun Sports Therapy Center, our physical therapists will fully evaluate your hip and associated symptoms and help restore your full function and get you back to your normal lifestyle.
By: Angie Austin, LPTA
CALL 703-450-4300 TODAY and schedule your evaluation with one of our physical therapists, so you can address your hip problems.
CLICK HERE for more on how physical therapy can help you.
