Hip tendonitis is inflammation of the tendons present in the hip, causing pain when walking, which can radiate to the legs and cause difficulty in moving one or both legs.
Generally, hip tendinitis affects athletes who practice physical activities that involve excessive use of the legs, such as running, cycling or football, but it can also appear in the elderly due to progressive wear and tear on the hip joint. Learn about other causes of hip pain.
Hip tendinitis can be cured in most cases, however, the chances of cure are greater in young people who undergo physical therapy.
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of hip tendonitis are:
- Hip pain, which worsens over time;
- Greater sensitivity in the area of the hip where the tendon is located;
- Hip pain, which radiates to the leg;
- Difficulty moving your legs;
- Leg cramps, especially after long periods of rest;
- Difficulty walking, sitting or lying on the affected side.
In the presence of signs and symptoms of hip tendonitis, it is recommended that the person consult an orthopedist or physiotherapist so that a physical examination can be carried out to diagnose tendonitis and, thus, the most appropriate treatment can be initiated.
How the diagnosis is made
The diagnosis of hip tendinitis must be made by an orthopedist, who must perform a physical examination and evaluate the symptoms presented by the person. In addition, it may also be recommended to perform some imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis, such as radiography and magnetic resonance imaging.
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How the treatment is carried out
Treatment for hip tendinitis must be guided by an orthopedist and aims to reduce pain and inflammation. Thus, the doctor may indicate:
- Restto give time for the inflammation in the tendon to improve, avoiding physical activity;
- Apply an ice pack for 20 minutes several times a day to help reduce swelling, relieve pain and pressure;
- Compression through the use of compression shorts, which helps prevent swelling and keep the injury stable.
Furthermore, depending on the cause of the tendonitis, anti-inflammatories, such as ibuprofen, may also be recommended, as well as physical therapy for hip tendinitis, which includes a set of exercises that help relieve pressure on the tendons, reducing pain.
In more serious cases, the doctor may recommend surgery to correct the tendon injury or replace the hip joint, especially in older people.
Exercises for hip tendonitis
Exercises for hip tendonitis help to warm up the tendons and, therefore, relieve pain.
1. Swing your legs
To do this exercise, you must stand next to a wall, holding the wall with your closest arm. Then, you should slightly lift the leg furthest from the wall and swing it back and forth 10 times, lifting it as much as possible.
Then, the leg must return to the starting position and the exercise must be repeated, swinging the leg from side to side in front of the leg that is resting on the floor. Finish the exercise by repeating the steps with the other leg.
2. Hip stretch
To perform the hip stretching exercise, the person must lie on their back and bend their right knee towards their chest. With your left hand, pull your right knee to the left side of your body, maintaining the position for 20 seconds. Then, return to the starting position and repeat the exercise with your left knee.
Bibliography
- BEAUMONT. Hip tendonitis. Available at: <https://www.beaumont.org/conditions/hip-tendonitis>. Accessed on September 29, 2022
- INTERMOUNTAIN HEALTH CARE. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation). Available at: <https://intermountainhealthcare.org/ckr-ext/Dcmnt?ncid=529659985>. Accessed on March 30, 2023
