Hip
Hip pain can have many causes and affects people of all ages. The hip joint is one of the body’s largest and most stable joints, yet it can still be subject to wear and tear, inflammation, and injury. Pain in the hip area can originate from the hip joint itself, but also from the muscles, tendons, and bursae surrounding the hip.
Hip issues are particularly common among active individuals, athletes, and the elderly. Early treatment and appropriate exercise can often alleviate pain and prevent the condition from worsening.
Common Causes
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Tendon and muscle irritation (trochanteric bursitis)
- Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Groin pain and inguinal hernia
- Overuse from exercise
- Tight hip flexors due to prolonged sitting
- Piriformis syndrome
- Referred pain from the lower back
Symptoms
- Pain in the groin, on the outside of the hip, or in the buttocks
- Stiffness and reduced mobility
- Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing up
- Clicking or locking in the hip joint
- Pain that worsens with activity or prolonged sitting
- Night pain in the hip area
When should you contact a physiotherapist?
- Hip pain that persists for several weeks
- Pain that limits daily activities or exercise
- Stiffness in the hip that affects mobility
- You have a limp or an altered gait pattern
- Pain that does not improve with rest and self-care
Treatment
A physiotherapist at Eyr can conduct a thorough assessment of your hip issues via video and provide a personalized exercise program. Treatment typically focuses on strengthening the hip muscles, improving mobility, stability training, and a gradual increase in load. The physiotherapist can also provide advice on activity modification and self-management.
