Hip Pain When Sitting
Hip and lower back stretch – A person should perform the following steps:
- Lie flat on the back and extend the legs.
- Look down toward the chest while keeping the neck on the floor.
- Bend both knees, clasping the hands around them, and bring the knees toward the shoulders.
- Breathe deeply and bring the knees closer while breathing out.
- Breathing normally, hold the position for 20–30 seconds.
The outlook varies depending on the cause of the hip pain. If a person is healing from an injury or damage to the hip area, the pain may disappear once the injury has healed. If the pain is due to a chronic illness, it may last weeks, months, or years, and a person will have to manage it long-term.
- In many cases, a person can improve hip pain when sitting by improving their posture, changing where and how they sit, and stretching and exercising at home.
- Flare-ups caused by chronic conditions may not respond to these measures.
- These types of hip pain may require medical intervention, such as prescription medication, physiotherapy, or surgery.
A person should contact a doctor if hip pain while sitting is severe, does not go away, or gets worse. They should also see a doctor if they are experiencing other symptoms of autoimmune diseases, such as pain in other joints. If home remedies and correcting posture and seating arrangements don’t work to alleviate pain, a person may need medical attention.
If a person has had a fall or injured their hip or is having difficulty with everyday activities, such as walking upstairs, they should also see a doctor. Many people experience hip pain while sitting. A variety of factors, including poor posture, improper seating, sitting for prolonged periods, or sitting in a way that puts pressure on the hips, may cause hip pain.
Potential medical causes include autoimmune conditions and pinched nerves. Home remedies and stretching can often improve hip pain while sitting, but hip pain due to a chronic illness may require physiotherapy or surgery. A person should contact a doctor if their pain is severe, does not go away, or does not respond to home remedies.
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Why is my hip pain worse when sitting?
Why Are My Hips Stiff After Sitting? – Stiffness in your hips after sitting aren’t simply a reflection of getting old. Often, this stiffness is simply a reflection of your hips and legs being in the same posture for an extended period of time. “When you sit with your knees bent, your hamstrings are in a relaxed, shortened position, and your hip flexors are at the maximum shortened length,” said Kirsten Zambon, DPT, CLT-LANA, a physical therapist at Franciscan Health Lafayette East.
Should you ignore hip pain?
Hip pain affects millions of people each year, but for many, it may feel like a minor inconvenience that you can “just live with.” Minor hip injuries such as muscle strains and ligament sprains can improve in a short period of time with minor treatment.
- Patients should never completely ignore hip pain, due to the risk of a serious injury worsening, or chronic hip pain eventually affecting your long-term mental health.
- To help you better understand the major reasons to take any case of hip pain seriously, we’re sharing the following informative guide.
The team at Outpatient Joint Replacement Center of America (OJRCA) is happy to help you learn more about hip pain treatment. Please feel free to reach out at any time.1. Seemingly Minor Injuries Can Get Worse — Or Could Even be a Hip Fracture or Stress Fracture Any hip pain that does not improve in a short period of time should be checked out by a qualified medical professional.
First of all, minor muscle strain or ligament sprain can resolve which rest, but they can also develop into more chronic, nagging, long-term strain and repeated hip injury. There is also the possibility that the “tweak” in your hips from a fall or collision is actually a hip fracture. While this is mostly associated with older patients, the risk of an untreated hip fracture or other injury is serious enough to warrant seeing a doctor for proper diagnosis of hip pain that does not improve in a few days to a week at most.
Likewise, for those who are avid runners, the progressive ache in a hip or thigh pain can be an early sign of over-use and even an impending hip stress fracture, which could lead to a more serious complete fracture of the hip that can even require surgery.2.
- Many Causes of Hip Pain are Progressive in Nature One of the biggest causes of hip joint pain is arthritis, particularly osteoarthritis, which is caused by natural joint degeneration and general wear and tear,.
- Although there is no way to cure or prevent arthritis, catching it and treating it as early as possible offers better hope for long-term quality of life and helps to delay eventual hip replacement surgery.
Being proactive about both symptom management, improving hip function, and altering certain activities can potentially slow down the rate of progression for degeneration. For example, certain therapeutic exercises can strengthen supporting muscles in the hip, helping to relieve stress on the joint and reduce wear and tear on joint cartilage.
This in turn can reduce joint pain and inflammation in the hip and allow for improved activity level. Reducing certain impact loading activities can also help slow the speed at which arthritis progresses.3. Untreated Hip Pain Can Lead to Compensatory Injuries Whether the cause is an injury or arthritis, or both, ignoring any hip dysfunction can increase the risk of injury in other parts of the body.
This is because our musculoskeletal system is a highly interconnected system. If hip pain causes you to alter your gait or posture, it can increase the stress in another area, such as your lower back, knees, or opposite hip. What started as a case of hip pain can cascade into multiple injuries that make it even more difficult to find relief and stay active.
- By taking the time to let an injury heal, as well as addressing mechanical and postural issues, patients have the best chance of overcoming hip pain and avoiding other related issues.4.
- Untreated Hip Pain Is Associated with A Sedentary Lifestyle If hip pain goes untreated, or is not treated properly, it can become chronic.
In addition to the pain itself, this can also cause people to be unable to complete basic daily activities. While becoming sedentary is a way to avoid pain in the short-term, it can lead to a downward spiral of muscle atrophy, decreased function and weight gain.
This can in turn contribute to worsening hip pain due to weakened supporting muscles and increased stress due to weight. These factors are why so many people with chronic hip pain feel like they are trapped in a vicious cycle.5. Untreated Hip Pain Can Affect Your Mental Health and Relationships Another risk of chronic hip pain related to avoiding treatment is a decline in mental health that can have a dramatic impact on your quality of life.
Living with pain and being unable to participate in normal activities can lead to an increased risk of depression, anxiety, insomnia and other behavioral health concerns. These problems don’t just affect the person in pain either, but can impact relationships with friends and family.
In addition to relieving pain, there is some evidence that hip pain treatment can help improve mental health. One study found improvements in baseline mental health for patients with osteoarthritis of the hip who underwent total hip replacement surgery.6. Hip Pain Treatment and Hip-Healthy Lifestyle Choices Can Help You Improve Overall Health In most cases of hip pain, doctors will first recommend conservative treatments and lifestyle changes.
While the primary goal is to relieve joint pain and improve function, many find that committing to a comprehensive and holistic treatment plan can improve overall health. This is because any hip pain treatment plan should be built on regular low-impact exercise, good nutrition and paying attention to mechanics and posture.
This benefits overall health by improving cardiovascular and respiratory health, helping with weight management strengthening muscles and many other benefits. While being sedentary can be part of a negative feedback loop, being proactive about whole-body treatment can create a positive feedback loop that helps your entire body, including your hip joint.7.
Putting off Hip Surgery When it is Necessary Can Cost More in the Long Run For a large number of patients, hip pain can be managed successfully through committing to conservative treatment. Proper care can help injuries heal, and for degenerative conditions like arthritis, can help slow down progression of degeneration and relieve symptoms.
- However, in other cases, weeks or months can go by and hip pain does not improve or gets worse.
- In these cases it is important to seriously consider the prospect of hip surgery.
- For patients dealing with joint pain due to arthritis a common problem is joint damage that leads to hip pain and dysfunction.
This joint damage cannot heal on its own and will only worsen over time. Hip replacement surgery can offer the best chance of pain relief and a return to an active lifestyle for patients with severe joint damage. In contrast, avoiding surgery when other options have been fully explored may mean paying for treatments that do not truly offer long-term relief.
- Learn More About Outpatient Hip Replacement Surgery at OJRCA Hip replacement surgery involves removing the damaged joint surfaces of the hip and replacing them with artificial implants.
- Modern surgical techniques and advanced technology allow for an approach that spares soft tissue, muscles and tendons, and permits full use and motion of the hip immediately following surgery.
No hip “precautions” or limitations on movement, as used to be the case. No fear of dislocation. Decreased incision sizes (most between 3 and 5 inches) and almost always, an outpatient procedure. At OJRCA, we combine these advancements with a unique multimodal pain prevention protocol that has revolutionized joint replacement recovery.
This means a streamlined experience with less risk of complication and a shorter recovery compared to traditional approaches to hip replacement surgery. To learn more about your options for hip pain relief, reach out to our caring and dedicated team today, We’ll be happy to help you develop an individualized care plan that is right for your needs and lifestyle.
