Pain, especially in joints like the knees and hips, can start to catch up with you after all the high-impact activity you’ve put your body through over the years. Hip pain, though, is not an excuse to just give up on activity. You should seek help from a medical professional, but it’s still very important to keep on with daily tasks and low-impact exercises that can help alleviate your hip pain. Much like laughter can be the best medicine when you’re feeling down, so can walking when you’re feeling tight and achy.
Whether your hip pain came from an injury or from wear and tear over time, the best way to continue to stay active should still stay the same. Focus on routinely keeping your joints active by stretching, walking, and strengthening exercises.
Your body may have been all about cross training and marathons in the past, but focus on what your hip pain is telling you. If you are experiencing pain, it is not something to ignore and is often a sign to slow down – especially when it comes to your exercise routine.
Running, jumping, and other aggressive workouts can make your hip pain worse, both presently and in the future. Continue to stay active by instead focusing on walking – a much more low-impact exercise activity.
Of course, it’s easier said than done when you are in pain. Don’t let the idea of working out when you are experiencing hip pain overwhelm you. You do, however, need to keep moving, as exercise is critical to keeping your mobility when you have arthritis or other painful joint issues. Walking, working out in the water, or even just regular stretches will help keep you flexible and your joints from getting stiff.
A few other tips to keep in mind: Make morning stretches part of your regular, morning routine. Make a habit out of icing your hips or other affected areas where you are experiencing pain. Also, besides walking, explore other exercises that can help strengthen the muscles around your hips. Flexibility is key.
If you are experiencing hip pain, consult a medical expert to explore your options. Talk to Dr. Bill Hefley and his team of orthopedic specialists to discuss opportunities to help alleviate your hip pain. With offices in Little Rock and North Little Rock, and onsite MRI and physical therapy, as well, we are here to make this process as easy as possible. To schedule an appointment, call (800) 336-2412 to use our online appointment request form.
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