5 Typical Causes of Hip Pain in Athletes and Older Individuals

5 Typical Causes of Hip Pain in Athletes and Older Individuals

Did you know about 300,000 seniors are admitted due to hip fractures? Hip pain can bring your workout to a screeching halt and may even put you on hold for travel plans. 

Often, hip pain goes away on its own in a short amount of time. Other times, the pain might be a sign of a more extensive injury. Knowing what’s causing your hip pain is vital before inspecting any injuries.

Read on to learn the causes of hip pain in old people and athletes.

1.Osteoarthritis and Bursitis

Osteoarthritis is an age-related degenerative joint disorder. The cartilage in the joints breaks down and is more likely to affect older individuals. 

Meanwhile, bursitis is a condition associated with inflammation of the bursae. These are fluid-filled sacs between bones and the surrounding structures. These types of hip pain conditions in athletes and older individuals often cause stiffness and tenderness in the hip area.

2.Exertional Injury and Stress Fractures

Conditions such as tendinitis, core muscle injury, and snapping hip syndromes can contribute to hip pain. Exertional injuries include overtraining, improper form, and excessive muscle fatigue.

Stress fractures occur when a bone is exposed to repetitive forces, often due to repeated jumping and running. In athletes, muscle imbalances can cause hips to compensate for a lack of strength in certain areas and lead to injury.

In the elderly, osteoarthritis and other age-related joint disorders can lead to hip pain. Proper form during exercise and strengthening weaker muscles can help reduce the risk of injury. 

3.Anatomical Misalignments and Instability

Anatomical misalignments and instability of the hips can be significant causes of hip pain in athletes and older individuals. Anatomical misalignments happen when your hip bones misalign in the socket, resulting in an unstable hip joint.

Meanwhile, instability due to weak muscles in the hip area can increase strain on the hip joint. Tight hip flexors and weakened hip extensors can lead to an imbalance in the muscles surrounding the hip. Poor posture, technique, and balance can lead to imbalanced weight distribution and hip instability.

4.Poor Warmup and Lack of Stretching

Poor warmup and lack of stretching are potential underlying causes of hip pain in athletes and older individuals. In athletes, inadequate warmup and commencing activity cold can cause hip muscles to be stiff and tight. This results in premature fatigue and muscle pain.

In older individuals, inadequate warmup or stretching can lead to muscle stiffness and discomfort. It can compress the lumbar spine and irritate the nerve roots, leading to hip pain. 

5.Inactive Lifestyle and Being Overweight

An inactive lifestyle and being overweight cause a decrease in the flexibility, strength, and stability of the hip joint. This increases the individual’s risk of developing hip pain due to increased friction and pressure on the hip joint. 

Furthermore, being overweight can also increase the stress placed on the hip. This can cause inflammation and swelling, leading to painful hip conditions such as bursitis. To help you get your health checked, consult the Advanced Pain Institute of Texas to find out how you can treat hip pain in its roots.

Learn the Common Causes of Hip Pain and Take Action

Hip pain can have a variety of causes, including old age, trauma, illnesses and conditions, and overuse. Each situation is different, so seeking medical attention when experiencing hip pain is essential. Talk to your healthcare provider to determine the causes of hip pain and find the best course of treatment.

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