Common Causes for Hip Pain
Hip Pain is Common Problem
There are many components to the hip, including the bone structure, the ligaments, tendons, muscles and nerves to name a few. When an area is inflamed or irritated, you are bound to notice it almost immediately.
Fitness professionals find that those who participate in sports involving repetitive motions such as cycling, running and heavy squatting can experience irritation to the soft tissue that surrounds hip area and this will inevitably lead to pain or inflammation.
One common cause of hip pain would be sciatica and this pain can radiate all the way down the leg. The origin of the sciatic nerve is in the L4 and L5 vertebrae which is also where the gluteal muscle lives. There are several causes of sciatic pain including inflammation from surrounding tissue putting pressure on the nerve, a herniated disc, or even pregnancy.
If you suffer from sciatic pain you should avoid any forward flexion or bending as this will only exacerbate the problem. Another useful tip is to strengthen the abdominals including the transverse abdominis, rectus abdominis, and the obliques as this will help to support your lower back. If the pain persists for more than a couple of days, you should also see your physician to find the true source of the problem and to rule out something more serious.
Most People Don’t Realize They Have a Problem
The next common cause of hip pain is Piriformis Syndrome. If this is something you have never heard of, you are not alone as most people don’t realize they have a problem and just live with the pain. The Piriformis is a deep stabilizing muscle and is responsible for lateral rotation and abducting the hip. It is located deep in your musculature, under the glutes or more specifically in the iliac crest. If this muscle is irritated and inflamed, it will cause pressure to be placed upon the sciatic nerve thus causing a pain in the butt literally.
Ignoring Hip Pain Only Makes it Worse
Those who run a lot are often more likely to suffer from Piriformis Syndrome. If this is something you suffer from, ignoring the problem will only make it worse. Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation and the use of anti-inflammatories can be used to reduce some of the inflammation. But as soon as the pain has subsided, begin a stretching program to get some blood flow to the area to assist with healing. If yoga is your thing, the classic sun salutations and moon salutations will open up the hips and provide the relief needed.
If you suffer from either Sciatic Pain or Piriformis Syndrome, remember that rest is the primary treatment for you. Once the pain has subsided, reintroduce light activity into your daily routine to avoid flaring up the symptoms. If the pain lasts more than a day or two, seeking advice from a medical professional is always a good idea.