Hip pains have become a common health concern for many people today, with the majority of cases affecting adults. Before we identify the causes and solutions of this condition, it’s important to understand the anatomy of the hip.

The hip joint is made of a ball-and-socket joint that makes movement between the legs and the upper body possible. This hip joint is held into place by muscles and tendons that trigger movement by supporting your upper body and leg. Just like moving machines need some form of lubrication, there is synovial fluid within the joint capsule that helps to lubricate and keep the cartilage healthy.

What causes hip pain?

There are both long-term and short-term hip conditions. Short-term hip pains are caused by physical activities such as standing for long, strenuous exercise or any other activity that strains the muscles and the hip bone.

Long-term hip pain can be caused by various medical conditions such as arthritis, pinched nerves, physical injuries, and cancer among others. The pain can manifest in three ways:

• Anterior hip pain- the patient feels pain from the inside of the hip. This indicates that the problem is within the joint.
• Lateral hip pain- the pain is felt from the outside of the hip towards the buttock region.
• Posterior hip pain- this pain comes from ligaments, muscles, nerves or tendons surrounding the hip joint.

What are the remedies for hip pains?

Temporary hip pains are expected to go away after some time. You can do some simple stretching, stabilising and strengthening exercises to relieve the muscles around the joint. You can also consider some home remedies such as cold application, changing your sleeping routine, anti-inflammatory medication or simply taking a rest. Attending a chiropractic session can also help you to get some pain relieving exercise and treatment.

In case you experience sudden and severe hip pain that doesn’t seem to go away, it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. You need to be examined by a physician, orthopaedic surgeon or a qualified sports medicine doctor for proper diagnosis.

Recurrent hip pains might be an indication of underlying medical conditions such as cancer and arthritis. Seek medical attention as soon as you notice such symptoms. Get in touch with Melville Wellness Centre for consultation and treatment.