The cause of hip pain is variable but can often be felt either at the front, back or side of the hip. The hip can be aggravated or injured by a range of activities but commonly squatting or repeated rotation/twisting of the hip that can occur in some sports may be problematic.
Lateral Hip Pain
Refers to pain on the outside of the hip and is a common complaint. There are certain muscles in this area that can become irritated resulting in symptoms (gluteal tendinopathy). However the hip joint and low back may also refer pain into this area. Pain above the right hip, or left, is commonly linked to the spine but a thorough examination performed by a physiotherapist should be able to get to bottom of the issue.
Anterior and Posterior Hip pain
Pain in both these regions can be due to muscle injury, nerve irritation, hip or low back injury. The hip joint itself can pinch with certain movements leading to impingement type problems which can cause pain at the front or back of the hip. Irritation of a nerve can occur through either low back injury or through just simple compression from tight clothing such as belt. Nerve irritation may lead to tingling, numbness or burning pain in the hip.
Hip Pain at Night
Pain at night is usually suggestive of an inflammatory response and should always be assessed by a medical professional if it persists. Usually appropriate treatment and correct management is enough to allow any discomfort to settle.
Activity related Hip symptoms
Running hip pain can occur with excessive or endurance running (10km or above). It usually results from mechanical loading which may be a problem due to tight muscles or poor muscle control. A stretch and strengthening program provided by a physiotherapist is usually enough to resolve the issue along with some modification of training. It is unlikely that any major change to running style is required however certain adjustments to technique may be suggested if necessary.
Cycling hip pain is more likely to result from long distance road cycling or with poor bike set up. Assessing a cyclist’s alignment and set-up and comparing this to their actually hip range of motion will allow a therapist to suggest the correct adjustments and exercises to help resolve the problem.
Hip pain after sitting is a common complaint in office workers but usually the result of poor posture. The problem is usually rectified with a thorough work station assessment. It is best to have this carried out by a physiotherapist as they are more experienced at ergonomically assessing the environment.
The Adolescent Hip
Hip pain in children is rare however any symptoms that do not settle quickly should be referred for examination by a health care professional.
Information
For more information about hip pain or getting your hip assessed to help understand what the problem really is, please contact 02076030040 or info@kenphysio.com
