Hip Pain
Hip Pain
What Is Hip Pain?
Hip pain is the presence of discomfort in the pelvic region where the femur (thigh bone) sockets into the hip bone. This pain can be bilateral or asymmetric (in one hip or both), depending on the causes.
Like other musculoskeletal dysfunctions, hip pain can be acute (short-term) or chronic (long-term), and its level of intensity can vary. Other symptoms that may be present alongside hip pain include low back pain, pain shooting down into the legs and feet, and in extreme cases bowel and/or bladder incontinence (involuntary leaking).
Hip Pain: Common Accompanying Symptoms
- bowel and/or bladder incontinence*
- decreased range of motion
- difficulty changing body position
- difficulty walking
- low back pain
- paresthesia (tingling) in the legs and feet
- tightened muscles
- weakness in the legs
*If you are experiencing bowel and/or bladder incontinence in addition to low back and/or pelvic pain, this may be a sign of a time-sensitive condition. Strongly consider visiting an emergency room immediately.
Hip Pain Causes
Hip pain is a fairly common symptom, and even more common among women than among men. Common factors leading to hip pain include muscle strain, overuse, and pregnancy. Physical therapy typically focuses on treating these kinds of musculoskeletal dysfunctions to reduce symptoms of hip pain.
Example Causes of Hip Pain
- bursitis
- fibromyalgia
- hip fractures
- muscle strain
- obesity
- osteoarthritis
- osteoporosis
- overuse
- pregnancy
- sports injury
- tendonitis
Hip Pain Treatment
Always consult your physician before attempting any kind of treatment program.
Pain medication is often prescribed to suppress hip pain, but this approach often addresses only the symptom of hip pain itself and not the underlying cause(s) behind its appearance.
At Central Washington Physical Therapy, we take a causative approach to your healthcare. In addition to immediate treatment to help minimize your discomfort, we help to identify probable causes for your condition, how to start improving it now, and how to avoid it in the future. For hip pain, such treatments may include the following:
Hip Pain: Treatment Options
- electrical stimulation therapy for immediate pain relief
- exercise
- instruction in proper body mechanics
- instruction in lifestyle changes
- manual (hands-on) therapy
If you suffer from hip pain, Yakima’s Central Washington Physical Therapy may be able to help you. Contact us below to get started.