You can also call us at (813) 492-4607.
Why is my hip hurting for no reason?
What causes hip pain? – Hip pain is a symptom of several conditions, including arthritis, injuries to your hip (fractures, labral tears and dislocation), bursitis and structural issues. Athletes who move their hips in all directions, like dancers and gymnasts, are more likely to injure their hips and have hip pain.
What causes hip pain without trauma?
Arthritis – The most common cause of long-term hip pain is arthritis. Arthritis can cause pain, stiff and tender joints, and difficulty walking. There are various types of arthritis:
Osteoarthritis (OA) can be the result of age-related wearing down of the cartilage that surrounds the joints. Trauma to a joint, like a fracture, may cause traumatic arthritis like osteoarthritis. Infectious arthritis is due to an infection in the joint causing the destruction of cartilage. Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is due to the body’s immune system launching an attack on the joints. This type of arthritis may eventually destroy joint cartilage and bones.
Osteoarthritis is much more common than rheumatoid arthritis.
Should I sleep on my hurt hip?
Hip pain and sleeping – Most of us, at least for part of the night. Not surprisingly, the pressure on a sore hip joint can quickly worsen symptoms. You might think the answer is to try to sleep on your other side (assuming that the opposite hip doesn’t hurt, too).
But guess what? Switching sides often doesn’t relieve the pain, even though you’re not putting pressure on the affected hip. That’s because sleeping on the unaffected side allows the painful hip to shift forward (thanks to gravity), putting additional strain on the joint. A better option: Place a pillow between your knees.
The pillow stabilizes your hips, keeping them in a more naturally aligned position that relieves joint strain. Sleep on your back? A pillow under your knees reduces lower back strain, which can also increase hip discomfort. Other helpful tips include:
Taking over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medicines Avoiding alcohol and caffeine in the evening Using ice and/or heat therapy Investing in a mattress that provides better support
Physical therapy, joint injections, and other medical treatments can also help relieve hip pain while you’re sleeping — and while you’re awake, too.
Can hip pain go away on its own?
When to see your GP – Hip pain often gets better on its own, and can be managed with rest and over-the-counter painkillers, such as paracetamol and ibuprofen, See your GP if:
your hip is still painful after one week of resting it at home you also have a fever or rash your hip pain came on suddenly and you have sickle cell anaemia the pain is in both hips and other joints as well
Your GP will ask you questions and may examine your hip to help find out what is the cause of your hip pain. Go straight to your nearest emergency department if:
the hip pain was caused by a serious fall or accident your leg is deformed, badly bruised or bleeding you’re unable to move your hip or bear any weight on your leg you have hip pain with a temperature and feel unwell
What does inflammation in hip feel like?
Ankylosing Spondylitis – Ankylosing spondylitis causes inflammation of the spine and large joints, including the hips, resulting in stiffness and pain. it can cause erosion of the sacroiliac joint and fusion of the spine (bamboo spine). Psoriatic Arthritis Psoriatic arthritis is a form of arthritis that affects some people who have psoriasis — a skin disease that causes red patches with scaling.
Joints in psoriatic arthritis can be red, swollen, and warm. Sausage-like swelling can occur in fingers and toes. Changes in nails, like pitting, can be seen. Some patients have pain in the tailbone (coccyx).
In a person with inflammatory arthritis, the body’s immune system lacks the ability to self-regulate, and the immune system turns on itself. The tissue invasion of immune cells causes inflammation where it is not needed, and the production of chemicals causes damage to the affected tissues.
The exact cause of inflammatory arthritis is not known, although there is evidence that genetics plays a role in the development of some forms of the disease. Inflammatory arthritis may cause general symptoms throughout the body, such as fever, loss of appetite and fatigue. A hip affected by inflammatory arthritis will feel painful and stiff.
There are other symptoms, as well:
A dull, aching pain in the groin, outer thigh, knee, or buttocks Limited range of motion Pain that is worse in the morning or after sitting or resting for a while, but lessens with activity Pain in the joint severe enough to cause a limp or make walking difficult
Patients with suspected inflammatory hip arthritis should be seen by a rheumatologist. This is a physician that specializes in patients with autoimmune diseases. Patients with long-standing inflammatory arthritis or those who do not respond to medical treatment will end up with joint destruction, which can lead to joint replacement.
