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Hip sprains occur when the ligaments supporting the hip joint are stretched or torn, causing pain and limiting activity. They are more common in older adults and can be caused by overextending the joint or not warming up before exercise. Treatment includes physical therapy, medication, and rest. Prevention strategies include conditioning and exercise, as well as proper stretching to increase hip flexibility. Severe cases may require surgery.
A hip sprain is a type of joint injury that occurs when the ligaments that support the hip joint have been stretched or torn. This stretching or jerking causes pain to the injured person and, as a result, limits his or her activity. Hip sprains are more common among older adults, but they can happen to anyone and are usually the result of overextending the joint or not warming up the leg muscles before exercise or exertion. In most cases, the injury is not serious and can be treated. Different types of physical therapy and exercises can help heal or prevent the injury, and medications may also be prescribed. Even simple strategies like extensive stretching and regular gentle exercise of the leg joints can help in prevention.
How do they happen
Most sprains, including hip sprains, typically occur when a stretched muscle is forced to contract before it’s ready. A muscle that is overstretched or taken a hard hit can cause muscle tissue to tear. It is this tearing that causes what is known as distortion.
Old age, a previous injury to the area, and failure to warm up before exercise are some of the common circumstances that increase the risk of hip sprains. The hip joint connects most of the muscles in the leg and is used frequently. Almost every walk, run or push-up engages him. Once injured, the hip can swell and bruise, and people typically experience pain when they move in certain ways. The skin in the region might also be very tender.
Severity
The severity of the distortion varies and can depend on a number of factors. A first degree or minor sprain is usually just a slight stretch. They are usually painful, but the discomfort isn’t always constant and often only becomes inflamed when the joint is moved in a particular way; in most cases they will heal on their own as long as they are given a chance to rest and be still.
Second-degree sprains often include a partial tear to the ligaments and can take up to two months to heal. The most severe type of hip sprain progresses to a complete tear. Sometimes these heal on their own, but a lot depends on how much a person moves the joint in their daily life. In some cases, surgery may be needed to reconnect the tissue and prevent further injury.
When to ask for help
It is often recommended that patients experiencing pain for more than four days should consult a healthcare professional. Hip pain can be a result of other problems, such as arthritis. Hip fractures or broken bones within the hip are also painful and typically require an operation to realign them. Sometimes it’s hard to know how bad an injury is to begin with, but usually it’s enough to give it a few days to differentiate a minor strain from something more serious.
Treatment options
Treatment usually depends on the severity of the injury, but usually begins simply. Applying ice packs and leg elevations often helps deal with the pain of a hip sprain and may be all that is needed for milder cases. Over-the-counter medications and stronger prescription pain relievers may also help. During the healing process, healthcare professionals typically advise patients not to lift heavy objects, as this type of strain can cause further damage and wear and tear on the ligaments. Physical therapy might also be recommended in severe cases.
Prevention strategies
Injuries can often be prevented through conditioning and exercise. People with strong leg muscles typically have fewer hip problems. Proper stretching can also increase hip flexibility, making it more resistant to severe strains and sprains.
