Why do my hips hurt?

First of all, we need to know where the pain is coming from. Hip pain can be felt in various places such as the groin, back or side and it can even refer pain down to the knee and legs. Hip and back pain are often confused and there are many different possible causes so it important that you see a healthcare professional to establish the cause of your pain.

Here are a few examples of where pain is felt in different hip problems:

"True hip pain" is felt in the groin and is often due to osteoarthritis which is wear and tear of the hip's ball and socket joint. As the joint cartilage wears away, the joint surface becomes rough and painful. It is important to keep your hip strong and mobile with regular stretching and exercises as this will help keep the pain at bay or at a manageable level; however unfortunately in some circumstances surgery is required. 

• Bursitis: a bursa is a fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and tendons. Bursas can become inflamed after and injury or due to repetitive movements, once it is inflamed it is referred to as bursitis. Some people will find that their bursitis will clear up on its own with the help of ICE and painkillers, while some require treatment from your chiropractor or physiotherapist. If your bursitis still persists, you may be offered a steroid injection into the bursa.

• Enthesitis/Tendinitis: similar to bursitis, this refers to an inflamed tendon. Again it can be caused by overuse or injury and is treated similarly to bursitis with rest, ice and painkillers as well as stretching and massage.

• Sacroiliac joint pain (SIJ): is one of the most common things we see at Gillingham Chiropractic Clinic. It is pain and stiffness in the low back where the spine meets the pelvis. In some people this pain can travel round the front and be felt in the groin. SIJ pain can have many causes such as sitting down for too long, a fall, heavy lifting, etc. Treatments for SIJ pain include massage to loosen off the surrounding tight muscles and manipulation and mobilisation to loosen the stiff joint. There are also simple stretches to do at home such as the ones shown here.

What can I do to keep my hips happy?

Many hip conditions respond well to conservative care such as massage, stretching and exercise. Top tips include:

• Keep active: cycling is great for those suffering with hip osteoarthritis, yoga and pilates are also great.

• Lose weight (if necessary!)

• Visit your Chiropractor!

• Stretch: click here for useful stretches

 

How do I know if I need surgery?

This varies from person to person and ultimately depends on what you can tolerate. People usually decide to go down the surgical route once they have exhausted all other options and their pain stops them from performing day to day activities such as walking, putting shoes and socks on, etc.

If you are considering surgery, it is important to consider PREHAB. Prehab is the stretches and exercises you do before surgery ensures that your hip is in the best condition it can be before surgery to ensure a speedy recovery. Your chiropractor, physio or doctor should be able to help you with this.