Hip Pain

Hip pain describes pain in the femoral acetabular joint (hip joint) and/or other related muscles, nerves and connective tissue. Trauma, structural abnormalities, or repetitive stress can cause hip pain.

Cause of injury

Pain can arise from structures within the hip joint or surrounding the hip. Some of the more common causes of hip pain include femoral-acetabular impingement, osteoarthritis, labral tears, hernias, and muscle strains. In some cases, referred pain from the back can cause pain in the hip.

Signs and Symptoms

Although the hip joint is three-dimensional, pain is most often experienced in the front of the hip.  Pain is also experienced along the outside the hip and buttock area. In the case of a traumatic injury, pain is felt almost immediately.  The onset of pain may be delayed by hours if it is a result of overuse.  When a cartilage or labrum tear is present, pain may be accompanied by a “catch” or a feeling that something is impeding hip movement.

Diagnosis

The causes of hip pain are varied.  It is, therefore, important that the hip is examined by a qualified healthcare provider.  A physician will complete an examination and evaluate an individual’s symptoms in order to provide a proper diagnosis. Further tests such as X-rays or a MRI may be ordered to help determine the source of pain.

Treatment

After diagnosis of your hip injury, your physician will often recommend a series of therapy sessions. Proper rehabilitation is essential for return to normal function. Your therapist can guide your rehabilitation to ensure 100% return to activity as quickly and safely as possible. Focus will be placed initially on decreasing pain/swelling and increasing range of motion. Later stages will shift toward strengthening and return to normal function.

For more information, e-mail info@proaxistherapy.com.

To make an appointment, call Proaxis Therapy at (864) 454-0904.