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Hip Conditions

About the Hip:

 

Hip pain is very common, with many people experiencing some form of hip pain at some point in their life. Although hip pain can very painful, there is rarely a serious cause for the pain. For lots of people that experience hip pain, the pain will usually settle on its own within 6-12 weeks. This page will guide you to manage your recovery from hip pain and also advise when to seek help. 

Key Facts about the Hip

  • The hip joint is called a ball and socket joint.

  • It is a very strong and stable joint as the ball moves within a deep socket.

  • Graded movement and exercise in most cases is not harmful to your hip and will actually help your pain by making the hip stronger and more mobile.

  •  Clicking, snapping or creaking noises are common in people without hip pain. It is rarely a sign of damage to your hip.

  • There are lots of things you can do by yourself to help you manage your hip pain. However, if you have been unable to decrease your symptoms by yourself, please self-refer to be assessed by a physiotherapist. - URefer

A number of different factors can contribute to the start of hip pain. These include:

  • An injury – for example a fall, direct impact to the thigh, a slip that makes your leg suddenly go away from the body.

  • A quick change (increase or decrease) to your normal activity or exercise levels.

  • Weakness in the muscles in your bottom or thigh.

  • Changes in the hip joint due to age (Osteoarthritis | AHPS) or auto-immune conditions (e.g. rheumatoid arthritis).

  • A flare of long-standing hip pain.

  • Hip pain as part of wider whole-body pain (including fibromyalgia) – Persistent Pain | AHPS

  • Lifestyle factors, including: being overweight, drinking too much alcohol or smoking.

  • Following a change in your mental health (e.g. a period of stress, worry or low mood).

  • Following a period of your body being ‘run down’ (e.g. poor sleep, tiredness or after an illness).

People with hip pain may complain of any of the below changes. These could be on their own, or in any combination. The pain could be there all of the time, or it could come and go (depending on what position or activity you are doing).

  • Pain in the groin, the outside of the hip and/or buttock.

  • Pain in the front part of the thigh (can occasionally go further down the leg).

  • Stiffness after a period or rest or sleep. This usually improves within 30 minutes of movement.

  • Pain when standing or walking.

  • Pain in sitting or lying (most often in a side lying position).

  • Pain with normal daily activities – such as putting shoes and socks on or getting in and out of the car.

For general hip exercises, click the link below