Hip
Hip joint pain and arthritis are usually felt in the front of the groin area. It can radiate down the front of the leg to the inside of the knee. Hip pain can also be felt in the buttock. Prolonged standing or excessive bending of the hip (such as squatting or sitting in a low or soft chair) can reproduce this pain. Your hip flexors (hip pointer) can also cause pain in the front of the hip, although this pain is usually farther out to the side and hurts when trying to actively lift your knee to the chest. At Physioactive, we have become very effective in treating anterior hip impingement both in preventing surgery, but also post-operatively.
Pain on the outside of the leg or hip is not usually from the joint itself but from the wearing down of the ITB or bursae on the outside of the thigh bone (the femur). Our therapists may recommend orthotics in combination with a detailed exam of the pelvis, low back, and leg.
The most commonly searched pain syndromes related to the hip include:
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- Hip osteoarthritis: This is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the protective cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time, leading to pain and stiffness in the hip.
- FAI: Femoral Acetabular Impingement
- Hip bursitis: This condition occurs when the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, become inflamed. Symptoms may include pain, swelling, and stiffness in the hip.
- Piriformis syndrome: This condition occurs when the piriformis muscle in the buttock region becomes inflamed or irritated, leading to pain and discomfort in the hip and/or buttock area.
- Snapping hip syndrome: This condition is characterized by a popping or snapping sensation in the hip when moving the leg. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including tight muscles or tendons in the hip region.
- Hip labral tear: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint. A tear in the labrum can lead to pain, stiffness, and a feeling of instability in the hip joint.
- Hip impingement syndrome: This condition occurs when the bones in the hip joint rub against each other, causing pain and discomfort. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including abnormalities in the shape of the bones in the hip joint.
- Hip flexor strain: The hip flexors are a group of muscles that allow you to lift your knee and bend at the waist. Straining these muscles can lead to pain and discomfort in the hip region.
If you are experiencing hip pain or discomfort, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
