The Most Common Hip Injuries
By Sara Butler
Your chiropractor can help you with more than just a back injury. Chiropractors are actually knowledgeable about all the joints in the body, including an oft-injured joint: the hip. Hip injuries are quite common and can hold you back from enjoying activities in your daily life. Here’s what you need to know about these types of injuries and how your chiropractor can help.
What Your Hip Does
Your hips do a lot! If you sustain a hip injury, it can keep you from doing simple activities that involve walking, running, bending, lifting, bearing weight, and even being stable on your own two feet. Your hips stabilize your spine, so an injured hip can lead to problems with your back too. That’s what makes it so important to get into your chiropractor if you suspect a hip injury.
Common Hip Injuries
Hip injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of age or activity level. The most common hip injuries include:
- Hip dislocation – This is when the head of your thigh bone (femur) slips out of the socket, causing a dislocation. This can happen due to an accident such as car accident or a fall and can cause severe pain and issues with mobility.
- Osteoarthritis – This is a common form of arthritis that causes inflammation in the joint. It’s common in overweight people and the elderly, but anyone who has suffered trauma to their hips can experience it. It can cause stiffness, discomfort, and inflammation that causes pain.
- Bursitis – This is swelling and inflammation of the tissue that cushions the joints, called the bursae. It’s the result of overuse injuries, degenerative conditions, or trauma and can cause a sharp pain or ache.
- Hip strain – When you stretch or tear the muscles in the hip, it can cause a strain. They are caused by overuse, a sudden fall, or overstretching of the muscle. Common symptoms include swelling, loss of strength, and pain.
What to Do If You Injure Your Hip
If you are experiencing pain or discomfort in your hip and suspect you’ve sustained some kind of injury, you need to see your chiropractor. They can evaluation your hips and find the cause of your problem, then begin a treatment plan to address it and help your body begin to heal.
If you think you may have hurt your hip, discuss it with your chiropractor at The Joint.
To learn more about your health and wellness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic.