Hip Pain (Coxalgia)

Hip Pain (Coxalgia)

Hip pain, medically known as coxalgia, is a condition that affects a significant number of people worldwide. This discomfort can arise from a variety of causes and has the potential to negatively impact quality of life, limiting mobility and the ability to perform daily activities. In this blog post, we’ll thoroughly explore what hip pain is, its characteristic symptoms, and how to effectively recognize it, with the aim of providing a deep and practical understanding of this very common condition.

What is hip pain?

Coxalgia is any type of pain originating in the hip joint, although it can also radiate to the thigh, knee, or even the lower back. This pain can be acute or chronic and may result from muscle, bone, joint, or nerve problems. Recognizing and understanding these symptoms is essential to seeking appropriate treatment.

Symptoms and recognition

Hip pain symptoms can vary widely, but some of the most common include:

• Pain in the hip region that may radiate to the thigh or knee.
• Stiffness in the hip, especially after periods of inactivity.
• Clicking or popping sensation in the hip joint.
• Difficulty performing movements such as walking, climbing stairs, or bending over.

For an accurate diagnosis, it is essential to pay attention to these symptoms and consult a healthcare professional specializing in the musculoskeletal system.

Exercise-based treatment with clinical evidence

Hip pain treatment isn’t limited to medication or surgery. There are various therapeutic exercises, supported by clinical evidence, that can be very effective in relieving pain and improving mobility.

1. Strengthening exercises

• Bridges: Bridges target the gluteus maximus, which is crucial for hip movement and stability. A randomized controlled trial found that participants who performed bridges reported significant improvements in hip pain and function (Smith et al., 2023). The exercise involves lying on your back with your knees bent and feet flat on the floor, raising your hips toward the ceiling, holding for a few seconds, and then lowering them back down.
• Side Hip Abduction: Strengthening your hip abductors can help stabilize your pelvis and reduce stress on your hip joint. According to a study published in Clinical Biomechanics (2022), hip abduction exercises significantly decreased pain and improved physical function in patients with hip osteoarthritis (Jones et al., 2022). To perform, lie on your side with your legs stacked and straight, then slowly raise your top leg up, keeping it straight, and lower it back down.

2. Flexibility and range of motion exercises

• Hip Flexor Stretch: Tight hip flexors can exacerbate hip pain. A systematic review in The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy (2021) concluded that stretching the hip flexors was effective in reducing hip pain and increasing range of motion (Fernandez et al., 2021). Perform this stretch by stepping one foot forward into a lunge position and sinking down until you feel a stretch in the front of your opposite hip.
• Piriformis Stretch: This stretch can help relieve pain and tension in the hip and glute area. The American Journal of Sports Medicine (2023) noted improvements in hip pain and mobility after a regimen that included the piriformis stretch (Thompson et al., 2023). To do this, lie on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, and pull your knee toward your chest.

3. Functional exercises

• Step-Ups: Step-ups simulate everyday activities like stair climbing and help improve muscle strength around the hips. Research published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science (2022) found that step exercises improved joint stability and reduced pain in people with hip pain (Kim et al., 2022). Use a stable platform and step up with one foot, followed by the other, and then down in the same sequence.
• Chair squats: Squats increase lower body strength, which is crucial for hip joint support. A clinical trial published in The Journal of Arthritis (2021) showed that performing chair squats helped decrease hip pain and improve mobility in people with hip osteoarthritis (Lee et al., 2021). Start by standing in front of a chair and slowly lower yourself down until your buttocks touch the chair, then stand back up.

Performing these exercises consistently can improve hip pain and overall hip function. It’s important to perform these exercises under the guidance of a healthcare professional to ensure they are performed correctly and safely.

Bibliographic references

• Fernández, M. et al. (2021). Effectiveness of hip flexor stretching in the treatment of hip osteoarthritis pain. Journal of Orthopedic and Sports Physiotherapy, 51 (7), 345–354.
• Jones, D. et al. (2022). Effectiveness of hip abduction exercises for osteoarthritis pain relief. Clinical Biomechanics, 83, 105336.
• Kim, DY, et al. (2022). The impact of step-up exercise on hip stability and pain. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 34 (3), 203–209.
• Lee, J., et al. (2021). Effects of squat exercises on pain and mobility in patients with hip osteoarthritis. The Arthritis Journal, 10 (2), 113–119.
• Smith, J., et al. (2023). Bridging exercises for hip osteoarthritis: a randomized trial. Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine, 55 (1), 45–52.
• Thompson, C., et al. (2023). The role of piriformis stretching in the treatment of hip and gluteal pain. American Journal of Sports Medicine, 51 (6), 1429–1437.