Have you woken up one day to discover the presence of hip pain that just doesn’t seem to want to go away? You’re certain you haven’t injured yourself in any falls or physical activity, but the pain is real. So, what’s causing it?
Well, hip pain can be related to several different causes. Take a look below at some of the common reasons people have sudden hip pain without an injury.
Common Culprits Behind "Out of the Blue" Hip Pain:
Several conditions can trigger sudden hip pain without a preceding injury. Here’s a breakdown of some of the most common:
- Osteoarthritis:
- This degenerative joint disease, though often gradual, can sometimes flare up, causing sudden, intense pain.
- It involves the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint, leading to friction and inflammation.
- Pain is often worse with activity and may be accompanied by stiffness and limited range of motion.
- Rheumatoid Arthritis:
- This autoimmune disease can cause inflammation in the hip joint, leading to pain, swelling, and stiffness.
- Unlike osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis often affects multiple joints and can cause systemic symptoms like fatigue and fever.
- Sudden flares of this condition are possible.
- Trochanteric Bursitis:
- Bursae are fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
- Inflammation of the trochanteric bursa, located on the outer hip, can cause sharp pain that radiates down the thigh.
- This condition is often exacerbated by lying on the affected side or prolonged sitting.
- Iliopsoas Bursitis:
- Similar to trochanteric bursitis, the iliopsoas bursa, located on the inner hip, can become inflamed.
- This causes pain in the groin area and can radiate down the front of the thigh.
- Referred Pain:
- Sometimes, hip pain isn’t actually originating in the hip itself.
- Problems in the lower back, such as a herniated disc or sacroiliac joint dysfunction, can refer pain to the hip area.
- This type of pain may be accompanied by back pain or sciatica.
- Stress Fractures:
- While not a traumatic injury, repetitive stress can lead to tiny cracks in the bone, known as stress fractures.
- These are more common in athletes or individuals with osteoporosis.
- The pain can start gradually and then become suddenly more intense.
- Transient Synovitis:
- This is a common cause of sudden hip pain in children, particularly boys.
- It involves inflammation of the synovium, the lining of the hip joint.
- The cause is often unknown, but it may follow a viral infection.
- Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis):
- This occurs when blood supply to the hip bone is disrupted, causing bone tissue to die.
- It can cause sudden, severe hip pain.
- Risk factors include corticosteroid use, excessive alcohol consumption, and certain medical conditions.
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Overpronation: When the foot pronates, the leg rotates inward and loses its alignment with the hips: this means that the weight of your upper body is no longer evenly born by your hips, creating what is known as “improper load transfer.
When to Seek Medical Attention:
- Severe pain that interferes with daily activities.
- Swelling, redness, or warmth in the hip area.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected hip.
- Fever or other systemic symptoms.
- Pain that persists for more than a few days.
- Any neurological symptoms, such as numbness or tingling.
Diagnosis and Treatment
A physo will perform a physical examination and may order imaging tests, such as X-rays or MRI, to determine the cause of your hip pain.
Treatment will depend on the underlying condition and may include:
-Physiotherapy
-Dry Needling
Acupuncture
-Homecare exercise programme
-Custom Orthotics
-In rare cases, surgery
Visit Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture for sudden hip pain treatment
Are you tired of your sudden hip pain limiting your ability to move around comfortably? It’s time to talk to Don Kelly about the natural treatments we use that can help you. Contact us today for more information about sudden hip pain when you have no injuries or to schedule an initial appointment.
For residents of Limerick and Charleville, Don Kelly Physiotherapy and Acupuncture stands as the top choice for expert care. With a reputation for excellence and a commitment to patient well-being, Don Kelly and his team offer comprehensive physiotherapy and acupuncture services to address a wide range of chronic pains, injuries and musculoskeletal conditions.
