When it comes to hip injuries, most people might have mistaken that these issues only happen to old people due to their weakened muscles and fragile bones. In fact, many common hip injuries can happen to anyone at any age, shape, and size. Especially, athletes and people who participate in any kind of physical activity are more likely to encounter hip pain because of the overuse of hip joints and muscles.

Hip injuries can be varied and some can happen to you without any pain so it is likely to be taken lightly or set aside. Therefore, we have come up with some of the most common hip injuries that you are likely to ignore with their symptoms, causes, and treatments. See for yourself!

3 Common Hip Injuries That You’re Most Likely To Ignore

1. Muscle Strain

Muscle strain is an injury that happens when a muscle is pulled, overstretched, or torn. In athletes, this type of injury normally happens because of the exhaustion, overuse, or inappropriate use of muscle in the hip and groin area.

The muscles around these areas are particularly vulnerable to strain, especially under extreme rotational movements in sports.

Muscle strain can also affect the lower back, causing pain in the buttocks and hips. In some cases, people who have mild strains might not pay a lot of attention, but please bear in mind that it could get worse over time if left unchecked.

Symptoms

When having a muscle strain, you will experience pain, tenderness, and weakness in your hip and surrounding areas.

You might have difficulty walking due to the swelling, inflammation, or bruises on your hip.

Your muscles may also spasm even when you are not moving or simply resting on your bed. In many serious cases, a muscle strain can stop you from standing up properly and cause muscle deformity.

Causes

Muscle strain is likely to happen for those who do not warm up properly before doing exercises or playing sports. It also occurs when people push themselves way too hard to perform a movement or do it when exhausted.

It is also because of the overuse or improper use of your muscles. People normally have hip strains from playing sports that require repeating hip motions, especially from cycling, swimming, baseball, or running.

Treatment

Normally, muscle strains are not dangerous and can be treated with RICE, which are Rest, Ice application, Compression, and Elevation. The pain that comes with it can be relieved by NSAIDs, a.k.a Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs.

However, you are advised to get medical attention if you keep having severe pain and swelling that do not improve after using RICE, NSAIDs, and resting. You also need to ask for medical assistance if you have had the same hip injury before.

2. Iliopsoas Impingement or Snapping Hip Syndrome

Iliopsoas Impingement or Snapping Hip Syndrome is not a serious hip injury at first as it barely causes any pain. It is more like an irritating snapping or popping sensation when you walk, sit, stand, or even simply swing your leg.

However, if you leave it unchecked, it can lead to a further painful problem, like a labral tear, due to the direct contact against the labrum.

Symptoms

The most popular symptom of iliopsoas impingement is the snapping sound or sensation in the hip area when you perform basic movements or pressurize the tendon to change positions.

Cause

The major cause of this hip injury happens when people perform difficult and complex activities without stretching carefully. It normally occurs in dancers, who do a lot of hip bending and extending.

Treatment

Iliopsoas impingement can be cured by NSAIDs, physical therapy, or rest. There are some special stretches or exercises that can “snap” the muscles or tissues back to their position again.

Surgical intervention is rarely needed in snapping hip syndrome. However, for patients who have severe symptoms that last for a long period of time, they can be treated by either non-operative methods or by surgery to relax the tendon or remove the torn cartilage.

In some cases, doctors or specialists can also use hip arthroscopy to treat these hip problems.

3. Osteitis Pubis

Osteitis Pubis is the inflammation in the pubic symphysis, a small and thin joint that keeps the pelvic bones connected.

Symptoms

When having Osteitis Pubis, you will feel pain in your pelvis. The pain will mainly focus on the center or may be more painful on one side to another. You may also experience discomforts, hip weakness, or even limp walking. You can have trouble going up and down the stairs or running as well.

In addition, people who have Osteitis Pubis can also feel pain when lying down on one side or when coughing or sneezing.

The pain can be similar to groin pain or strain but they are different in intensity and treatments. Therefore, it is best to seek medical help when you experience any symptoms above.

Causes

Osteitis Pubis happens due to the repetitious movements of pulling your muscles over the hip joint. It normally occurs from running, playing soccer, and any other sport that requires long strides.

Though it is less common, Osteitis Pubis can also happen in women during pregnancy or giving birth. In case of serious falls or pelvic injuries, it will cause the syndrome, too.

Treatment

It is not complicated to treat Osteitis Pubis. Normally, people will get RICE, NSAIDs, and physical therapy. To reduce pain and inflammation, it is suggested to use steroid injections.

And if you find it difficult to walk, you will be provided with walking aids.

Final Words

Hip injuries should not be ignored or underestimated. If you have experienced any symptoms that are listed above, it is best to take a rest, apply hot or cold compresses and avoid any strong and continuous activities until it is completely healed.

Any long period of hip pain can be a sign of a more serious problem and can cause more damage to your body. So it is best to seek medical help or hip specialists if your pain lingers or gets worse for more than one week. By doing so, your future self will thank you later!