What Causes Hip Pain
Due to its ball and socket shape, the hip joint allows for large amounts of movement during activities such as walking, running, and going up or down stairs. Hip pain can be caused by many different problems and often results in reduced activity tolerance. Hip pain may be caused by muscular or connective tissue problems, such as hip tendinitis, bursitis, or iliotibial (IT) band syndrome. Arthritic changes are common in the hip and physical therapy can be helpful as a non-surgical treatment or as rehabilitation following joint replacement surgery. Unfortunately, the hip and thigh bone are common areas for a bone to break after a fall or trauma and physical therapy may be needed to help these patients return to walking and daily activities. Despite the variety of possible causes for hip pain, physical therapy is often helpful for reducing pain and improving daily function.
Symptoms of Hip Pain
- Groin, buttock, or thigh pain or stiffness
- Reduced flexibility
- Leg weakness
- Poor balance/falls
- Clicking or popping in the hip joint
- Limping or difficulty walking
- Pain with prolonged sitting or standing
- Pain laying on your side
- Difficulty standing from chairs
- Difficulty putting on socks and shoes
