Hips
The hip joint is a deep ball and socket joint formed between the femur and the pelvis. The joint plays an important role in the transmission of forces between the leg and the trunk. It needs to be strong and stable to support the weight of the whole of the body on one side, as seen in one legged standing and running. The joint is surrounded by a vast network of muscles and other soft tissues which play a vital role in the stability and biomechanics of the lower limb.
What causes Hip pain?
The hip is a complex joint and pain can be caused by a number of different structures. There are a variety of possible reasons for a person to experience pain in this region. Pain can be caused by inflammation in the joint caused by arthritis, or from a muscle or tendon injury to the surrounding tissues. 'Mechanical' hip pain is also common and this is due to the way in which the supporting muscles/tissues are being made to work around the joint - if there is an imbalance in these structures, pain can occur. The onset of the pain can be a good indicator of what structures might be at fault and a thorough assessment is usually required to examine this joint.
What can be done to help?
Medication can be a useful first step in helping to relieve pain in the hip. This can be discussed with your GP or Pharmacist. Another early intervention which is often encouraged is Physiotherapy. A specialist assessment can give a good indication of what might help a hip problem recover. Often techniques used by Physiotherapists such as manual therapies and exercise prescription can assist in the rehabilitation process. Sometimes further assessment is required in order to establish the exact cause of the problem. This can include scans (ultrasound, MRI, X-ray) or seeing a hip specialist consultant.
What exercises can I try?
Due to the complexity of the hip, and the variety of possible problems, it is very difficult to prescribe exercises that will help recovery from a hip problem. We recommend seeing one of our Physiotherapist's who will be able to show you the correct exercises for your individual needs and also advise on any other treatment you might need. Often, a few simple exercises done correctly can go a long way to alleviate hip problems.
Common Hip conditions that we treat:
- Iliotibial band syndrome
- Piriformis syndrome
- Osteoarthritis of the hip
- Labral tears
- Bursitis
- Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
Our Physiotherapy team can assess for and treat all of the above, often without the need for surgical intervention.
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