What age is normal for hip pain?
The hips don’t lie—so if yours are in pain, you should pay attention. Hip pain is a common issue that affects of the population today. If you’re experiencing hip pain, it’s crucial to act on it rather than ignoring it. The hip is a series of perpendicular axes that allows for flexing, extending as well as internal and external rotation.
Along with providing movement, your hip bears weight and forces. So just what should you be concerned about when dealing with hip pain? If you’re experiencing any of the issues below, you should contact a specialist. The first step to healing your hips is getting informed, and learning to separate fact from fiction.
To help you determine the best course of action for you, we’ve dispelled some common myths about hip pain and its potential treatments.1. Myth: Young people don’t have hip pain Fact: Hip pain can affect people of all ages. It’s common in young patients who have had childhood diseases like Perthes disease or dysplasia, while some 20- and 30-year-old deal athletes with overuse injuries.
- Patients, between the ages of 30 and 50 often experience wear and tear at the hip joint.
- Patients ages 50 and older commonly deal with “bad hips” and have pain in the worn joints.
- Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two of the most common causes of hip pain among older adults.
- But in young adults, hip pain usually stems from a traumatic injury such as a car accident, or from an overuse injury sustained while participating in sports or other demanding physical activities.
There has also been a spike in recent years in the number of young women developing hip pain related to current or past activity. This is due in part to women’s increased participation in high-impact sports over the past few decades. Hip replacement has long been used as a treatment for elderly patients who have run out of other options.
- But according to a 2015 report from the Center for Disease Control, the number of total hip replacements tripled for people ages 55 to 64 from 2000 to 2010, while the procedures increased 205 percent—from 138,000 to nearly 311,000—for those in the 45-54 age group.
- If non-operative treatments don’t help, surgeons say even people in their 20s and 30s are having procedures more often.
Thanks to new advances in hip replacement surgery, patients can expect a shorter recovery period, less pain, and fewer complications after the procedure. Plus, innovations in materials have nearly eliminated the possibility of hip replacements wearing out.2.
Myth: It’ll go away Fact: Hip pain can come on suddenly or gradually present itself over time. While hip pain can sometimes improve on its own, it’s always a good idea to see a medical professional for appropriate diagnosis and treatment. If you don’t address the pain, it could lead to stress on other parts of your body, affecting your stability, or even causing you to develop a limp.
Many people tell themselves that their hip pain is temporary and try to ease it by resting, self-medicating, getting physical therapy or massages, or quitting their favorite activities altogether. These methods can provide temporary relief, but might not address the underlying cause.
These approaches are only truly effective if they’re part of a multi-modal strategy in conjunction with medical treatment. Zachery D. Post, M.D., an orthopedic surgeon with Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, who specializes in hip and knee arthroplasty and reconstruction notes that some causes of hip pain, like osteoarthritis, only worsen with time.
Osteoarthritis, also known as “wear and tear” arthritis, affects nearly 30 million Americans, mostly over the age of 50, and often impacts the hips. New research shows that osteoarthritis is not the inevitable outcome of a long and active life, but rather the result of a combination of factors, many of which can be modified or prevented.
While some risk factors for osteoarthritis, like advanced age, can’t be changed, experts recommend taking preventative measures like maintaining a healthy weight, controlling blood sugar, and wearing protective gear while playing sports to delay its onset. “The bad news about osteoarthritis is that the gradual wearing away of healthy cartilage only gets worse with time and there is no cure,” Dr.
Post says. “The good news about osteoarthritis is that at Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, a variety of hip treatments are available to help patients maintain a high quality of life in spite of degenerative joint disease.” If your hip pain persists, or if you notice swelling, redness, or warmth around the joint, don’t delay in calling your doctor.3.
- Myth: Hip pain is only felt in the hips Fact: Hip pain is not always easy to identify.
- Depending on the cause of your pain, you may feel discomfort in your thigh, groin, buttocks, or inside or outside of the hip joint.
- It’s common for hip joint pain to be difficult to pinpoint.
- The hip joint is connected to many different nerves and tissues that work in conjunction with the hip.
It’s a common misconception that the hip joint is in the side – it actually sits more in the groin then on the side. Because of its location, hip pain can feel like a pulled muscle in the groin. Nerves run from the back down through to the hip, so it can feel like back pain.
So if you’re experiencing pain in the body, whether it be your groin or your back, it’s important to see a specialist. Whether you’ve already received a diagnosis or you’re just beginning your research, understanding the myths and realities about hip pain is essential to determining the best treatment plan for you.
For more information, Rothman Orthopaedics’ Hip Pain Series is an extensive resource of detailed explanations, expert insight, and potential treatment options to help you live your most active life.
Why won’t my hip pain go away?
The hip joint can withstand repeated motion and a fair amount of wear and tear. This ball-and-socket joint – the body’s largest – fits together in a way that allows for fluid movement. Whenever you use the hip (for example, by going for a run), a cushion of cartilage helps prevent friction as the hip bone moves in its socket. Despite its durability, the hip joint isn’t indestructible. With age and use, the cartilage can wear down or become damaged.
Muscles and tendons in the hip can get overused. Bones in the hip can break during a fall or other injury. Any of these conditions can lead to hip pain. If your hips are sore, here is a rundown of what might be causing your discomfort and how to get hip pain relief. These are some of the conditions that commonly cause hip pain: Arthritis,
Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are among the most common causes of hip pain, especially in older adults. Arthritis leads to inflammation of the hip joint and the breakdown of the cartilage that cushions your hip bones. The pain gradually gets worse.
- People with arthritis also feel stiffness and have reduced range of motion in the hip.
- Learn more about hip osteoarthritis,
- Hip fractures,
- With age, the bones can become weak and brittle.
- Weakened bones are more likely to break during a fall.
- Learn more about hip fracture symptoms,
- Bursitis,
- Bursae are sacs of liquid found between tissues such as bone, muscles, and tendons.
They ease the friction from these tissues rubbing together. When bursae get inflamed, they can cause pain. Inflammation of bursae is usually due to repetitive activities that overwork or irritate the hip joint. Learn more about bursitis of the hip, Tendinitis,
Tendons are the thick bands of tissue that attach bones to muscles. Tendinitis is inflammation or irritation of the tendons. It’s usually caused by repetitive stress from overuse. Learn more about tendinitis symptoms, Muscle or tendon strain. Repeated activities can put strain on the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support the hips.
When they become inflamed due to overuse, they can cause pain and prevent the hip from working normally. Learn about the best stretches for tight hip muscles, Hip labral tear. This is a rip in the ring of cartilage (called the labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint.
- Along with cushioning your hip joint, your labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket.
- Athletes and people who perform repetitive twisting movements are at higher risk of developing this problem.
- Learn more about hip labral tears,
Cancers, Tumors that start in the bone or that spread to the bone can cause pain in the hips, as well as in other bones of the body. Learn more about bone tumors . Avascular necrosis (also called osteonecrosis). This condition happens when blood flow to the hip bone slows and the bone tissue dies.
ThighInside of the hip jointGroinOutside of the hip jointButtocks
Sometimes pain from other areas of the body, such as the back or groin (from a hernia ), can radiate to the hip. You might notice that your pain gets worse with activity, especially if it’s caused by arthritis. Along with the pain, you might have reduced range of motion.
Some people develop a limp from persistent hip pain. If your hip pain is caused by a muscle or tendon strain, osteoarthritis, or tendinitis, you can usually relieve it with an over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen or a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug such as ibuprofen or naproxen,
Rheumatoid arthritis treatments also include prescription anti-inflammatory medications such as corticosteroids, disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) like methotrexate and sulfasalazine, and biologics, which target the immune system. Another way to relieve hip pain is by holding ice to the area for about 15 minutes a few times a day.
Try to rest the affected joint as much as possible until you feel better. You may also try heating the area. A warm bath or shower can help ready your muscle for stretching exercises that can lessen pain. If you have arthritis, exercising the hip joint with low-impact exercises, stretching, and resistance training can reduce pain and improve joint mobility.
For example, swimming is a good non-impact exercise for arthritis. Physical therapy can also help increase your range of motion. When osteoarthritis becomes so severe that the pain is intense or the hip joint becomes deformed, a total hip replacement (arthroplasty) may be a consideration.
The hip pain came on suddenly.A fall or other injury triggered the hip pain.Your joint looks deformed or is bleeding.You heard a popping noise in the joint when you injured it.The pain is intense.You can’t put any weight on your hip.You can’t move your leg or hip.
Should I rest or stretch hip pain?
Donkey kick – Also known as a glute kickback, the donkey kick helps to strengthen the hip by isolating this movement. To perform, get on all fours. Keeping your right knee bent, lift your left foot up toward the sky. Keep your foot flat during the entirety of the move, engaging your glutes.
Push your foot up toward the ceiling as high as you can without tilting your pelvis for maximum impact. If you’re in too much pain to even think about activity, rest and ice your hip or hips until you feel better. Then attempt stretching and strengthening. Before you start to stretch, warm your muscles up with some light cardio, like brisk walking, for 10 to 15 minutes.
The longer you can devote to stretching, the better you’ll feel and the easier the exercises will be. Stretch every day if you can, and aim to do the strength exercises 2 to 3 times a week. If your hips really start to hurt at any point, don’t push it.
Stop what you’re doing and see a healthcare provider for further evaluation. Simple stretches and strength exercises targeted at the hips may help minimize pain and get you back on your feet in just a few weeks. If your pain persists or worsens, see your doctor or other healthcare provider. They can assess your symptoms and advise you on next steps.
Nicole Davis is a Boston-based writer, ACE-certified personal trainer, and health enthusiast who works to help women live stronger, healthier, happier lives. Her philosophy is to embrace your curves and create your fit — whatever that may be! She was featured in Oxygen magazine’s “Future of Fitness” in the June 2016 issue.
Why does my hip hurt when I walk but not when I sit?
Sacroiliitis – Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation where the sacral spine joins the pelvis bone, which usually causes pain that may worsen with standing or walking. Treatments for sacroiliitis includes:
resthot and cold treatmentspain treatment medication, such as an NSAIDscorticosteroid injectionssurgery
How a person reduces their hip pain when walking will depend on the cause of the pain. Some problems may improve on their own, but others may need medical treatment such as surgery or pain relief injections. Some problems may benefit from home treatments and hip exercises, These can include:
prescribed or over-the-counter pain relief medicationweight managementmassage therapyphysical therapychiropractic adjustments muscle relaxers a cane or crutches
Hip pain when walking is a common ailment, but is linked to various causes. It may not be preventable if linked to a chronic illness, such as arthritis or osteoporosis. If hip pain occurs due to bad posture while sitting or inactivity, people may prevent it by stretching, adjusting posture, and weight management.
- A person should contact a doctor if they have experienced hip pain for longer than two days, if they have had a fall or injury, or if their pain is severe or getting worse.
- A person should also see a doctor if their pain is stopping them from performing everyday tasks like climbing stairs.
- Hip pain when walking is common.
It can occur due to a variety of conditions or injuries that involve the muscles, bones, or nerves surrounding the hip. Treatment will depend on the cause of a person’s hip pain. A person can improve hip pain when walking with rest, exercise, pain relieving medication, physical therapy, or, in some cases, surgery.
Does hip bursitis hurt more when sitting?
Symptoms of hip bursitis – The main symptom of hip bursitis is pain. Other hip bursitis symptoms can include hip swelling. Pain from bursitis in your hip tends to get worse after you’ve been sitting or lying down. The pain may also increase when you do a repetitive activity, like climbing stairs.
How do I know if I have bursitis in my hip?
Symptoms of bursitis of the hip – Symptoms include joint pain and tenderness. You may also see swelling and feel warmth around the affected area. The pain is often sharp in the first few days. It may be dull and achy later. You may notice it more when getting out of a chair or bed.
You may also notice it when sitting for a long time and when sleeping on the affected side. Acute bursitis usually flares over hours or days. Chronic bursitis can last from a few days to several weeks. Chronic bursitis can go away and come back again. Acute bursitis can become chronic if it comes back or if a hip injury occurs.
Over time, the bursae may become thick, which can make swelling worse. This can lead to limited movement and weakened muscles (called atrophy) in the area.