After giving birth the journey doesn’t end there.  Not only do you have a little bundle of joy to be responsible for, but the pain you had in pregnancy may last even after birth.  Joint pain is very common after childbirth.  This joint pain can be caused by the hormonal changes in your body, inflammation in the joints, or from the physical demands of childbirth.  Sometimes pain will start in pregnancy then carry over into postpartum.  Pain can start just after having your baby though as well.  

The common joints that can hurt after pregnancy are hips, fingers or knees.  The most common of those though is the hips or the pelvis.  Your pelvis is made up of your hips, tailbone, and sacrum the bone that is right below the spine.  One of the main culprits of pelvic pain after childbirth is Postpartum Pelvic Girdle pain.  Pelvic Girdle pain can start during pregnancy.  If it lasts after childbirth it usually resolves within four months of giving birth.  In cases where you had Pelvic Girdle pain during pregnancy and it carries over into postpartum, pain can last up to two to three years.  

 

Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain

Causes of Postpartum Pelvic Girdle pain is hard to know.  There are some different things that could be the culprit of the pain.  One of those is hormonal changes.  Your body increases the amount of Relaxin your body produces during pregnancy.  This can cause your body’s hip joints to become too loose.  Another cause could be from your core muscles stretching.  This stretch in these muscles can cause an inability for the core muscles to stabilize the pelvis.  Injury to your pelvic floor muscles or injury to the nerves that innervate your pelvic floor can also cause Postpartum pelvic girdle pain.  

Postpartum Pelvic Girdle pain can usually be diagnosed by your doctor with a physical exam and getting a medical history.  If you had Pelvic girdle pain during your pregnancy is another sign that you may have it postpartum.  Symptoms of Postpartum Pelvic Girdle pain are pain deep in pubic area, pain worsens with activity, radiating pain across lower back, or a popping sound when hips move.  

Physical therapy may be best to help strengthen your muscles.  Physical therapy can also help reduce pain.  Over the counter pain medications can also help relieve some of the pain you may be experiencing.  Other tips you can try are sitting in a different position, hot or cold packs on your hips, or use a pillow to help position your hips in a comfortable position when sleeping or sitting.

 

Hip Labral Tears

Another common cause of hip pain after giving childbirth is hip labral tears.  The hip labral protects the padding that covers the femoral head, provides hip stability, provides weight-bearing functions, and eases the forces applied to the hip.  Tears can happen because of weight gain from pregnancy, hip joint loosening due to excess Relaxin, changes in posture after delivery, or having a pre-existing condition of the hip or pelvis.  The good news about labral tears is they are all treatable.  Some don’t even need treatment and will resolve on their own.  Others may need over the counter pain medications.  Physical therapy can be helpful in strengthening up your muscles to help better support your hips.  If the pain is still severe injections of corticosteroids can work.  In severe cases where pain doesn’t go away with other treatments surgery may be suggested. 

Hip labral tears can feel and be very different from woman to woman.  You could feel deep hip groin pain, a constant aching pain, or intermittent episodes of sharp pain.  Along with the pain you could experience weakness in your hip muscles, pain that worsens with activity, or locking or catching sensation when you move your hips.  Your doctor can do an MRI to see if you have a hip labral tear.  

 

Other causes of hip pain that aren’t as common are pregnancy and lactation-associated osteoporosis, sacral stress fractures, or Piriformis syndrome.  Piriformis syndrome is the most rare. 

 

Though sometimes it is said that hip pain after pregnancy is normal, keeping track of it and how long it lasts can help diagnose if there is a more serious problem.

 


“`html

Congratulations on your new arrival! You’re probably feeling a whirlwind of emotions and, let’s be honest, a fair amount of physical discomfort. Childbirth is a marathon, not a sprint, and your body needs time to recover. It’s totally normal to experience joint pain after giving birth, and that includes pelvic pain. Let’s dive into why this happens and what you can do about it.

Understanding Postpartum Pelvic Pain

That lingering ache or sharp pain in your hips, lower back, or groin might be postpartum pelvic pain. It’s surprisingly common. The good news? There are effective ways to manage and alleviate it.

Your pelvis is a complex structure made up of your hip bones, tailbone, and sacrum (the bone at the base of your spine). One of the main reasons for pain in this area post-delivery is Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain (PPGP).

What Causes Postpartum Pelvic Girdle Pain?

Pinpointing the exact cause of PPGP can be tricky. Several factors likely contribute:

  • Hormonal Changes: Remember Relaxin? That hormone that made your joints nice and flexible during pregnancy? It can sometimes leave your hip joints feeling a bit too loose even after delivery.
  • Core Muscle Weakness: Your abdominal muscles stretch significantly during pregnancy. This stretching can weaken your core, making it harder to stabilize your pelvis.
  • Pelvic Floor Issues: Trauma or injury to your pelvic floor muscles or the nerves that control them can also contribute to pelvic pain. This can be from the labor itself, especially if forceps or vacuum were used.

Diagnosing PPGP

Your doctor can usually diagnose PPGP through a physical exam and by taking your medical history. If you experienced pelvic girdle pain during pregnancy, you’re at a higher risk of experiencing it after childbirth too.

Symptoms to Watch For

Symptoms can vary, but common signs of PPGP include:

  • Deep pain in the pubic area.
  • Pain that worsens with activity, such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of the car.
  • Radiating pain across your lower back.
  • A popping or clicking sensation in your hips when you move.

Treatment and Management

Don’t suffer in silence! There are steps you can take to manage and reduce postpartum pelvic pain.

Physical Therapy: Your Secret Weapon

Physical therapy is often the most effective treatment for PPGP. A physical therapist can create a customized exercise program to strengthen your core and pelvic floor muscles, improve your posture, and reduce pain. Many people find significant relief within a few weeks of starting physical therapy.

Home Remedies and Lifestyle Adjustments

In addition to physical therapy, these tips can help:

  • Over-the-Counter Pain Relief: Medications like acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil) can help manage pain. Always consult your doctor before taking any medication, especially if you’re breastfeeding.
  • Supportive Positioning: Experiment with different sitting and sleeping positions to find what’s most comfortable. Using pillows to support your hips and knees can be helpful.
  • Hot or Cold Packs: Applying hot or cold packs to your hips can help relieve pain and inflammation.
  • Proper Lifting Techniques: Use proper body mechanics when lifting your baby or other objects. Keep your back straight and lift with your legs.

Hip Labral Tears: Another Possibility

While less common than PPGP, hip labral tears can also cause hip pain after childbirth. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint. Tears can occur due to weight gain during pregnancy, hormonal changes, or pre-existing hip conditions. Don’t worry, the good news about labral tears is that often times physical therapy is all that is needed to find relief. In the unlikely event that therapy is not enough surgery is an option.

“`

Related Posts:

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *