Question

Draw and explain the relationship between the internal and external moment arm with the gluteus medius across the hip. Why does someone with a painful hip side bend to the painful side in stance? How does a cane work to offset the side bend? Where would you use it? If you did not have a cane, what else could you do?

Answer 1

The anterior part of gluteus medius helps in positioning and internally rotating of hip. The posterior part helps in extension and external rotation of the hip. Both the parts working together abduct (lift leg away from body) the hip and help in stabilizing hip in coronal plane. Someone with a painful hip side bend to the painful side in stance may be due to weakness or lack of control of gluteus medius muscle.

A cane being inexpensive, light weight helps in stabilizing side bend. It also relieves pressure from sore knees, ankle etc. If i donot have a cane, a walking stick or crutches also serves the purpose primarily.