Hip pain interferes a lot with everyday activities because the hip plays an important role in how we move around. Various healthcare professionals can help you relieve pain, stiffness, or inflammation to get your hip back to normal function.
What are the symptoms of a hip problem?
The most common symptom is pain, usually located in the groin, on the side of the hip, or in the buttock region. The pain may sometimes radiate down into your thigh. In some cases, the pain can be constant, while in others it may be associated with specific movements. The second most common symptom is joint stiffness, limiting the full mobility of your hip. Some people may feel a “click” during movement or experience a loss of balance when bearing weight on the affected leg. Visible swelling in the hip area is relatively rare, even if an inflammatory process is present.
What are the main causes of hip pain?
Several factors can explain hip pain, in both men and women. The location of the pain can provide clues about the cause.
- Pain in the groin is often related to a joint issue, such as osteoarthritis.
- Pain on the side of the hip is often related to bursitis or tendinitis.
- Pain in the buttock region is often related to tendinitis or involvement of the sciatic nerve.
How can you relieve hip pain?
It is essential to remain active even when a hip condition occurs, but you must ensure that the type and intensity of your activities do not increase the pain you are experiencing. You can apply ice or heat, depending on what provides the most relief. Using an assistive device such as a cane can reduce weight-bearing on the affected leg by approximately 25% and help improve your hip condition.
Expert tip: relieve pain with heat
Try applying heat to your hip using a heating pad or a moist pack warmed in the microwave. Apply it to the painful area for 15 to 20 minutes. If the pain increases, stop using it. If it decreases, repeat several times a day to promote movement, which is essential for healing. Pay attention to your symptoms: if the pain increases, take a break.
Which professional should you consult?
Different healthcare professionals often work together to maximize results. If you are unsure, we recommend first consulting a physiotherapist who can assess your needs and determine the appropriate treatments for your specific hip condition. If necessary, they will recommend the appropriate professional(s) to optimize your rehabilitation.
Why consult a physiotherapist?
After a thorough assessment of your hip, a physiotherapist will explain which structures are affected and offer you a treatment plan based on your goals. Different options can be considered such as exercises specific to your condition, joint mobilizations, muscle relaxation techniques, etc. Your physiotherapist will also give you advice on how to relieve pain and get back to your activities.
Why consult an occupational therapist?
An occupational therapist will assess the impact of your hip condition on your normal abilities such as working, doing household chores and hobbies. Their treatments, which can take the form of strengthening exercises or simulating work tasks, for example, will help you maximize your autonomy at each stage of your recovery.
Why consult an osteopath?
Using various manual techniques, an osteopath will treat mobility restrictions that can affect all the structures of your body (bones, muscles, ligaments, viscera, etc.) related to your hip. Improved mobility enables the body to recover better and decreases pain.
Why consult a massage therapist?
A massage therapist will work primarily to release tension in the superficial and deep tissues that affect your hip to help you reduce pain and move more freely. Their treatments will also help increase blood circulation to promote better recovery.
Why consult an acupuncturist?
Through various techniques and using therapeutic tools such as needles and suction cups, an acupuncturist will act to reduce pain, stress, muscle tension and inflammation that can occur following a hip injury.
Why consult a kinesiologist?
A kinesiologist will teach you how to do adapted exercises, based on their evaluation of your ability to move your hip and your physical condition, so that you can resume your activities.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is hip pain different in women and men?
There is no systematic difference, but certain conditions may be more common depending on sex. An assessment is necessary to determine the exact cause of the pain.
What does pain directly in the hip joint mean?
Pain located in the joint itself may stem from osteoarthritis or damage to the joint surfaces. However, an evaluation is required to identify the specific structure involved.
Why does my hip hurt at rest?
Pain that is present at rest is often a sign that an inflammatory process is ongoing.
Why does my hip hurt when I walk?
Pain while walking is often linked to a mechanical component. It may be associated with tendinitis, bursitis, or osteoarthritis.
Why does my hip hurt when I lie on my side?
When you lie on your side, you compress the trochanteric bursa as well as certain gluteal tendons. If tendinitis or bursitis is present, this position tends to trigger pain.
What does sudden hip pain mean?
Sudden pain may be caused by an acute inflammatory flare-up.
Why does the pain radiate to the thigh (right, left, or outer thigh)?
Pain may spread to the thigh depending on the structure involved (tendon, bursa, joint, etc.).
Why does the pain travel down to the foot?
When pain travels from the hip down to the foot, it may be related to irritation of the sciatic nerve.
What does pain at the top of the thigh mean?
Pain localized at the top of the thigh is frequently associated with a muscular, tendon, or bursal condition.
Why do I have hip and pelvic pain at the same time?
The sacroiliac joint (pelvis) is very close to the hip joint. A problem in either area can therefore generate pain that radiates to the other region.
