The hip joint is crucial in motion and aids the body to remain stable during exercises. The joint
is an articulation of the femur and the pelvis. On the other hand, the hip capsule consists of the
articulation of the femoral within the acetabulum. The joint consists of extracapsular and
intracapsular ligaments. Hip joint dysfunction happens when the hip capsule and extracapsular
ligaments and the intracapsular ligament become very tight and limit motion. As the hip joint
limits motion, one feels pain in the hip and other lower extremity muscles. Pain is also felt in
the lateral and frontal in the upper thigh.
The dysfunction at the hip leads to dysfunction at the foot complex in several ways. Weakness
in the hip joint, which also acts as a stabilizing muscle during movement results in alterations in
joint motion and subsequent loss of stability. The dysfunctional hip limits abduction movement
leading to ankle injuries (Friel et al., 2006). For example, a dysfunctional heap complicates
extension and the flexion of the ankle making it function abnormally. The hip abductors are also
responsible for starting lateral pelvic during early double support when a lateral displacement
of the head, arms, and trunk occurs (Friel et al., 2006). The abductors will control the lateral
pelvic tilt during the entire displacement. When the hip dysfunction, the hip abductor weakens,
and the foot becomes more abducted than normal at initial contact. Lateral ankle sprains occur
when the foot is wrongly positioned in space before reaching contact with a surface. The hip
joint is crucial for correcting the error in the placement of the foot. Minor errors in placement
of the foot are rectified by the foot musculature while large errors are corrected by the hip
(Friel et al., 2006). The association between the foot, foot musculature, and the hip joint help in
maintaining body stability during various movements (Friel et al., 2006). The hip musculature
also helps in controlling the pelvic motion that contributes to stabilization during movement.
Therefore, the hip joint helps the foot complex to perform its function by correcting placement
errors. A dysfunction in the hip will cause dysfunction at the ankle because there will be no
major error correction, leading to pain and abnormal functioning.
Reference
Friel, K., McLean, N., Myers, C., & Caceres, M. (2006). Ipsilateral Hip Abductor Weakness After
Inversion Ankle Sprain. Journal of Athlete Training, 41(1), 74–78
Sample Solution