Hip pain is a broad symptom that can be caused by a variety of conditions, some more serious than others, such as arthritis, bursitis, tendinitis, muscle strain, or a fracture. Some of these (such as muscle strains or tendinitis) can be treated at home, while others may need medical attention. Learn more about hip pain symptoms and treatments.
What Causes Hip Pain?
Hip pain is a complex issue that could have a variety of causes. The most common are:
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Arthritis: One of the most common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults.
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Bursitis: Bursae are liquid-filled sacs found in joints; they, along with cartilage, ease the friction when you move. Sometimes bursae get inflamed, which can cause pain.
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Tendinitis: Sometimes tendons can become irritated after repetitive stress and overuse which can lead to painful inflammation.
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Muscle strain: Muscles connect at the hip to help you get around on your feet; overuse or improper movement can lead to a strain that causes pain and inflammation.
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Fracture: A tumble on the ground may not do much damage to a child, but as the years go on, a fall could result in a fractured hip.
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Leg Length Discrepancy: When one leg is shorter than the other, this can put stress on the hip joint when walking and therefore contribute to hip pain.
Treatment For Hip Pain
If your hip pain is caused by a muscle/tendon strain or tendonitis, you can usually treat the pain at home.
Over the counter pain medication can help, as will rest and ice. If your hip pain is worsened by repeated standing (or if you have a job that requires standing for long periods of time throughout the day), insoles or orthotics may be helpful in relieving pain by providing extra cushioning and support.
If your pain does not go away with rest and at-home treatment, it’s time to seek help from a medical professional.
How Insoles Help With Hip Pain
Insoles can help ease hip pain by providing much-needed support and relief to your shoes. Here is a quick rundown of how insoles help:
- Insoles help redistribute pressure across the foot during walking and standing, which can improve overall body alignment from the ground up.
- Shock absorption from insoles reduces the impact forces that travel up through your legs to your hips with each step. This is especially important when walking on hard surfaces or during high-impact activities, as it decreases the stress placed on your hip joints.
- By correcting pronation or supination, insoles help normalize your gait pattern.
- Custom insoles can help address leg length discrepancies, which are a common contributor to hip pain.
- The arch support provided by insoles helps maintain proper foot posture, which in turn supports better knee and hip alignment during weight-bearing activities.
- For people with existing hip conditions like arthritis or bursitis, insoles can help reduce pain by improving overall movement patterns and decreasing stress on inflamed tissues.
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