Anterior Hip Pain

Anterior Hip Pain

Joe Simko, PT

Fit For Life Physical Therapy

Anterior hip pain (pain on the front of the hip) is one of the most common running injuries we see at Fit For Life Physical Therapy.  The good news is that for many of these injuries, it is O.K. to continue training despite the pain.  There are, however, a few diagnoses that can put a stop to your running.  That is why it is important to distinguish the underlying cause of the pain on the front of your hip.

If you have been increasing the intensity of your training or bumping up your mileage and are experiencing pain in the front of the hip that gets worse while running, that is when we become concerned about potential stress injuries.  This type of pain needs to be evaluated by a physician or physical therapist, skilled in treating running injuries, to determine if it is safe for you to continue running or walking.

If your symptoms improve while running and then increase after you stop running or walking, or the next day, then they are more likely due to a muscle strain or overuse injury.  Typically, if you are not limping while you run, then it is O.K. to continue training.  Scheduling a physical therapy evaluation can help determine what the underlying cause of symptoms might be and resolve any muscle imbalances that have developed with your training.

The Iliopsoas and Rectus Femoris are hip flexor muscles which function in all components of a running stride.  From helping to stabilize your hip upon impact to driving your hip and leg forward, these muscles function almost constantly with each step.  If they become fatigued, these muscles can become very tight and painful.  Pictured below are a couple of safe and simple stretches to help alleviate some of that muscle tightness.

Hold each stretch for about 10 seconds and perform 10 on each leg before and after a run or walk to reduce pain from hip flexor tightness.

Maintaining flexibility in your hip allows you to run more efficiently, improve your cadence, and can reduce the frequency of overuse injuries.  The above recommendations reflect some of the basics about this common running & walking injury.  As always, seek medical advice should you be experiencing painful symptoms.  Feel free to email us at:  Info@FitForLifePhysicalTherapy.com with questions or comments.  And keep moving!

Joe Simko, PT – Fit For Life Physical Therapy

Joe.Simko@fitforlifephysicaltherapy.com

Fit For Life Physical Therapy is proud to be MIT & Fleet Feet’s Official Sports Medicine Partner.  We will keep you moving – no matter what you do.  Contact Fit For Life Physical Therapy at (614) 981-1979 or www.fitforlifephysicaltherapy.com with your injury prevention, maintenance, or rehabilitation needs!