The hip is a large joint made up of the femur and pelvic bone. The ends of these bones are covered in cartilage that acts like wax to protect the bones and allow smooth movement. Damage to this cartilage can lead to osteoarthritis and stiffness or pain. The labrum absorbs shock from movement and its damage can cause pain in the bottom, groin or lower back. The hip is surrounded by important muscles like the gluteus medius, hip flexors, piriformis, and hamstrings that help with walking, running, and other movements.

1. How Your Hip Works
Your hip is one of the largest joints in your
body.
It is made up of just 2 large bones, the femur
and the pelvic bone.
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2. How Your Hip Works
The end of the femur and the inside of the hip
are covered in a thin layer of ‘cartilage.’
This cartilage acts like a thick layer of wax on a
brand new car. It protects the bones from
getting chipped and helps them glide smoothly
and easily.
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3. How Your Hip Works
If the cartilage (the wax) is damaged or starts to
wear out with age you may develop
‘osteoarthritis.’ This can lead to stiffness and
pain in the hip or groin areas.
Luckily, simple exercises can help to protect
your hip (and limit your pain.)
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4. How Your Hip Works
Another important part of your hip is the
‘labrum.’ This is a thick piece of cartilage that
sits directly between the 2 hip bones.
Think of this as the heavy shocks on your car. It
helps to absorb the shock from
running, jumping or even just walking.
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5. How Your Hip Works
If your labrum is damaged your hip muscles
may begin to become tighter and weaker.
This often leads to pain deep in your
bottom, your groin, or even your lower back.
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6. How Your Hip Works
Your hip is surrounded by many, many muscles.
Here are some of the most important muscles
to help protect your hips while you
walk, hike, run, dance and play!
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7. How Your Hip Works
One of the most important muscles is located
on the outside of your hips. This muscle is
called the ‘gluteus medius.’
It maintains alignment between your back and
hip and knee with every step you take.
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8. How Your Hip Works
Located on the front of your hips are your hip
flexor muscles.
These muscles help you lift your legs up off the
ground and take large, confident steps.
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9. How Your Hip Works
Buried deep in your bottom is the piriformis
muscle.
This muscle tends to tighten if your walking
pattern changes or your hip becomes weak.
This can literally become a ‘pain in the butt!’
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10. How Your Hip Works
Lastly, located on the back of your thighs is the
hamstrings muscles.
These muscles help you to kick your leg
backward. They are important to help you
propel yourself smoothly up the stairs, run and
jump.
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