Our hips are a complex structure that connects our core to our lower body and can be impacted by large muscles such as our glutes and hamstrings.
As a result, pain in your hips can be hard to diagnose since there are so many variables to consider.
Here’s a look at some of the most common injuries and sources of pain in our hips.
Athletes often experience pain or discomfort in their hips for one reason or another. It is usually either a result of an overuse injury, especially in runners or any sport that requires a lot of running. Or it can be from a direct impact injury, like from lunging, jumping or being tackled or hit.
Some hip pain can be treated with rest, but if the pain persists then it is a good idea to book an appointment with a rehab specialist.
Adductor Muscle Strain
Probably one of the most common hip injuries, adductor muscle strains are seen in a wide range of athletes from sprinters to soccer players to weight lifters. The adductor muscle helps to stabilize the hips and to move the leg toward the midline. Adductor Muscle Strain usually manifests itself as pain in the front of the hip and groin.
IT Band Syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome (IT band) is an overuse injury commonly seen in long distance runners and cyclists. When the IT becomes inflamed, it can cause pain along the outside of your hip or knee and often gets worse the longer it is left untreated.
Many distance runners and cyclists are susceptible to IT band syndrome because of the repetitive nature of running and cycling, and the stress placed on the lower kinetic chain.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in a joint starts to deteriorate and the bone end starts to thicken or grow spurs. Over time, this can become quite painful and is often the cause of chronic hip pain in both athletes and non-athletes.
Hip Impingement Syndrome
Hip Impingement occurs when the ball and socket in the hip joint are not functioning properly or as smoothly as they should. This is usually caused by a deformation of the bone and if left untreated can lead to early osteoarthritis in the hip.
Pain from hip impingement can happen during activity or while resting. It is often felt in the groin when walking or flexing the hip and can also cause stiffness and lack of mobility in the hip.