Why is Hip Pain occurring more often in younger people?

Hip Pain in Middle Aged and Younger People

Hip pain is occurring more often in younger and middle-aged people, particularly teenage athletes and weekend warriors.

At a university medical clinic, specialists are seeing an increasing number of teenage patients who are suffering from a condition known as femoral acetabular impingement (FAI).

This condition has become more prevalent in the last decade. It tends to be sports related in younger people. Sports such as soccer, cycling, ballet, and hockey frequently result in FAI. It is commonly seen in those people who are year round athletes, before and during puberty.

FAI generally occurs in people with bone spurs, causing the ball of the femur (i.e. thigh bone) to incorrectly fit into the hip socket. This creates vulnerability at the hip joint causing cartilage damage due to repetitive movements that involve the hip. Patients can develop pain in the hip, back, buttocks, and groin, or even arthritis, over time.

Little is known regarding the cause of the condition. It is often misdiagnosed as piriformis syndrome, bursitis, back pain, pulled groin, hip flexor strain, or a pinched nerve. Patients may require hip replacement surgery if treatment is delayed.

According to a 2010 study, “chiropractors can play an important role in identifying patients with possible femoral acetabular impingement syndrome, and in facilitating the appropriate management of this disorder.” The condition cannot be corrected with conservative care. However, chiropractic treatments and exercises can help reduce pain.

Further studies are required to fully understand the causes and effective treatment methods of this condition. Patients with hip arthritis who receive chiropractic treatments have also been found to benefit by having less symptoms and better hip function. Chiropractors can suggest preventive strategies such as rest, cross training, and stretching, so that young people with hip pain can continue to enjoy their favourite sport pain free.

Call Advanced Sports Chiropractic on (02) 80848844 today for an assessment and treatment of your hip pain.