Hip Pain

Hip pain is a common condition that can affect people of all ages and activity levels. It can range from a dull ache to sharp, debilitating pain that makes it hard to walk, climb stairs, or get comfortable. For some people it comes on suddenly after an injury or overuse. For others it develops gradually over time.

Hip pain can show up in different ways. You might feel stiffness first thing in the morning, sharp pain when you walk or stand, or a constant ache that gets worse with activity. It can stay localized to your hip joint or radiate into your groin, thigh, or lower back. Some people also experience clicking or catching sensations in the hip, or weakness that makes it hard to bear weight on one side.

What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain can come from a variety of sources:

• Muscle strains from overuse, sports, or sudden movements

• Bursitis or inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs around the hip joint

• Hip labral tears or cartilage damage

• Osteoarthritis or degenerative changes in the hip joint

• Tendinitis or irritation of the hip tendons

• Poor movement patterns and muscle imbalances

• Previous injuries that never fully resolved

• Referred pain from the lower back or SI joint

Sometimes the cause is obvious, like after a fall or a long run. Other times it develops slowly without a clear trigger.

When Hip Pain Becomes Chronic
Acute hip pain usually improves within a few weeks with rest and activity modification. But for some people, the pain doesn't go away. Chronic hip pain lasts longer than three months and can be more complex to manage. It may involve multiple contributing factors including muscle weakness, movement dysfunction, and nervous system sensitivity. Chronic pain can also take a toll mentally and emotionally, affecting mood, energy, and quality of life.

When to Seek Help
You don't need to wait until the pain is unbearable to get help. If hip pain is limiting your daily activities, affecting your work, or preventing you from doing things you enjoy, it's worth getting assessed.

Living With Hip Pain
Hip pain is manageable. With the right assessment, treatment, and movement strategies, most people can reduce their pain, improve their function, and get back to their normal activities. At Kevlar Performance & Rehab in Burlington, we work with people dealing with all types of hip pain to help them move better and feel better.