As an osteopath, I often see patients with various postural problems caused by their daily activities. One of the most common postural problems that I see is hip pain and fatigue associated with hanging on one hip. This is often seen in parents carrying children on their hip, and people who spend long periods standing, such as chefs, nurses, home makers, shopkeepers and hairdressers.
In this article, we will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatment options for standing hip pain.
Causes
One cause of hip pain, is leaning more on one leg while standing, sometimes referred to as “hanging on one hip”. This can feel comfortable, especially if you have been standing for a while. When hanging off one hip, instead of using your muscles, you rely on the ligaments, hip capsule, and bones to support your body weight. Over time, this can lead to muscle imbalances and postural problems.
Symptoms
Hanging on one hip can cause a variety of symptoms, including lower back pain, hip pain, especially at night and with walking, and knee pain. These symptoms can be exacerbated by standing for long periods, walking, or climbing stairs. In severe cases, this can cause long term tendon issues and contribute to osteoarthritis in the hip and knee.
Treatment
The treatment involves a combination of osteopathic treatment, exercises, and lifestyle changes. Osteopathic treatment can help to realign the pelvis and spine, reducing muscle tension and pain.
Exercises such as core strengthening and stretching can help to improve posture and reduce muscle imbalances. Lifestyle changes such as taking a wider stance when standing and being aware that weight must be equal through both feet, being aware of carrying children on both sides, taking regular breaks, wearing supportive shoes, and using anti-fatigue mats can also help to reduce the strain on the lower back and hips.
Prevention
Preventing standing hip pain involves maintaining good posture and taking regular breaks. When standing for long periods, it is important to distribute your weight evenly between both feet by taking a wider stance. Taking regular breaks and stretching can also help to reduce muscle tension and prevent postural problems.
In conclusion, standing hip pain is a common postural problem that can cause a variety of symptoms, including lower back pain, hip pain, and knee pain. The condition is caused by standing for long periods hanging off one hip, and can be treated with a combination of osteopathic treatment, exercises, and lifestyle changes.
By maintaining good posture, taking regular breaks, and seeking treatment, when necessary, you can prevent and treat standing hip pain and maintain good health and wellbeing.
