Hip
Hip conditions affect gait and overall mobility. Proper rehabilitation contributes to stability and freedom of movement.
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome
Greater Trochanteric Pain Syndrome, or trochanteritis, is a common condition characterized by pain on the outer side of the hip, specifically around the greater trochanter – the bony prominence on the top of the thigh bone. It usually affects middle-aged women, but can occur in anyone.
Causes:
Trochanteritis is usually not caused by a single cause, but can result from a combination of factors:
• Tendonitis or ruptures of the gluteus medius or minor
• Trochanteric bursitis – inflammation of the serous bursa near the greater trochanter
• Iliotibial band dysfunction
• Overuse, injury or altered mechanics
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Symptoms:
• Pain on the outside of the hip, especially when the patient lies on the affected side
• Pain when walking, climbing stairs, or standing for prolonged periods of time
• Tenderness over the greater trochanter
• Worsening of pain with hip movements
Labral tears
A labral tear is damage to the labral cartilage of the acetabulum – the ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint. This cartilage contributes to the stability and smooth function of the joint. When it ruptures, it can cause pain, clicking, or instability in the hip.
Cause:
• Injury
• Repetitive hip movements
• Anatomical abnormalities
• Degeneration due to age or arthritis
Symptoms:
• Deep pain in the groin or hip
• Feeling of "clicking", blocking or getting stuck
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion
• Pain with prolonged sitting, walking, or rotating the leg
Iliotibial band syndrome
Iliotibial band syndrome is one of the most common causes of pain on the outside of the knee, especially in runners and cyclists. It is caused by inflammation or irritation of the Iliotibial band (IT band) as it repeatedly rubs against the outer thigh bone during knee flexion and extension.
Cause:
• Overuse
• Poor technique or inappropriate shoes
• Running on an incline or in only one direction
• Muscle imbalances
• Lower limb misalignment
Symptoms:
• Pain on the outside of the knee, which gets worse with running, going up or down stairs
• A “burning” or rubbing sensation on the outside of the knee
• Pain that begins gradually and increases with exercise
• Possible tenderness to touch over the lateral femoral condyle
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome
Hip Impingement Syndrome (FAI) is a condition in which there is abnormal contact (impingement) between the femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis, leading to pain, reduced range of motion, and over time, damage to the labral cartilage or arthritis.
Cause:
• Anatomical variations
• Repetitive loads in sports with hyperextension or rotation (dance, football, martial arts)
• Hip injuries or mechanical imbalances
Symptoms:
• Pain deep in the groin (most often), but also in the side or back of the hip
• Pain that worsens with sitting, bending, or twisting movements
• “Clicking”, catching or catching during hip movement
• Reduced range of motion, especially in flexion and internal rotation
Piriformis syndrome
Piriformis syndrome is a neuromuscular condition in which the piriformis muscle presses on or irritates the sciatic nerve, causing pain in the buttock that may radiate down the back of the thigh and leg, similar to sciatica.
Cause:
• Prolonged sitting (especially in a chair without support)
• Buttock injury or fall
• Excessive exercise or muscle strain (e.g. in runners, cyclists)
• Muscle imbalance or weakness of hip stabilizers
Symptoms:
• Pain in the buttock, which may extend to the back of the thigh, less often to the calf or foot
• Worsening of pain with prolonged sitting, climbing stairs, or hip rotation
• Numbness, burning, or “electrical” feeling along the leg
• Sensitivity to pressure over the piriformis muscle (deep in the buttock)