Have you noticed a persistent ache deep in your hip? How about a limited range of motion? Or swelling around the hip joint? All of these symptoms can point to inflammatory hip pain, a lingering discomfort that stems from underlying conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or autoimmune disorders.
When most people experience musculoskeletal pain, their first instinct is to assume it’s the result of overuse or an acute injury. But inflammatory pain is different. Inflammation irritates the hip’s soft tissues and joint lining, leading to discomfort. It often appears without a clear trigger and can linger even at rest.
Not sure if you’re dealing with inflammatory hip pain or something else? Don’t worry–the Elliott Physical Therapy team is here to help! We’ve prepared a checklist of symptoms to compare against your own experience. If you are dealing with inflammation, schedule an appointment at the Elliott PT clinic nearest you to receive a personalized care plan.
Understanding the Source: How Inflammatory Hip Pain Develops
Inflammatory hip pain occurs when the body’s immune response or another irritant triggers swelling in the hip joint. This swelling can limit mobility, irritate nearby nerves, and cause deep, persistent discomfort. Conditions like rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, or hip bursitis often play a role.
Knowing the signs can help you take action before symptoms worsen.
How Do I Know If It’s Inflammatory Pain?
This checklist can help you better understand your pain:
Deep, Persistent Ache
- Pain often feels deep inside the hip or groin, not just on the surface. It may last through the day and night.
Morning Stiffness
- A hallmark sign of inflammatory pain is stiffness that worsens after waking up or sitting for long periods. Movement may help ease it slightly.
Pain at Rest
- Unlike overuse injuries, inflammatory pain can occur even when you are not moving or putting weight on the joint.
Swelling or Warmth
- Some people notice visible swelling or a warm sensation around the hip area, which can indicate active inflammation.
Limited Range of Motion
- The hip may feel locked or difficult to rotate, bend, or stretch without discomfort.
Pain That Worsens With Inactivity
- Prolonged sitting or resting can make symptoms more noticeable, distinguishing them from purely mechanical hip pain.
If you check off several items on this list, you may be dealing with inflammatory hip pain–and it may be time to seek help at Elliott Physical Therapy.
How Physical Therapy Can Help You Find Relief
Physical therapy offers a comprehensive, whole-body approach to addressing inflammatory pain. Our team will work closely with you to address the underlying causes of your pain and inflammation, focusing on improving your function. This might include:
- Targeted exercises to reduce stiffness and support joint stability
- Education on movement patterns and daily activity modifications to help protect the joint and prevent flare-ups
- Manual therapy techniques to ease pain and improve mobility in the hip joint
Over time, physical therapy can help reduce discomfort, improve movement, and make it easier to return to the activities you enjoy.
Take Your First Step To Addressing Hip Pain Today
If you are experiencing the symptoms on the above checklist, you don’t have to live with the discomfort. Contact Elliott PT to schedule an evaluation and explore personalized care options designed to help you move more freely and comfortably.
