Hip Injuries Can Damper Your Sports Performance
When your hips are injured, your sports performance can suffer due to the pain that is invoked with virtually every movement. You may experience debilitating pain that will put you on the bench for a few games, perhaps even throughout the entire competition. The earlier your doctor can make a definitive diagnosis, the faster you can return to your sports.
Here are the common hip injuries that you may encounter especially when you are a gymnast.
- Muscles strains
The hips and pelvis are the most common sites for muscle strains. A muscle strain occurs when a muscle is stretched beyond its limitation, resulting in a tear. The hamstring muscles, sartorius, tensor fascia lata, and the rectus femoris are the muscles at the highest risk for strains because these cross two joints. You will likely complain of pain, swelling and bruising when you have muscle strains, especially in severe cases. You may also experience tenderness in the affected area.
Your doctor will recommend the RICE protocol to reduce the swelling. You must perform the recommended gentle range motion exercises when you can already tolerate the pain. You can progress to strengthening exercises when you have achieved full motion (i.e., no pain) followed by a return to sports activities.
- Hip Pointer
If your pelvis’ iliac crest sustains a bruise, then you have a hip pointer. Your injury was likely caused by a direct blow to the area, such as during a football game. You will likely experience pain, swelling, and bruising at the iliac crest.
Your doctor will initially focus on reducing your symptoms of bleeding and swelling usually through ice and compression. You may also use crutches to aid in mobility for the first few days of your injury. Your doctor will add stretching and strengthening exercises once your pain has been resolved.
You can return to normal sports activities when you have regained your full range of motion and strength. Your coach will also recommend appropriate padding on the hips to reduce the risks for another hip pointer.
You should take protective measures in regard to your hip. Keep in mind that it is the halfway point between your upper and lower limbs. Remember to keep your hip and overall body in good health, which will contribute to better sports performance.
Call our Healthpointe clinic when you suspect hip injuries. We have a clinic at Corona, which is also accessible to athletes around the cities of Norco, Home Gardens, Mira Loma, and Pedley.
About Healthpointe:
Healthpointe is a leading multidisciplinary healthcare organization offering a full range of medical services in practice locations throughout Southern California (Los Angeles county, Orange county, San Bernardino county and Riverside county). Healthpointe has locations situated in over 10 cities in Southern California including Los Angeles, which is conveniently located near Glendale, Pasadena, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Inglewood, Hawthorne, Huntington Park, South Gate, Lynwood, Montebello, Monterey Park, Alhambra, and Burbank. As a highly regarded musculoskeletal group, we have a personal investment in the highest level of service, and we are proud of our record of excellence over the last four decades with private patients, injured workers, urgent care, personal injuries, and professional and non-professional athletes. Leading our organization is a dynamic team of healthcare professionals who continually strive to be at the forefront of medical innovation and healthcare service delivery. For more information, a complete list of services, and Healthpointe locations, visit https://healthpointe.net/.