The hip joint is one of the most stable joints in the body, however, that does not keep this joint and region of the body from developing issues and producing pain. There are multiple structures in and around our hips that can produce pain in this area of the body which can keep us from being able to:
- Tie our shoes
- Shave our legs
- Cook the evening meal
In addition to pain, you may also experience:
- Snapping
- Clicking
- Weakness
- Difficulty walking
- Difficulty standing up or sitting down
- Radiating numbness and tingling
- Symptoms that seem to constantly change location in the upper leg.
Common Symptoms of Problems in Our Hips
The most common symptoms of hip issues include pain in either the front, side, or back of the hip. The pain may also localize in the lower back, groin or buttocks. When this happens, it’s common for people to ignore the actual hip joint and therefore, not address the inherent weakness or tightness or poor mechanics of this joint that is causing these issues.
Why Issues with Our Hips Should be Treated Immediately
No matter what the source of the pain is, if left untreated it could continue to worsen and further impact your ability to enjoy your daily and leisure activities. Furthermore, compensations due to hip pain can lead to secondary pains of the lower back, knee or ankle/foot and stop you from being able to attend your exercise classes, tuck in your shirts, clean the house and attend that weekend neighborhood barbeque
If any of these pains sound familiar, check in with your physical therapist!
What are the structures in and around the hip joint?:
- Labrum– the ring of cartilage around the rim of the socket of the hip joint. Tears can produce symptoms of catching, locking or giving out of the hip.
- Hip abnormalities– abnormalities in the shape, size, or position of the ball or socket of the hip joint that can cause instability of the joint, pinching of the hip and a deep pain. This can be congenital, developmental, traumatic, or related to repetitive hip movements such as with certain sports (ex: soccer, dance, golf, baseball, hockey)
- Muscles– spasms, strains, trigger points, or inflammation of the muscles or their tendons can produce sharp, aching, or throbbing pain and or tightness along the front, back, outer side or groin regions of the hip
- Bursas– small fluid-filled sacs that lie between bony prominences and tendon, most commonly along the bony prominence of the side of the hip and second most commonly at the front of the hip.
- Osteoarthritis– degeneration of the joint surfaces of the hip bones. Most commonly produces stiffness that improves with movement and groin pain.
- Radiculopathy– nerve pain (sharp, shooting, electric-like) that originates from the low back can also produce pain in the region of the hip.
Sometimes surgery is needed for certain conditions of the hip depending upon the severity of the issue. In many cases the pain can improve with just physical therapy. Even if surgery may be required, doing physical therapy beforehand can help make recovering from surgery quicker and easier.
CALL Loudoun Sports Therapy Center TODAY at 703-450-4300 to schedule your evaluation today and start getting relief from your hip pain today!
CLICK HERE for more on how physical therapy can help you
Click Below to follow us on Social Media:
FACEBOOK INSTAGRAM TWITTER YOUTUBE
