Hip pain is a common injury and somewhat confusing because there are so many causes. The hip joint is a synovial joint, which means that it is one of the most movable joints in the body, and its main function is to support the weight of the body in both static (standing) and dynamic (walking) postures. The hip has seven main movements, making it so susceptible to injury. These movements consist of extension and flexion on or from spine or thigh, abduction and adduction of the femur, internal and external rotation of the pelvis, thigh, or spine, and lastly circumduction (circular movement) of the femur or pelvis.
Hip injuries again have several causes, such as:
- Arthritis which is an overuse/wear and tear injury and can be treat by medication, physical therapy, or surgery.
- Strains of the muscles around the hip (groin or hamstrings) are usually treated by rest, combination of heat and ice, stretching, and other rehab techniques.
- Hip or stress fractures which are common among the elderly (fall on hip) and those that participate in high contact sports. This injury is treated through rest, combination of heat and ice, stretching, and other rehab techniques.
Hip pain has several signs and if you attain any of the following, please contact your physician:
- Inability to walk comfortably
- Hip pain that occurs at night while resting
- Pain that persists longer than a few days
- Inability to bend at the hip
- Swelling or signs of infection
Here are a few exercises to strengthen the hip region to help prevent injury. I recommend doing two or three sets of twenty reps, but know your limits: