Richard Haynes PTA/CPT - 5/16/2009

Question
During a racquetball serve during a game last night, which involves a twisting motion through the hips, I felt what I thought was my hip popping out of and immediately back into joint. It was moderately painful, and I was unable to continue to play. When I move my hips laterally to the left, there is pain and it feels as if the ball is moving out of the socket. I am walking with a slight limp and there is tenderness in the area. I can squat just fine and have no pain when sitting or lying.  Did I just stretch a ligament, or could I have done real damage?  I'm 52 and very fit, lift weights and play lots of r-ball.

Answer
Hi Darrell,

Its is more then likely a muscle stain. Try some heat on it by tomorrow if need be.

If the walking becomes a problem then you would use a single point cane if needed on your strong side.

The fact you can still squat without pain etc.. tells me you will recover in time. The hip joint takes a tremendous amount of force to dislocate. Its a deep socket surrounded by multiple ligaments and muscle.

Just keep an eye on it and give it rest away from quick accelerating or lateral movements for now.

Richard Haynes
Punta Gorda, Florida.