Pain in the hip after jogging can be caused by a wide variety of problems. Some are as simple as overuse or wearing the wrong jogging shoes. Other problems are more serious and require the assistance of a medical professional to treat. Find the cause of your hip pain after jogging in order to get back to your routine as quickly as possible.
Mechanical Causes
There are a few different areas that can cause joint pain. If the pain is deep inside the hip or groin area, then the pain may be caused by the joint itself. If the pain is closer to the surface, upper thigh or outer buttocks, then the culprit is likely to be a muscle, ligament or tendon. In addition, hip pain is not always caused from within the hip itself, and may be "referred," or sent, from the low back and the knees.
Conditions and Injuries
A major concern with hip pain is arthritis. This pain is commonly worse after rest and feels better with simple movements. Jogging may irritate arthritis-affected joints because of the impact involved in the movements. Injuries sustained while jogging can include bursitis, sprains/strains, hernias, labrial tears, tendinitis or fractures. Some heal with a few weeks of rest, but others need medical intervention. Herniated disc, sciatica, spinal stenosis, avascular necrosis, osteoporosis and osteomalacia are a few conditions that affect the bones and nerves that can cause pain in the hip after jogging.
Treatments
The first treatment for hip pain is to rest the joint. Ice for 20 minutes every few hours to decrease inflammation in the area. Take anti-inflammatories or pain relievers to help with some of the pain. If the hip pain persists after a few days of rest, see a physician for testing and diagnosis.
Prevention
To prevent future pain in the joints, consider purchasing new shoes that are specifically made for jogging on the surface that you usually use. Invest in custom-made orthotics to support the proper structure and function of the joints. Jog on a rubber track that cushions the joints better compared to concrete or uneven terrain. Never exercise without stretching before and after the jog.
