Hip pain is a common symptom among runners. The pain itself can deter runners from participating in the activities they love (like running). Thankfully, there are actionable ways to identify and treat hip pain. In this article, we are going to run through a few tips that will help strengthen your hips and prevent injuries while running.
Determining the Cause of Your Hip Pain
Before you start treat your hip pain, an important first step is determining the underlying cause of your pain. Hip pain can be caused by a variety of conditions and injuries. The most common causes of hip pain among runners are:
- Hip Flexor Strains. These are very common among runners and are often the result of a backward slippage of the foot while running.
- Tendonitis. This can occur when the hip muscles become inflamed, often as the result of increased running mileage or running up hills.
- Stress Fractures. These can occur over time due to build up, or as a result of a slip and fall incident.
Once a medical professional has diagnosed the underlying cause of your hip pain, you can begin to consider treatment options.
Treating Hip Pain
Treatment options for hip pain are varied and depend on the underlying cause of the pain itself. It’s a good idea to consult with a medical professional to discuss your options for treatment. Depending on your situation, treatments may include lifestyle changes, pain medications, physical therapy, injections, or surgery.
Hip Physical Therapy
At OrthoRehab Specialists, we have over thirty years of experience providing physical therapy care to patients throughout the Twin Cities and surrounding area. We offer direct access to physical therapy in the state of Minnesota, so you can set up your appointment with us even if you do not have a referral from a doctor. Contact us today to learn more about the full extent of our services and set up an appointment at our Edina or Minneapolis clinics.