The hip joint is a joint that is made to withstand a lot of repetitious motion.  The joint is comprised of a ball and socket joint – the largest in the body, and is designed to be able to handle constant repetitious movement.  The joint is cushioned by cartilage that helps to absorb shock when the hip joint is moving.  This cartilage also helps prevent friction.

As noted, the hip joint is designed to handle a large amount of movement and wear and tear, however, despite being one of the body’s most durable joints, problems can occur.

As we age, our cartilage begins to wear down and degrade somewhat. As well, our muscles and tendons can get ‘tired’ from overuse. When this happens, the risk of suffering additional problems such as injury to the hip bones, increases. Let’s take a look at some of the most common symptoms of hip pain before we further explore what can cause it.

People who suffer from hip pain most commonly report the following symptoms:

• Pain and discomfort in the thigh, hip joints, groin, outside of the hip, and buttocks
• Feelings of tightness in any area of the back, hips, thighs, groin and buttocks
• Reduced range of motion in the back, hip and leg
• Limping

Now that we know what the symptoms of hip pain are, let’s delve further into the reasons a person might experience hip pain.

Different Types of Arthritis:

Osteoarthritis

The most common type of arthritis is Osteoarthritis.  The condition affects millions of people, and occurs when the cartilage that protects the ends of bones beings to wear down.

Septic Arthritis

Septic arthritis is a condition that develops when there is an infection within a joint.  Germs from other parts of the body can invade the joint space.

Juvenile Rheumatoid Arthritis

This is the most common type of arthritis in children, and can lead to persistent symptoms including pain, swelling and stiffness.  These symptoms often go away in childhood, however they can continue into adulthood, and have a negative impact on the hip joint.

Hip Injuries

Dislocation of the Hip Joint

A hip dislocation occurs when the bones of the joint are forced out of their normal positions.  A dislocation will obviously prevent the joint’s ability to function properly, and in turn, cause a great deal of pain.

Hip Fracture

As we age, our bones become weaker and are at a higher risk of fracture.  In particular, seniors are much more susceptible to a hip fracture.

Labral Tear

There is a ring around the hip socket that is made up of cartilage.  This ring is called the labrum.  A tear can occur which will cause pain.

Sprain or Strain

Any part of the body can experience a sprain or strain.  Injuries to the hip, buttocks, lower back and legs can all cause sprain or strain to the tissues around the hip joint.

Pinched Nerves and Other Conditions

Bursitis

Bursitis is a condition that affects the small fluid filled sacs around a joint (called the bursae).  These sacs help to cushion the joint.  If they become inflamed, they can cause pain within the joint.

Herniated Disk

When one of the rubbery cushions between the vertebrae ruptures, this is called a herniated disk.  This condition can cause severe hip pain.

Sciatica

Sciatica is a pain that can radiate from the lower back and buttocks, through the hips, and down the leg.  In particular, hip pain is common symptom of sciatica.

Spinal Stenosis

Spinal stenosis is a condition where the open spaces within the spine begin to narrow.  This can put pressure on the nerves of the back and hips.

Tendonitis

Tendonitis is an inflammation of the tendons (thick chords that attach muscles to bone).  This inflammation can lead to hip pain.

Who is at Risk of Developing Hip Pain?

As you can see, people who suffer from certain conditions or injuries, are at higher risk of developing hip pain.  As well, as we age, our risk increases.  Older people tend to become less agile, and are more susceptible to falling, which can lead to fractures of the hip.

What Treatment is Available for Hip Pain?

There are a variety of treatments available for hip pain.  Depending on the cause of the pain, one or more of the following may be helpful in reducing the symptoms of hip pain:

Over the Counter and Prescription Medications

If your pain level is mild to moderate, over the counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Advil can help to reduce the pain.  If your pain is severe, you may require prescription medications.  Either way, anti-inflammatories have proven to be highly effective in managing and reducing the symptoms of hip pain.

Ice and Rest

You can reduce your symptoms of hip pain by applying ice for twenty minutes at a time.  As well, ensuring you allow the hip joint lots of time to rest will help heal the joint.

Heat

Some patients respond well to heat therapy.  It’s important to continue icing the area to help reduce inflammation, but the use of a heating pad can also help to loosen up the muscles in the surround areas, which will in turn help reduce pain and tightness.

Exercise

If your pain is manageable, performing low impact stretching exercises can be highly beneficial.  These stretches can help to get the muscles and ligaments moving smoothly again.

Chiropractic Therapy

If hip pain is not caused by another pre-existing condition or injury, it can often be safely and effectively treated with chiropractic therapy.  Sometimes another area of the body can be out of place.  Chiropractic adjustments can help return the body to its optimal condition, which will help take undue pressure off of all the joints of the body including the hip joint.

Hip Pain Treatment Summary

Hip pain can be caused by many different things.  If you are seeking a drug-free treatment option for your hip pain, book an appointment at BROADWAY AT YEW Chiropractic & Massage. Our Vancouver chiropractors have successfully identified the source of hip pain for several of our patients and successfully treated those patients and provided relief and mobility for them.