The hip joint is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the human body and can withstand recurring motion as well as a decent amount of wear & tear. Every time you use the hip, for instance, by jogging, a padding of cartilage helps avoid friction as the hip bone moves about in its socket.
Despite its high durability, the hip joint is not immune to damage. Over time as we use or sometimes overuse the hips, the cartilage can wear, the tendons and muscles can be put under repetitive stress or strain and the bones may fracture or break due to an injury or fall. All of these things could result in hip pain.
If you find your hip muscles are sore, here are three potential causes of hip pain to look out for.
Bursitis
The sacs of lubricating liquid lying between tissues (like tendons, muscles and bones) are known as bursae. They help reduce the friction that can occur when tissues rub together. Bursae are found in the shoulder, knee, hip, elbow and many other joints. When a bursa becomes inflamed, they can cause a lot of pain. Bursae inflammation can result from any activity that irritates or overworks the joint. Even an injury can cause bursitis.
Arthritis
Arthritis is one of the most common reasons for hip pain, especially in the elderly. Arthritis can cause inflammation of the hip joint, and even a breakdown of the cartilage that supports your hip bones. The can pain worsen slowly. If you have arthritis, you will often feel stiffness around your hip and will likely have a limited range of motion in the hip.
If arthritis is causing unending hip pain, consult a chiropractor, as research has shown that chiropractic care and regular exercise can help in managing arthritic pain.
Tendinopathy
Tendons are those thick tissue bands that keep bones and muscles together. There are a lot of tendons in the hip area that connect the joint with the nearby muscles. Tendinopathy refers to the irritation or inflammation of the tendons, and is usually the result of repetitive stress caused by overuse.
Visit a Chiropractor in Oakleigh
North Road Chiropractic is your neighbourhood chiropractic clinic in Oakleigh. We have treated thousands of patients since 1987, and have helped many of them find relief from chronic hip pain. If you are not sure about the cause for your hip pain and are looking for relief, make an appointment with us today.