The hip joints, essential for movement, are large and can suffer damage or wear over time. One sign of a hip problem is morning stiffness that lingers after you get up.
Hip pain may also accompany stiffness, making everyday tasks more difficult. If you're unsure what to do, see Dr. Steven J. Svabek for an evaluation at his Coral Springs, Florida, office.
Dr. Svabek is an experienced orthopedic surgeon who offers total hip replacements and other treatments for severe hip pain and stiffness.
Every movement can be excruciating with stiff hips, especially when that's the first thing you feel in the morning. Hip stiffness may come on suddenly after an injury or develop over time from degenerative changes.
The hip joint contains tissues such as tendons, ligaments, and bones. Damage to these structures can lead to chronic pain and stiffness.
Morning hip stiffness has many causes, and getting to the root of the problem is the key to alleviating the problem. The following conditions often cause morning hip stiffness:
Osteoarthritis is a common hip problem. It happens when the protective joint cartilage wears down, allowing the bones to rub together. That causes significant joint pain and inflammation, manifesting as stiffness in the morning and throughout the day.
The bursae are tiny, fluid-filled sacs that protect the bones and tissues within a joint. Hip bursitis happens when a bursa becomes inflamed, leading to severe pain and hip stiffness. The type of bursitis depends on the location of the pain and stiffness.
Hip tendinitis is another culprit behind stiffness in the mornings. Tendons connect muscles to bones but can suffer injury and/or degeneration from overuse or aging. Tendinitis causes pain and stiffness until the inflammation subsides.
The good news is you don't have to deal with morning hip stiffness forever. Occasionally, if it's due to overuse or a mild injury, your hip can heal with rest and conservative treatments.
If you live with hip stiffness or pain, we offer a few lifestyle tips to restore function and reduce symptoms. Everyday tips include the following:
Combining these home therapies dramatically reduces strain on the hips, often decreasing inflammation, stiffness, and pain. However, more severe causes of hip stiffness require specialized care and professional treatment.
Mild hip pain or injuries may heal with home care, but more severe issues require a diagnosis and sometimes more invasive treatments. But how do you know when hip stiffness or pain is too much?
Anytime the symptoms last longer than a week or so, it's a good idea to make an appointment with Dr. Svabek. It's also necessary to seek treatment if you experience any of the following:
Seek treatment if the pain persists despite conservative measures, lifestyle changes, and rest.
To learn more, call the office of Steven J Svabek, DO, PA today to schedule a hip pain consultation, or request an appointment online.
