Pain from hip injuries isn’t limited to just the hip area. Depending on the exact location of the injury and the severity of the condition, hip pain can travel to other parts of the body. Learn more about how this happens and where else you might expect pain in this detailed guide. Schedule a consultation appointment with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Wesley Chapel for comprehensive hip treatment near you.
The Hip’s Central Role in Movement
The hip is one of the most powerful and stable joints in the body, acting as a key link between the upper and lower body. It supports your weight, absorbs shock, and provides the flexibility and range of motion needed for walking, running, and sitting. When the hip joint isn’t functioning properly due to arthritis, bursitis, labral tears, or muscle imbalances, the body naturally tries to compensate. Unfortunately, these compensations can cause misalignments and additional stress on surrounding joints.
Common Areas Affected by Untreated Hip Pain
1. Lower Back
The spine and pelvis work together with the hips to support upright posture and movement. When hip pain limits mobility, your pelvis can tilt or rotate abnormally, placing extra pressure on the lower back. Over time, this can lead to chronic lower back pain, muscle tightness, and even disc problems.
2. Knees
If your hips are not moving properly, the knees often pick up the slack. This altered biomechanics can put increased stress on the knee joint, leading to inflammation, meniscal injuries, or even early arthritis. It’s not uncommon for people with undiagnosed hip issues to first experience symptoms in their knees.
3. Ankles and Feet
Compensating for hip pain can also change the way you walk. You may start to favor one side or shift your weight unnaturally, affecting your foot and ankle alignment. This can result in plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, or general foot fatigue, all stemming from an issue higher up in the kinetic chain.
4. Opposite Hip and Leg
Overcompensation on the uninjured side is common when one hip is painful. This imbalance can lead to strain, overuse injuries, and joint wear on the opposite leg, creating a cycle of dysfunction.
Don’t Ignore Hip Pain. Treat the Root Cause
The longer hip pain goes untreated, the more likely it is to cause problems in other areas of your body. Addressing the root cause early, whether through physical therapy, regenerative medicine like PRP or stem cell therapy, or surgical intervention, can prevent a cascade of secondary issues.
Orthopaedic Medical Group Offers Comprehensive Hip Treatment In Wesley Chapel
Experiencing hip pain? Whether the pain is concentrated in the hip or the symptoms have spread to other areas of the body, our team is skilled and trained to diagnose hip conditions and create a custom treatment plan for optimal recovery. Call (813) 684-BONE (2663) to schedule a consultation with Orthopaedic Medical Group of Wesley Chapel.
