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If you have hip pain, it can slow you down a lot. Our hips are built to take wear and tear, but they are far from indestructible. While not as common as knee or back pain, hip pain can be caused by overuse as well as the simple wear and tear of aging. Here are five of the most common causes of hip pain:
Arthritis of the Hip
There are a few types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis is one of the most common and can affect the hip joint in older people. Arthritis is the primary cause of hip replacement surgery. Hip surgery can sometimes be delayed or even avoided altogether by caring for the hip joint with chiropractic care early on. Arthritis causes inflammation of the cartilage in the joint, which then wears down, leading to bone touching bone, pain, and stiffness. The range of motion in the hip may also be reduced, and the pain slowly increases over time. Arthritis in the hip can make it hard to do things like walk, tie your shoes, stand up, etc.
Hip Fractures
A hip fracture is a fracture of the very top of the femur. Older people are also more prone to hip fractures, especially if they have osteoporosis. Some hip fractures are obvious - the affected leg may appear slightly shorter than the other, you may not be able to flex or rotate the hip, and your foot and knee may turn outward. However, in some cases, the only symptom of a fracture is pain and it may take an X-ray or even an MRI to locate a tiny fracture.
Many fractures require surgical treatment, although some may be treated with rest. A chiropractor can help you recover faster from a hip fracture.
Tendinitis
Tendinitis or tendonitis can occur in any tendons, including the hip. It is most often caused by repetitive strain. The hip flexors are most likely affected, and this too is common in athletes, particularly cyclists, runners, swimmers, baseball players and hockey players. Some people may also get this from spin classes or doing too many squats.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful inflammation of the sacs of liquid inside the joint itself. This is generally caused by repetitive activities that put stress on the joint, and is often found in runners and cyclists. It can also be caused by injuries or even poor posture. Bursitis in the hip is called trochanteric bursitis. It generally affects middle aged or older adults, but younger athletes can also be affected.
Muscle or Tendon Strain
Your hip pain may also simply be caused by a strain or sprain of a muscle or tendon around the hip or in the upper thigh. This is another thing athletes and physically active people are more prone to, but anyone can experience it. Everyday tasks can put a surprising amount of strain on the muscles around your hips.
Chiropractic Treatment for Hip Pain
If you have hip pain, then you can talk to a chiropractor for an evaluation. If you have a hip fracture, you will be referred out to an orthopedic specialist. Otherwise, there are several treatments your chiropractor may recommend:
- Chiropractic manipulation to bring the joint and muscles back into proper alignment.
- Spinal decompression may help if the source of the pain is in your lower back.
- Massage therapy can help tight muscles and tendons, especially your hip flexors, which tend to get tight when you spend a lot of time sitting and then perform a burst of activity.
- Cold laser therapy is good for inflammation in general, and thus good for tendonitis and bursitis.
Your chiropractor may also help with advice on improving ergonomics and working on your posture. If you have hip pain, especially after physical activity, then
today to find out how we can help you be pain free.
