Hip pain? Causes, treatment, and how Medico therapy can help!

Hip pain can be acute or chronic and has various causes:

1. Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement – FAI) Hip impingement occurs due to a malformation or misalignment of the hip joint, leading to painful contact between the femoral head and the hip socket. This often results in restricted movement and inflammation.

2. Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis) Hip osteoarthritis involves the gradual breakdown of the joint cartilage. This wear and tear causes pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.

3. Muscle Tension and Poor Posture Prolonged sitting, incorrect movement patterns, or stress can lead to tension in the surrounding muscles, often triggering hip and groin pain.

4. Sciatica Issues (Piriformis Syndrome) Irritation of the sciatic nerve due to muscle hardening, particularly in the piriformis muscle, can cause pain that radiates from the hip down to the leg.

5. Hip Bursitis (Bursitis) Inflammation of the bursae in the hip area often results from overuse or repetitive movements and leads to pressure pain.

6. Leg Length Discrepancies or Pelvic Misalignments Unequal leg lengths or misalignments in the pelvic area can lead to chronic hip and back pain.

People with hip pain often experience the following symptoms:

1. Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement, FAI)

• Pain in the groin or on the outer side of the hip, especially with movement

• Stiffness and restricted hip mobility (e.g. when bending or rotating)

• Pain after sitting for a long time or after physical activity

• A feeling of blockage or "pinching" in the hip joint

2. Hip Osteoarthritis (Coxarthrosis)

• Pain when starting to move (especially in the morning or after periods of rest)

• Load-bearing pain when walking or standing for a long time

• Restricted mobility (e.g. difficulty climbing stairs or putting on shoes)

• Pain in the hip, groin, or thigh, which may radiate down to the knee

3. Muscle Tension and Poor Posture

• Pulling or pressing pain in the hip, buttock, or groin area

• Muscle tightness and tenderness to touch

• Limited movement (e.g. difficulty standing up or bending)

• Pain that increases with stress or prolonged inactivity

4. Sciatica (Piriformis Syndrome)

• Sharp or burning pain in the buttock, radiating down the leg

• Numbness or tingling along the sciatic nerve (from the hip to the foot)

• Increased pain when sitting or with certain movements

• Muscle weakness in the affected leg

5. Hip Bursitis (Bursitis)

• Localised tenderness or sensitivity on the outer side of the hip

• Sharp or dull pain that worsens when lying on the affected side

• Swelling or warmth in the hip area

• Pain during physical activity (e.g. climbing stairs or walking for long periods)

6. Leg Length Discrepancies or Pelvic Misalignments

• Unilateral hip or lower back pain, often chronic

• Misaligned load-bearing, leading to tension or muscle imbalances

• Altered gait (e.g. limping or uneven pressure distribution)

• Pain in the hip, lower back, or knee due to uneven loading

In addition to professional treatment at Medico Therapy, there are measures you can take to relieve and prevent hip pain:

• Movement & targeted exercises
  Gentle stretching and strengthening exercises improve mobility and stabilize the hip. Exercises such as bridges, leg raises, or hip stretches are recommended. Joint-friendly activities like swimming or cycling keep the hip mobile.

• Heat and cold therapy
  Heat relaxes tense muscles and promotes circulation, ideal for chronic tension. Cold reduces inflammation and alleviates acute pain – it’s best to apply cold for 10-15 minutes.

• Optimizing posture & ergonomics
  Pay attention to ergonomic sitting posture and avoid sitting for long periods. Regular movement breaks relieve the hip. A pillow between the knees helps stabilize the hip for side sleepers.

• Reducing weight
  Being overweight adds extra strain on the hip joints. Weight reduction can decrease pain and improve mobility.

• Avoiding overexertion
  Avoid heavy lifting, jerky movements, and one-sided stress. Pay attention to even weight distribution in daily life.

• Painkillers for acute complaints
  For acute pain, over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help in the short term. However, this should only be done in consultation with a doctor.

• Seeking early professional support
  If the complaints persist or worsen, early treatment by specialists is essential.

Hip pain can arise from various causes such as hip impingement, osteoarthritis, muscle tension, or poor posture, and can significantly affect your quality of life. Early and targeted treatment is crucial to relieve discomfort and prevent long-term damage.

Medico Therapy offers you individually tailored treatments to address the root causes of your hip pain. Through medical massages, Dorn therapy, trigger point therapy, and manual lymphatic drainage, we promote pain relief, improve mobility, and support the healing process.

Don’t hesitate – schedule an appointment today and discover how we can help you become pain-free and mobile again.