Hip pain is a common complaint, especially as a person gets older. It can also be a bit complicated and difficult to diagnose, because patients tend to identify many different areas of the body as the source of hip pain.
A patient complaining of hip pain might, when asked to identify the location of the pain, indicate the side of the torso, the lower back, the groin, or the buttocks. Each of these areas can mean a different diagnosis. It is very common that hip pain is not actually a problem with the hip at all. A pinched nerve in the spine can cause pain that radiates through the hip.
An inguinal hernia or a urinary tract infection can both cause hip pain, as well. It is important that patients report all of their symptoms to their physician so that the physician can accurately identify whether the pain reported is a musculoskeletal problem or something different altogether.
Many parts of the body work together in order for the hip to perform its function. The joint of the hip is located deep inside the body. The thigh bone rotates inside the hip socket. Tendons, ligaments, and muscles work together to support the hip joint and allow our bodies to move as they should.
You can improve the function of your hip joint by exercising your muscles. Our muscles need to be both strong and flexible. Many times, people experience hip discomfort because one side of the hips is stronger than the other. We often overuse one side of the hip joint and underuse the other, which creates an imbalance and pulls the hips out of alignment. Our hip joints are also affected by the alignment of our feet and knees. Even wearing improper shoes can affect the body’s alignment and strain the hip joints and muscles.
You can keep your hips in good shape by focusing on stretching and strengthening activities. This is particularly important as we get older. When we are younger, our bodies can tolerate more. However, as we age we may need to back off a bit on the intensity of our workouts and focus more on stretching and warming up properly.
Swimming and yoga are excellent, low-impact activities that are good for the hips. Walking is another great option. After all, the goal is to maintain mobility; why not concentrate on using our bodies for their intended purpose?
If your hip pain is limiting your ability to walk, you should consider some simple footwear modifications. In many cases, wearing the right shoes or using orthotic inserts can bring a great deal of pain relief and restore your ability to move about comfortably. ( Custom shoe shops) Specialised Shoe Stores will offer a range of shoes that are designed to improve the body’s alignment and ease stress on the joints.
Visit a specialised shoe store, and speak with the professionals there about selecting a pair of shoes that will ease the strain on your hips. Orthotic inserts (customized arch supports) may also prove to be a valuable asset in combating hip pain, as well. You can purchase off the shelf shoe inserts, or you can have custom arch supports made to fit your feet. Custom arch supports provide exactly the support that you need, right where you need it.
If you have hip pain, visit Foot Solutions UK. Our professional staff will help you to select the right shoes that will help to ease your discomfort. We can also help you find the perfect inserts for your shoes so that you are getting the support that you need. Visit Foot Solutions UK today to learn more.
