Pain in hip is not uncommon. There are many reasons for hip pain. It can result due to arthritis of hip joint, muscle pull, bursitis and tendonitis. Tendonitis is inflammation of tendons. A tendon is a part of muscle made up of fibrous connective tissue. It is strong band and its main function is attachment of muscle to the bone and it works together with muscle to move the bone.
Although the tendon is strong to bear strain, it can get inflamed and hurt during abnormal movement or after an injury. Inflammation of tendon is called tendonitis.
Pain and stiffness in the inner side of upper leg are two important symptoms of hip tendonitis. Treatment of hip tendonitis consists of avoiding strenuous activities, anti inflammatory medicines etc.
What Causes Tendonitis Of The Hip?
There are several factors associated with hip tendonitis. One of the important factors is repeated pull of leg in upward direction.
- Other activities such as dancing, basketball also require change of direction, twist and turn at the hip joint, which results in strain on the tendons of hip muscles.
- As you age the tendons and muscles lose its elasticity. They thus become more prone to injury if they are not flexible.
- Traumatic injury to hip can cause hip tendonitis. Sudden fall especially among dancers and gymnasts can produce stress to tendons of hip.
- Certain medical conditions such as arthritis, gout, diabetes can cause inflammation in hip joint. This may lead to tendonitis of hip.
What Does Hip Tendonitis Feel Like?
The patient suffering from hip tendonitis has to be assessed in detail clinically. The physician will inquire for detailed history of pain in the hip, which is the main feature of hip tendonitis. Patient should note activities which trigger pain and the exact location of pain in hip.
The pain is more in morning after waking up. It is less while resting and at night when the legs are at rest. Pain is specifically at certain points of the hip. Sometimes is it is tender to touch due to inflammation in the area. In hip tendonitis the pain is gradual and not sudden. If not treated, pain becomes worse and constant.
Sometimes pain radiates down the knee. Patient also experiences stiffness of hip joint. The range of motion is restricted. Although the condition is annoying, it does not result in damage to bones of hip joint.
How Do I Treat Tendonitis In My Hip?
Rest is essential part of treatment of hip tendonitis. Take rest for few days or weeks, especially avoid all such activities which worsen the symptoms.
- Take anti inflammatory medications which help to reduce inflammation of tendons.
- Apply ice on the affected area. Take few ice cubes in a clean cloth and place it over the painful area of the hip for 10 to 15 minutes. Follow it after every three to four hour. Ice fomentation if done in the early stage of hip tendonitis helps in healing and reduces pain quickly.
- After one or two days, use heating pad over the area. This will accelerate circulation and provide necessary nourishment to the inflamed tendon for healing.
- Massage gently the painful area with coconut oil. It helps to alleviate pain and also relax the strained muscle.
- After the initial few days of rest, physical therapy is essential to strengthen the tone and flexibility of muscle and tendon. Your physiotherapist will instruct you to do strength training exercises. It also involves leg stretching exercises.
With proper treatment most patients are able to return to their regular activities within 2 to 4 weeks.