What is Hip Tendonitis?

If you've felt discomfort around your hip joint, particularly after physical activities, you may wonder, "What is hip tendonitis?" No matter where you live in Central Indiana, help is close, thanks to Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics. This uncomfortable hip condition is common among athletes and active individuals and can significantly affect mobility and quality of life. Our team is here to help you understand what tendonitis entails and we're happy to answer any questions by contacting us today.

What is Hip Tendonitis?

Hip tendonitis is an overuse injury caused by inflammation or irritation of the tendons in your hip. Tendons are the fibrous tissues that connect muscle to bone. When these tissues undergo repeated strain without sufficient recovery, inflammation can contribute to pain or discomfort. The condition primarily affects tendons around the hips, such as the iliopsoas tendon or hip flexor tendons. While it's common among athletes, those who engage in repetitive movements (like running or dancing) may also develop hip tendonitis. Left untreated, hip tendonitis can lead to chronic pain, reduced mobility or even damage tendons.

What Are the Hip Tendonitis Symptoms?

Identifying hip tendonitis symptoms early can significantly improve effective treatment and recovery. While symptoms may vary depending on the severity, here are the most common signs:

• Hip pain or discomfort that worsens during movement, such as walking or running.
• Tenderness or swelling around the hip joint or groin area.
• Limited range of motion, particularly in the hip or thigh.
• Stiffness in the hip, especially after sleeping or sitting for long periods.
• A clicking sensation when moving the hip joint.
• Weakness in the hip or leg muscles.

What Hip Tendonitis Rehab Exercises Can I Do?

Once the inflammation subsides, incorporating hip tendonitis rehab exercises into your treatment plan can accelerate recovery. These exercises aim to improve strength, flexibility and stability in the hip area. Always consult your physical therapist before beginning any exercise routine. If you have any discomfort or problems, we are also here to help with our hip specialty care. Here are a few commonly recommended exercises:

Hip Bridges

To strengthen your glutes and hamstrings, lie on your back, bend your knees and lift your hips toward the ceiling.

Clamshells

Lay on your side, keep your feet together and lift your top knee to work your hip abductors.

Hip Flexor Stretch

Kneel on one knee with the opposite foot forward and gently push your hips forward to stretch the hip flexors.

Side-Lying Leg Lifts

Lay on your side and lift your top leg to target the hip abductors.

Standing Hip Extensions

Stand near support, extend your leg backward without arching your back, and return slowly.

How to Recover from Hip Tendonitis

Recovery from hip tendonitis takes time, and staying committed to your treatment plan is key. While each person heals at their own pace, here are some essential tips to aid recovery:

• Follow your physicians’ advice carefully and avoid rushing back into intense physical activities.
• Gradually reintroduce movement and activities as recommended by your physical therapist.
• Incorporate rest days into your routine to allow the tendon to rebuild and strengthen.
• Stay consistent with prescribed exercises, as this help improve muscle strength and prevent re-injury.

What Causes This Condition?

Hip tendonitis often develops from overuse or repetitive strain. Activities that involve frequent hip movement, such as running, jumping or squatting, can place excessive demands on the hip tendons. Over time, small tears to the tendon fibers accumulate, leading to inflammation. Other contributing factors include poor posture, muscle imbalances or inadequate warm-ups before physical activity . Age-related tendon degeneration can also make some individuals more susceptible to this condition. Although primarily a repetitive strain injury, hip tendonitis can also arise from trauma, such as a fall or direct impact on the hip area.

How Do Providers Diagnose Hip Tendonitis?

Healthcare providers rely on patient history, physical examination, and diagnostic imaging to confirm hip tendonitis. During the consultation, your provider will ask about your symptoms, activity levels and recent injuries. They'll then conduct a physical exam to identify tenderness, swelling or limited range or motion. To further refine the diagnosis, a hip tendonitis test could involve specific movement assessments. For example, your healthcare provider may ask you to lift your leg, rotate your hip or apply resistance to isolate the affected tendon. Imaging tools, like an MRI or ultrasound, can also confirm tendon inflammation or rule out other conditions, ensuring the correct path to treatment.

What Does Treatment Look Like?

The good news is that most cases of hip tendonitis respond well to conservative treatment options. The primary goal is alleviating pain, reducing inflammation and restoring normal tendon function. For more severe cases, advanced treatments like corticosteroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy or even surgery may be considered. Here are the following treatment options you may have depending on your situation:

Rest and Activity Modification

Giving the affected tendon time to heal is essential. Reducing high-impact activities like running or jumping helps prevent further injury.

Physical Therapy

A physical therapist will guide you through stretches and strengthening exercises to improve flexibility and reduce strain on the tendon.

Pain Relief

Over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications (such as ibuprofen) can help reduce pain and swelling. Ice packs may also provide immediate relief.

Supportive Devices

A brace or crutches might be recommended to reduce stress on the tendon during recovery.

Take Steps Toward a Pain-Free Life

Hip tendonitis doesn't have to slow you down. With proper diagnosis, tailored treatment, and a commitment to recovery, you can restore your mobility and return to the activities you love. Forté Sports Medicine and Orthopedics is here to provide expert care and personalized rehab programs if you're in Carmel, Greenwood, Noblesville Mooresville or Tipton, IN. Schedule a consultation today to start your recovery journey and learn how to overcome hip tendonitis for good.