Hip Bursitis, Sciatica and Ligament Laxity

Hip joint pain can manifest in several different ways including pain in the groin area, down the leg, and directly above the hip and towards the back. When the ligaments that stabilize the hip joint become lax, after injury or wear and tear, the muscles around the joint compensate for the looseness by tensing. This will occur with any joint in the body, not just the hip, as weak ligaments cause the muscles to tense in an effort to stabilize the joint. Muscles like the gluteus medius and the piriformis, as well as the iliotibial band, will tense in order to stabilize the loose hip joint. Eventually, the contracted gluteus medius may irritate the bursa of the hip, causing hip (trochanteric) bursitis. Interestingly, trochanteric bursitis, piriformis problems, and weakness in the iliotibial band can also cause sciatica-like pain. For example, the spasming piriformis muscle may pinch the sciatic nerve, which runs between them, eliciting pain. And when the iliotibial band is tight, it puts a great strain on the ligaments, also causing pain.

Stretching and massage feel good to people with chronically tight IT bands and chronic hip and back problems. However, the bands and muscles became tight in the first place because of the loose ligaments in the hip. Patients with chronic hip problems often try cortisone injections which may bring temporary pain relief. But this treatment does not provide permanent relief, and actually destroys hip cartilage. Regenerative injections (Prolotherapy) to strengthen the hip ligaments provide more definitive relief, along with a regular exercise program. When ligaments are strong, they allow our muscles to contract against a stable base and move the joint as needed, not be in charge of continuously stabilizing it. Strengthening ligament attachments can effectively eliminate muscle spasms, tightness and pain.

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