Hip Pain
The hip joint is where the ball of the thigh bone(femur) joins the pelvis at a socket referred to as the acetabulum. There is a cartilaginous covering on each femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis in the hip joint. A joint lining tissue called synovium surrounds the hip joint, the synovium tissue produces fluid that lubricates the joint and providers nutrients to the cartilage of the joint. The ligaments around the hip joint attach the femur bone to the bony aspect of the pelvis. There are a variety of muscles, ligaments and tendons that provide support and function to the hip joint. Tiny fluid filed sacs referred to as bursae, provide decreased friction areas for the muscles and tendons to function around the hip joint. Major arteries and veins pass through the front of the hip joint.
One of the largest nerves in the body, the sciatic nerve passes behind the hip joint. The hip joint is one of the largest joints in the body and serves a principle function in daily activity like walking.
COMMON CAUSES OF HIP PAIN
The hip joint can withstand repetitive motions and fair amount of wear and t ear. Whenever you use the hip (for example, by going for a run), a cushion of cartilage helps prevent friction as the hip bone repeatedly impacts the socket. Despite its durability, the hip joint has been known to be damaged with daily activity and strenuous use. Muscles and tendons in the hip can get overused and develop tendinopathies. Bones in the hip can be fractured during a fall or other severe injury. Any of these conditions can lead to hip pain
Hip pain is a common cause of discomfort and can be a frustrating and painful problem. In the past, just about any hip pain symptom was attributed to a muscle strain, now we know a little better that there can be several causes;
Muscle strains
Hip bursitis
Contusions (hip pointer)
Stress fractures
Hip labral tear
Femoroacetabular impingement
Osteitis pubis
Sports hernias
Snapping hip syndrome
Traumatic hip subluxation and dislocation
Hip arthritis
Low back strain
THESE ARE SOME OF THE CONDITIONS THAT COMMONLY CAUSE HIP PAIN:
Arthritis: osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most causes of hip pain, specifically in older adults. Arthritis can lead to degeneration of the hip joint and cause inflammation as the cartilage are exposed to constant strain. The pain can gradually worsen. People with arthritis also tend to notice increasing stiffness and reduced range of motion
Bursitis - bursae are sacs of liquid found between tissue such as bone, muscles and tendons. They ease friction from the tissues rubbing against each other. When bursae become inflamed, they can cause pain. Inflammation of a bursae is usually due to repetitive activities that overwork or irritate the bursae.
Tendinitis - tendons are thick bands of tissue that connect the bones to muscle. Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendon. Its commonly induced by a repetitive stress.
Muscle or tendon strain - Repeated activities can put pressure on the muscle, tendons and ligaments that support the hip. When they become inflamed due to overuse, they can cause pain, and prevent the joint from working properly.
Hip labral tear - This is degeneration in the ring of cartilage (called the labrum) that surrounds the outside of the hip joint. Along with cushioning the hip joint, the labrum acts like a seal to help maintain the ball of the femur securely within the hip joint. Athletes and people who perform repetitive twisting actions are though to be at a higher risk of developing these injuries.
Here at Redwood City Health and Wellness we provide several natural and drug free ways to help manage and relieve your pain. We also value the importance of an interdisciplinary approach for conditions and treatment options not offered through Redwood City Health and Wellness, we will do our best to recommend you to the healthcare practitioner that best suits your needs.