Our hip is made up of a ball and socket. This ball and socket are one of the largest joints in the human body. The socket is made up of a cup-like structure which is called the acetabulum. The ball is the upper head of our thigh bone and is also called the femoral head. This pair of balls and sockets makes it easier for us to bend forward, backward, move around, rotate our legs and do activities alike.
But this movement between the ball and socket creates friction that can cause wear and tear of the bone. To reduce this friction, the duo of the ball and socket have articular cartilage around them. It is a smooth, slippery substance that cushions the bones and reduces friction.
The articular cartilage has a protective covering around it, which is called the synovium or the synovial membrane. This synovial membrane releases a fluid, which helps to lubricate the articular cartilage and facilitates smooth functioning of the hip bone. In a healthy hip bone, a small amount of fluid is released by the synovium.
Hip pain can be caused by a lot of different reasons. Hip pain is more common in elderly people. When this pain becomes sharp, impedes movement, and interferes with daily activities, it becomes necessary to seek professional help.
Common causes and symptoms of hip pain:
1. Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is one of the common causes of hip pain in elderly people. It makes the joints stiff, thereby, making it difficult for the person to move. Osteoarthritis is a progressive condition and can hurt a lot. It affects the way your joints work. This may cause inflammation and pain.
Symptoms:
Stiff joints that hinder movement
Dull pain in the hip
Tenderness when applying pressure
Crackling sound while moving
Swelling of the hip
2. Bursitis
It is a painful disorder that occurs when the bursa sac becomes inflamed. Hips, thighs, knees, buttocks, elbows, and Achilles tendons are all areas prone to getting affected. The bursa sac might potentially induce swelling and redness. Treatment of bursitis includes strengthening your muscles and regaining joint mobility.
Symptoms:
Aching joints
Pain while moving or putting pressure on the hip
Swelling and redness
3. Problems In Pelvic Floor
People suffering from hip pain could be a result of issues in their pelvic floor. Since the pelvic floor is stacked up with so many organs, that is, the bladder, the rectum, prostate in men and the uterus and vagina in women, it gets a little difficult at times to understand the origin of pain.
Endometriosis or fibroids can be the reason for the pain if it syncs with the menstrual cycle in women. Prostate cancer or gastrointestinal problems can also make it appear that you have hip pain. It is necessary to get the cause of the pain diagnosed.
Symptoms:
Issues in bowel movement
Leakage of urine or stool
Long-term constipation
Pain while urinating
Lower back pain
Pain in the genitals
4. Hip Labral Tear
The acetabulum is covered with a tissue called the labrum. Labral tears occur when there is an injury or tear in the tissue that covers the socket. The Labrum helps to facilitate the movement of the socket. However, when the labral tissue gets injured or torn, it causes sharp pain and hinders the normal movement of the hip.
Symptoms:
Stiffness in the hip joint
Sharp pain in the buttocks or groin area
Crackling sound from the hip while moving
5. Core Muscle Injury
Poor core muscle can be another cause of hip pain. The rear and tear of the abdominal muscle can cause hip pain. Activities that include a lot of turning and twisting can also become the root cause of an injury of the muscles.
Symptoms:
Pain in the abdomen or the groin area
Discomfort while doing activities that puts a lot of strain
Pain while coughing or sneezing
Obstructed movement
6. Tendonitis
Tendonitis is caused when the tendons become inflamed. This inflammation results in pain and swelling and makes it hard for one to use his or her hip properly. The most common symptom of hip tendonitis is hip pain that develops over time Pain in the front part of the hip is common in people with iliopsoas tendonitis. In tendonitis, there can be tenderness in the hip area where the tendon is located.
Symptoms:
Pain while moving the hips
Pain and swelling in the hip tendon and muscles
Stiffness due to a short period of inactivity (eg, after a night’s sleep)
If you are somebody who’s suffering from hip pain, it’s high time you get it treated before it starts to worsen. Ayurveda is a very effective method in the treatment of hip pain. Hip pain is a clear sign of Vata roga in Ayurveda, and the treatment options are all geared toward effectively alleviating the Vata roga.
Treatment options for hip pain
It is vital to understand the root cause of the pain before starting with any treatment. Make sure to get your pain diagnosed with a certified medical professional.
1. Yoga:
The goal of Ayurveda is to relax the body, mind, and soul. Yoga has numerous advantages. Spending 10 to 15 minutes in Shavasana doing a systematic relaxation can naturally help alleviate tension, mitigate muscle cramps, and relax the mind.
Yoga is a classic way of stretching that can help with a variety of health problems. Yogasana practice not only prevents stiffening of the hip muscles and joints but can also help to restore blood circulation in that region.
5 Yogasanas that help reduce hip pain:
a. Ardha Matsyendrasana
There are three advantages to Ardha Matsyendrasana. It awakens the psyche, the body, and the soul. If you're anxious, sluggish from working in the very same position for long hours, or just like to relax at the end of the day, just several minutes of the seated twist may be just what you require!
