7 Things to Know About Tendonitis of the Hip
Tendonitis of the hip is a painful condition caused by inflammation of the tendon that connects your thigh muscles to your pelvis. It’s often referred to as trochanteric bursitis and can cause swelling, tenderness, and stiffness in your upper thigh.
If you’re not sure what this means, here are seven things you should know about it:
1. What is Tendonitis of the Hip?
Tendonitis of the hip occurs when inflammation and irritation around one or more tendons attach muscles to bones in your pelvis.
It affects several tendons, such as :
- Iliopsoas tendon: The iliopsoas tendon is responsible for flexing the hip. When this tendon contracts, it pulls the thigh bone up towards the body. This movement helps you to walk, run, and climb stairs.
- Gluteus medius tendon: The gluteus medius tendon abducts the hip. When this tendon contracts, it pulls the thigh bone away from the body. This movement allows you to walk, run, and climb stairs.
- Gluteus minimus tendon: The gluteus minimus tendon is also responsible for abducting the hip. However, it is more active when the thigh bone is at a 45-degree angle to the body. This movement is used in activities such as sprinting and jumping.
- Piriformis tendon: The piriformis tendon is responsible for the external rotation of the hip. When this tendon contracts, it rotates the thigh bone outward. This movement enables walking, running, and kicking.
2. What Causes Tendonitis Of The Hip?
Tendonitis of the hip is a common condition caused by overuse, muscle imbalance, and poor posture. Other causes of tendonitis of the hip include:
- Overuse or repetitive strain: This is the most common cause of tendonitis of the hip. It can happen from activities such as running, walking, climbing stairs, or playing sports.
- A sudden increase in activity: When you suddenly increase the intensity or duration of your exercise routine, it can put stress on the tendons in your hip and lead to tendonitis
- Improper form: If you are not using proper form when you exercise, it can put stress on the tendons in your hip and increase the risk of tendonitis
- Weak muscles: If the muscles around your hip are weak, they cannot properly support the joints and tendons, which can lead to tendonitis
- Certain medical conditions: Certain conditions, such as arthritis and diabetes, can increase the risk of developing tendonitis
- Occupational factors: People who are on their feet for long periods of time, such as nurses and teachers, are at an increased risk of developing tendonitis
3. What are the Symptoms of Hip Tendonitis?
Hip tendonitis is a common condition that affects people of all ages, but it is most common in athletes and people who participate in activities that require repetitive use of the hip joint. The symptoms of hip tendonitis can vary from person to person, but they typically include:
- Pain in the hip
- Pain that gets worse with activity
- Pain that is worse at night
- Stiffness in the hip
- Difficulty walking or moving around
- A limp
4. How is Tendonitis of the Hip Diagnosed?
Tendonitis of the hip is diagnosed by a healthcare professional. The doctor will ask you about symptoms, medical history, and activities. They may also perform a physical exam, which may include range-of-motion tests and palpation of the hip.
Here are some of the tests that may be used to diagnose tendonitis of the hip:
- Physical exam: The doctor will examine your hip for pain, swelling, and tenderness. They will also check your range of motion and strength.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as an X-ray or MRI, may be used to rule out other conditions, such as a fracture or arthritis
5. How Does the Treatment Work for Hip Tendonitis?
The treatment for hip tendonitis typically involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation. These measures can help to reduce inflammation and pain and give the tendon time to heal. In some cases, medication or physical therapy may also be helpful. If the pain is severe or does not improve with conservative treatment, surgery may be an option.
Treatments For Tendonitis of the Hip
Here are some of the treatments for hip tendonitis and how they work:
- Rest: Rest is the most important part of treatment for hip tendonitis. Avoid activities that aggravate the pain.
- Ice: Apply ice to the affected area for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day. Ice helps to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Compression: Use an elastic bandage to wrap the affected area. This will help to reduce swelling.
- Elevation: Keep the affected area elevated above the heart. This will help to reduce swelling.
- Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help to relieve pain and inflammation. In some cases, professional healthcare may prescribe stronger medications, such as corticosteroids.
- Physical therapy: Help to improve the range of motion and strength of the hip. This can help to reduce pain and inflammation.
- Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to repair a torn tendon. Surgery is usually only recommended for people who have not responded to other treatments or who have a severe tear in the tendon.
- Laser therapy: Laser therapy is a type of non-invasive treatment that uses low-level light to reduce pain and inflammation. It has been shown to be effective in treating hip tendonitis, and it is often used in conjunction with other treatments, such as physical therapy.
6. How to Prevent Hip Tendonitis?
To avoid the tendonitis of the hip, follow these guidelines:
- Warm up before exercising. A warm-up can be as simple as jumping jacks or walking-in-place for a few minutes. This will help loosen up your muscles so they don’t become strained during activity.
- Stretch before and after exercise. Stretching helps loosen tight muscles, reducing strain on joints, like those in your hips and knees–where tendons attach to the bone.
- Eat healthy foods containing calcium, such as dairy products, like milk, yogurt, and cheese; leafy greens such as spinach & kale; nuts like almonds & cashews.
7. How can Aspen Laser Therapy Relieve Pain?
Overall, Aspen Laser therapy technology is a safe and effective way to relieve pain. It is a non-invasive treatment that does not require surgery or medication. Aspen Laser devices can be used to treat a variety of pain conditions, including hip tendonitis.
If you are considering Aspen Laser products for pain relief, consult professional healthcare. Aspen Laser helps provide an effective treatment that can help to reduce pain and improve your client’s quality of life.
In summary, it is essential to see a doctor who will use the information from your history, physical exam, and imaging tests to diagnose. If the healthcare professional diagnoses you with hip tendonitis, they will discuss treatment options.
Tendonitis of the hip is a common condition that can be treated with various treatments, including laser therapy. These treatments will help reduce pain and inflammation in the affected area while improving mobility and functionality.
If you want more information on how Aspen Laser services work, contact us today!
