Healthy Life: Hip Pain – Causes and Symptoms (591)

Healthy Life: Hip Pain

蘇鎮邦 (Christopher So)：
舒整物理治療師 (Manipulative Physiotherapist) 人類工程師 (Ergonomist)

The hip joint is the largest joint in the body and takes up the weight of the upper body. Besides the shoulder joint, the hip joint (diagram 1) is the only other ball and socket joint with the largest degree of movements in the body including forward, backward, sideways and rotational movements. As it is a weight bearing joint, the muscles in the hip joint are large and strong (diagram 2). It is less likely to sustain injuries in sports. Mostly, hip joint injuries are caused by trauma such as car accidents and falls from heights. Indirect injuries can be sustained because of muscles sprain or tearing which cause abnormal mechanical movements in the joint. In the elderly, hip pain or problems are caused by overuse early in their lives. Osteoporosis is also a common cause of hip injury.

Pain is obvious in hip movements if there is muscle tearing or sprain. If there is pain when the patient is standing still, then it is more likely bony or ligamentous problems. Also, lying on the side of the affected hip joint will be painful. However, resting pain can be indicative of cancer. Therefore, if when lying flat with the knee well supported by pillows or on the non-painful joint, the patient still experiences pain then patient should consult a doctor.

The general approach to muscle injuries would be deep massages e.g deep frictions – transverse or circular, and appropriate stretches to affected muscles. For joint mechanics, specific mobilisations are necessary. Then, ultrasound therapy and interferential therapy enhance the rate of recovery to the affected tissues. As it is a weight bearing joint, in addition to muscle strength training or rehabilitation, balance exercises are necessary for full recovery of hip joint function.

Diagram 1

Diagram 2