Ardha Matsyendrasana Yoga not just relaxes the mind, but also increases metabolism and aids in providing relief from stress, mild to moderate depression, and distress.
b. Gomukhasana
Sitting at an office desk for long hours can cause tightening of hips, limiting our mobility and adding to our mental tension. The process can be reversed with a simple hip-opening technique.
Sit with your legs stretched out in front of you on the ground. Fold your left leg over your right thigh and gently bend your right leg under your left buttock. Make sure your knees are stacked on top of one another. Fold your right arm over your shoulder and bend your left arm upwards from beneath your back so that both hands can touch. Maintain a straight spine and a firm grip on your arms with your back against them. Inhale and exhale normally at this point.
c. Ananda Balasana
The Anand Balasana, also known as the Happy Baby Pose, stretches the inner thighs, hamstrings, and groin area while also releasing the hips and back, resulting in increased agility. There are numerous health benefits to practising Ananda Asana. There are numerous health benefits of practising Ananda Asana. It unlocks the inner thighs, hips, and groin, relieves lower back pain, readjusts and stretches the spine, helps to relieve anxiety and stress, helps to feel energetic, stretches the hamstring muscles, and lowers heart rate.
d. Baddha Konasana
Baddha Konasana, also known as Bound Angle Pose, is a challenging pose for some. Baddha Konasana, like other postures, necessitates a balance of strength, mobility, and effort, and any of these characteristics of the pose might push you to your limits. The inner thighs and groins get a good stretch in this stance. Strength in the core, back muscles, and outer thighs is required due to the open posture of the legs. Your core works hard to retain you from curving your back and sinking your chest while you sit on the floor in Baddha Konasana.
e. Viparita Karani
It is one of the most soothing positions since it enables you to rest firmly on the floor with your legs up without having to twist too much. The Viparita Karini is a helpful yogasana that facilitates lymph drainage, helps balance out blood circulation, and relieves back and hip strain. This asana unlocks the hip muscles and relieves discomfort and tension in the pelvic and hip area with routine practice. Lie down on your back and throw your legs upwards until the back of your thigh touches the wall. Relax your arms on either side of the body or rest your entire back.
2. Oil Massage:
Oil massaging, or Snehana is valued in the Ayurveda tradition as a highly efficient method of therapy for a variety of diseases. Massage relieves pain by calming Vata, easing joint and muscle stiffness, improving circulation, removing toxins, and relaxing the body. Massaging once a week should suffice.
Ayurvedic doctors can select the best combos for each person. Tailadhara which is the application of therapeutic oils, Nhavarakkizhi which is massaging with a bolus of rice cooked in medicinal milk, and Ksheera vasthi are some of the most efficient treatments for avoiding joint impairment and strengthening.
3. Food Intake:
The right food intake can help the body heal and repair. For a month, eat a Vata-balancing diet of hot, juicy, lightly spicy, nutritious meals to determine whether it helps. Sweet, salty, and sour flavours all soothe Vata; but make very sure you get your sweets from natural, nutritious sources such as ripe plums, pears, or grapes, and don't overeat anything. Vata is adversely affected by overeating.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1. Which ayurvedic medicine is best for joint pain?
Dhanwantharam Thailam is one of the best oils for joint pain. Ayurveda is very effective in treating muscular and joint pain. It improves blood flow in the body and helps calm and heal damage or swelling in the afflicted region. It relieves the aching joints of Vata dominance.
2. Which Indian herb is good for joint pain?
Nirgundi is an excellent Ayurvedic herb that is commonly used to treat a variety of joint aches. Consumption of Nirgundi can also help to lessen swelling and soreness. Its anti-inflammatory, anti-convulsant, and antioxidant characteristics help the joints quickly regain their health. The leaves of the Nirgundi plant are said to provide the most advantages, followed by the stem and seeds. The bitter taste of the herb, along with its high strength, makes it even more helpful for aching joints. You can apply Nirgundi oil to joints, prepare a paste of the leaves and use it, or make a decoction of the leaves.
3. How do you relieve hip pain fast?
To relieve pain fast, ice your hip, wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen veggies in a towel. A hot bath or shower can also assist to relieve discomfort and will warm up your muscles to prepare for stretching. Stretch. Stretching your body gently can help relieve hip discomfort, especially if it's due to a strain or nerve impingement. Until you feel better, try to rest the injured joint as much as possible. You might also try to warm up the area. A hot shower or bath can help your muscles prepare for pain-relieving stretching activities.
4. How do I get rid of hip pain permanently?
To get rid of hip pain permanently, try seeking professional help. Physiotherapy treatment can help you get rid of hip pain. The physical therapist will diagnose you before starting the treatment to understand the region and cause of the pain. Further, a set of exercises and various other treatment methods will be planned depending on how mild, moderate, or severe is your pain.
5. Is walking good for hip pain?
Walking can be beneficial for your health and can ease hip pain but you should not overstrain yourself by running, jumping, or other activities in the acute stage. Going for a simple walk on a level surface helps your body to adjust in minor ways, strengthening your feet, knees, and hips. Long, vigorous walks can help you build up your stamina.
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