Hip Pain Podiatry

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comfort again!

What is Hip Pain?

Hip pain, a common complaint among people of all ages, can stem from a variety of issues related to the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and other soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. It can also be caused by complications related to the hip joint itself. In some cases, hip pain can be debilitating, limiting your ability to walk, run, sit or even lie down comfortably.

How do feet and foot pain relate to hip pain?

The biomechanics of our feet and legs can significantly influence the position and function of our hips. This can lead to hip pain in various ways. Here are some instances that demonstrate the interconnectedness between foot function and hip pain:

When there’s an excessive eversion or outward rolling of the heel, this can lead to an over-internal rotation at the top of the femur (the thigh bone that connects with the pelvis to form the hip joint). This misalignment can negatively affect the hip joint and lead to pain.
Certain conditions like hip bursitis, characterized by inflammation and pain in the hip, can be triggered by poor alignment or instability of the pelvis. By ensuring the feet and legs function properly, the alignment of the pelvis can be improved.
Hip pain can sometimes be linked to a Leg Length Discrepancy (LLD), a situation where one leg is shorter than the other. This condition can sometimes be seen following hip replacement surgery. LLD can be addressed by podiatric treatment to improve posture and joint alignment.

Additionally, hip pain can result in secondary problems in the feet. For example, pain in the hip related to weak hip muscles (like the gluteus medius) can impact the kinetic chain, affecting other parts of the body. This sequence of events might look like:

Weakness in the muscles surrounding the hip
Increased adduction and internal rotation of the femur (thigh bone)
An increased angle in the knees, creating a “knock-knees” appearance
Internal rotation of the tibia (shin bone)
Increased weight transfer to the inner part of the foot, leading to over-pronation

This chain of events resulting in excessive and/or prolonged pronation of the foot can increase the risk of developing other conditions such as medial tibial stress syndrome (commonly known as shin splints) or Achilles tendonitis. Associated knee pain (patellofemoral pain syndrome) can also occur.

Numerous conditions can lead to hip pain. Some of these include:

Arthritis: This is one of the most frequent causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your hip bones. Types include osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and psoriatic arthritis.

Hip Fractures: These are common in older individuals, particularly those with osteoporosis.

Bursitis: Bursae are sacs of liquid found between tissues such as bone, muscles, and tendons. They ease friction from these tissues rubbing together. When bursae get inflamed, they can cause pain.

Tendinitis: Tendons are bands of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Usually caused by repetitive stress from overuse, tendinitis results in inflammation of the tendons.

Hip Labral Tear: This is a rip in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of your hip joint socket.

Muscle or Tendon Strain: Repeated activities can put strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the hips. When they become inflamed due to overuse, they can cause pain and prevent the hip from working properly.

Hip Impingement: This occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly, which can lead to hip pain and potentially osteoarthritis.

Why Choose Us

At the Podiatry & Injury Clinic, we don’t just treat conditions – we treat people. Our Sydney podiatrists understand that each individual’s situation is unique, and so should be their treatment. We focus on creating personalised treatment plans aimed at alleviating your discomfort and promoting healing.

Hip Pain Gone

Our comprehensive approach to treating Hip Pain sets us apart as a trusted Sydney podiatrist. From thorough examination and diagnosis to custom-tailored treatment plans, we take each step meticulously to ensure the best possible outcomes.

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If you suffer from any foot condition or experience pain, come and see our friendly experts at the Podiatry and Injury Clinic

Our Sydney podiatrist is expert at diagnosing and fixing Hip Pain, and helping you recover from any related injuries.

Symptoms of Hip Pain

Symptoms related to hip pain can include:

Pain in your hip, groin, thigh, or buttock
Difficulty walking or moving the hip joint
Swelling and tenderness in the hip region
A crunching or popping sound when moving the hip

Complications of Hip Pain

If left untreated, hip pain can lead to serious complications like:

Difficulty walking, leading to a lack of mobility
Long-term (chronic) pain
Hip joint deformity
Development of conditions like arthritis

Preventing Hip Pain

Here are a few ways to help prevent hip pain:

Maintain a healthy weight to reduce pressure on your hips
Stay active to keep your joints and muscles strong
Practice proper techniques when exercising or doing physical work
Wear the right footwear for support

What kind of doctor should I see for hip pain?

Depending on the cause of your hip pain, you might be referred to a variety of specialists, including a podiatrist. A podiatrist can help evaluate and treat issues related to your lower extremities, including your hips.

Can foot problems cause hip pain?

Yes, foot or ankle issues can contribute to hip pain. A podiatrist can help diagnose and treat these issues, often using orthotics to realign your stance and alleviate hip pain

How can I relieve hip pain at home?

Applying ice to the area, over-the-counter pain relievers, gentle stretching exercises, and rest can all help alleviate mild hip pain. However, if your hip pain persists or worsens, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional.

This information should provide an effective starting point for understanding hip pain and how our Sydney podiatrist Dr Bilal can help you overcome it with expert podiatric care.