Decoding These Common Hip Injuries
Hip pain isn’t just a game-spoiler on the sports field. It can crash your daily activities too! Whether you’re chasing a victory or chasing after your dog, hip pain is no fun. Let’s explore some of the most common hip injuries that can turn your moves into groans.
Muscles Strains
This is probably the most common injury to the hip and groin. The weight bearing “job” the hips have when running, cutting, jumping, climbing, twisting, etc. Strains occur more often with “eccentric” muscle contractions (when the muscle lengthens) vs. when the muscle shortens. Examples of eccentric muscle contractions include the lowering of a weight during a biceps curl, running DOWN a hill or steps, or lowering a bar to the chest in a bench press.
Bursitis
A bursa serves as a fluid-filled pouch positioned at the junction where muscles connect to bones. Its purpose is to facilitate the smooth movement of muscles and tendons. And reducing friction as they glide against one another during physical actions. Bursae are present in multiple joints throughout the body, with notable concentrations in the hip, shoulder, elbow, and knee joints. Damage to a bursa can occur due to excessive use, sudden injury, or complications arising after surgical procedures.
Contusions
A direct blow to the hip and/or pelvis can bruise the area, which is called a “contusion.” This is a common cause of bursitis and when located on the side of the hip, it is often called a “hip pointer.”
Stress Fracture
These are usually seen in long distance runners and in women more often than men. Individuals with a nutritional deficiency (like those with an eating disorder) and older athletes—especially those with poor bone density—also have an elevated risk for stress fracture.
Labral Tear
The labrum constitutes a sturdy, fibrous circle that encircles the hip socket, contributing depth and stability to the hip joint. In the event of a labral tear, individuals might encounter sensations of discomfort, reduced flexibility, and limitations in their range of motion.
Femoroacetabular Impingement
When bone spurs form on the rim of the hip joint socket (acetabulum), they can cause pinching as the hip is moved to its end-ranges of motion. This can lead to osteoarthritis and is often due to a torn labrum and/or capsule.
Common hip injuries mentioned above are never fun, but they can be treated. If dealing with any of the above, or simply have hip pain, and are not sure what to do next, make sure to consult a healthcare professional for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans.