Hip Tendonitis

Tendonitis refers to the inflammation of tendons in our body. It is a term specifically meant for injuries of the tendon, which involve acute injuries in tandem with inflammation. Normally, it is termed according to the affected body part. For instance Achilles tendonitis, patellar tendonitis, or hip tendonitis.

The iliopsoas tendon of the hip, which connects the pelvis is affected in hip tendonitis. This condition is sometimes accompanied by bursitis, i.e. the inflammation of the bursa sac.

Pain in the effected area while resting, sleeping, and walking can make life miserable as the whole body weight is carried by our hips. Inflammation and swelling is another complication. Bending hips also becomes difficult in this situation, and the overall discomfort is aggravated by tenderness in the concerned area. The most evident cause of this condition is the overuse of tendons and, in some cases age. Bursitis might lead to tendonitis. Moreover, hip pain worsens as you try to move the affected joint.

The treatment depends on the severity of the tendonitis. The first course of treatment is application of hot and cold compress. Keep an ice pack on the affected area for around 15 to 20 minutes. Do this every 3 to 4 hours till the swelling subsides. Now, once the swelling decreases, apply a heating pad to the affected area. This will reduce the spasms.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) like aspirin and ibuprofen, or some other medicines containing acetaminophen can help provide relief from the pain and discomfort.

As soon as the condition is diagnosed, rest is essential. To get rid of the swelling, keep your leg elevated above the level of your heart. This elevated position is especially important while sleeping at night. However, just as it is necessary to give the tendon rest, gradual movement of the area is also essential.

Physical therapy comprises exercises and massage. Although, massage is not essential here. Light and nonweight-bearing exercises are advised. Knee raises, hip abductions, and hip extensions are advised by the doctor to regain the strength of the hip. However, if the person feels uneasy while performing these exercises, then they should be immediately discontinued.

A new technique these days is the autologus blood injection. This technique refers to injecting the patient's own blood in the affected area for stimulating tendon heating. Normally, this is performed under ultrasound control. This ensures that the affected area is treated properly. Also, there are no problems in this method as it is the patient's own blood.

Recovery time depends on how well one responds to the medicine, how severe the problem is, and what is the course of the treatment. A combined treatment, involving 2 or 3 methods together will help to accelerating the recovery process. But, the best way is to prevent hip tendonitis by giving your tendons sufficient exercise and rest.

Disclaimer: This story is for informative purposes only and does not in any way attempt to replace the advice offered by an expert on the subject.