Hip is the largest joint in our body and is a major weight bearing joint. Hips have a major role in supporting the weight of the head, trunk and upper extremities. Hip joint is formed between the round head of thigh bone called femur and the cup like cavity of pelvis called acetabulum. Both joint surfaces are covered by a lubricating layer of strong articular cartilage.
There is a protective layer of connective tissue around called the joint capsule and five major ligaments to stabilise.
Pain in the hip can arise from structures in or also around the hip joint.

POSSIBLE CAUSES OF HIP PAIN

Arthritis: The most common wear and tear condition is the Osteo arthritis of the Hip. Other pathologies like Rheumatoid arthritis or Hip necrosis may also cause arthritic changes. Degeneration also occurs when the hip joint is immobilised or hypo mobilised after a fracture or surgery.

Ankylosing spondylitis: This is a genetic condition leading to inflammatory arthritis of the hip.

Muscle Strains: Pain may arise from injury or inflammation of hip or groin muscles like psoas, hamstrings.

Tendinitis: Inflammation of tendons surrounding the joint.

Referred pain: Problems related with herniated discs and Sciatica also causes a referred pain around the hip.

Snapping Hip Syndrome: When the Ilio tibial band or deep hip flexor muscles or labrum tears or snaps it causes a snapping sensation.

Over use Syndromes: Over use or Trauma results in various conditions like tendonitis, muscle pull, bursitis. Irritation of nerve causes pain through the hip radiating down the leg.

Fracture:  Of the femur or acetabulum due to direct injury or osteo porosis.

Bursitis: Inflammation of bursa (sac of fluid) on the outer side of the hip.

Post hip surgery

Hip Pain SYMPTOMS

Pain is usually experienced in the groin and thigh regions.

Radiation of pain along the thigh.

Swelling around the joint.

Stiffness with limited joint motions.

Progressive pain with prolonged or in acute stages even short weight bearing.

Difficulty in rising up from the chair, climbing stairs, squatting.

Limping gait.

Impaired balance and lack of postural control.

Pain when lying on the hip.

TREATMENT:
Patient may take medical treatment for relief of pain.

Physiotherapy treatment:
Short wave Diathermy: This is administered to relieve pain and to increase vascularisation.
Lumbar Traction/Spinal Decompression Therapy: If the pain is referred from lumbar spine, traction is helpful .The distraction force reduces the pain and increases the joint mobility.
Interferential Therapy: Interferential current stimulates the peripheral sensory and muscle nerve fibres to reduce pain and inflammation.
Ultrasound Therapy: Helps to reduce localised pain and swelling by increasing micro-circulation.
Laser Therapy: The low level laser therapy helps in pain management.
Exercise Therapy: Strengthening program for Hip, Back, Abdominals and knee joint will improve overall range of motion and postural control.
Postural training: Learning to keep joints in proper weight bearing line to reduce stress on the joints.
Gait training to improve weight bearing control and balance.

SELF HELP TIPS
• If you have hip pain or arthritis, avoid high impact or jarring activities like football, racquet games.
• Breast stroke when swimming
• Avoid jumping and running
• Avoid repeated bending and direct pressure on the hip
• Do not sleep on the affected side
• Gym equipment like Cross trainer, Stepper should be avoided
• Excessive stair climbing to be reduced
• Avoid static position for too long, stretch in between.

Experienced physiotherapists in Singapore, with over 18 years of experience, help you to get relief from pain/weakness quickly and easily. You can book an appointment to see our Senior Physiotherapist. We are located right in the heart of Singapore, at Orchard, and are available Mondays through Saturday.