How to Correct a Limp Due to Hip Pain

Hip pain that causes limping can be the result of a degenerative bone condition, back strain or tendinitis where the femur (thigh bone) connects to the hip. However, according to the article "Hip Pain In Athletes," which is published by The American Academy of Family Physicians at www.aafp.org, the most common hip injury that affects walking is trochanteric bursitis. The illiotibial band an gluteus maximus muscles pass over the prominent greater trochanter bone. Sometimes, these muscles and tendons irritate the bursa sac located on the end of the bone cartilage, causing pain and inflammation. There are various ways to correct any limping caused by this condition.

Things You'll Need

• Hip brace
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) or naproxen (Aleve)
• Glucosamine-chondroitin supplement
• Ice
• Ice pack
• Large towel
• Heating pad

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Instructions

Getting Rid of Your Limp

• 1

  Stop all physical activity or work that involves your hip. Use a hip brace when you need to get around.

• 2

  Take two ibuprofen or naproxen pills every four or six hours. Continue daily use of this anti-inflammatory medication until your symptoms are gone. Also, take two tablets of the combined supplement glucosamine-chondroitin every day.

• 3

  Put ice in an ice pack. Place a large towel on the sofa or floor. Put the ice pack on top of the towel. Lie down so that your hip or pain source is compressed directly against the ice. Leave the ice pack in place for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this procedure every three to four hours. Continue the ice treatments until your inflammation and pain have been substantially reduced.

• 4

  Once the initial inflammation is under control, use a heating pad two or three times per day for 15 to 20 minutes. Continue daily usage of the heating pad until your symptoms are gone.

• 5

  After the inflammation and pain have subsided a bit, perform the following exercises: Lie on your back with both legs fully extended and your arms at each side. Slowly twist to your left, lift your right leg up and stretch it over and beyond your stationary left leg. Stretch as far as you can and hold that position for two to five seconds. Return to the starting position then stretch your left leg over your right leg, holding that position for two to five seconds. Do 10 repetitions. Kneel down on your right knee and extend your left leg and foot in front of you. Place your left foot on the floor so that your left leg is parallel to the floor. Keeping your back straight, bend your left knee forward and stretch your right hip. Hold that position for two to five seconds, then relax. Do 10 repetitions. (See resources 1-3 below for additional exercises)