No matter what the cause is, hip pain can have a negative impact on your quality of life. Whether you’re trying to exercise, get a good night’s sleep, spend time with loved ones or get things done at work, pain and other symptoms in your hips can get in the way. Unfortunately, it can be even more frustrating when you don’t know what the cause is.
By working with a qualified medical professional, you can receive a diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan for your condition. As you seek relief, educating yourself as a patient can help you take a more active role in the diagnosis and treatment process. This is why we’re sharing the following quick overview of some of the most common hip pain causes.
The team at Continuum Wellness is here to help. If you have any questions or want to learn more about our treatment options, please feel free to reach out to us at any time.
Common causes of hip pain
By connecting the upper body to the lower body, the hips play an essential role in the body’s structure and mechanics. As load-bearing joints, they are also put under a severe amount of stress on a daily basis as we walk, run, stand, sit and perform almost any other daily activity. This is why the hips are so prone to developing conditions that can cause pain, including:
- Arthritis — As we age, the protective layers of cartilage that allow for smooth joint motion begin to wear out, causing inflammation. This is especially common in the hips due to increased wear and tear.
- Bursitis — Repetitive motion can inflame the bursae, which are tiny sacs of fluid that protect soft tissue in joints. This inflammation, called bursitis, is a common cause of hip pain.
- Fractures — Especially among the elderly, slips and falls can cause fractures in the hips that can be very painful and debilitating.
- Strains, sprains and tendinitis — Repetitive motion and strenuous activities can put stress on the soft tissue, such as muscles, tendons and ligaments, which physically connect the legs to the hips.
To determine the underlying cause of hip pain, many people start by seeing a physician, such as their primary care doctor, who can perform a physical evaluation and order diagnostic imagery to reach an initial diagnosis.
Hip pain relief at Continuum Wellness
Physical therapy is an effective form of treatment for most forms of hip pain, including for patients recovering from hip surgery. At Continuum Wellness, our caring and experienced physical therapists can identify the sources of your pain and help you develop a highly individualized treatment plan that is right for your needs and lifestyle.
To learn more about how we can help, contact us today. You can make your initial appointment with one of our dedicated representatives.