I started ballroom dancing a year ago (I'm 28). I loved it so much I suppose one could say I became obsessed. Unfortunately, it looks like I tried to do too much too soon and I developed tendonitis in my hip.

I've had the pain for 5 months now. With the use of anti-inflamatory drugs it's gotten better but it hasn't completely gone away. If anyone has ever had this condition I would greatly appreciate any info/advice. I'm starting to wonder if this condition will ever go away completely

Elizabeth,
I have never had tendinitis of the hip but I have had some in my knee, from dancing, and the elbow and shoulder from working out otherwise (or dancing with a really rough partern ). For tendinitis to get better, follow these three steps.

Rest : Lots of it. Staying off your hips might help . If you have to be on them, restrict your cuban action to just the dance floor..

Ice: Ice the joints often. Alternate heat and ice relieves pain well too.

NSAIDs: Anti-inflammatory drugs, work great for pain as well as inflammation. You can take upto 800 mg thrice a day (with food) and not have a problem - unless you have ulcers or are otherwise affected by it.

I guess there is a fourth option. Work out and strengthen the pelvic muscles. Although for that, you must seek a personal trainer or a sport-medicinist, I don't know what exercises help.

Although half facetious, those were the tips I was given. I hope they help.

Get well soon.

Sri.

I agree with Sriram. I think resting and non-steroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) would be the best. NSAIDS can cause ulcer but there are some alternatives. I don't encourage people to self-medicate but my suggestion is to see a physiatrist or a physical medicine and rehab doctor. I had the same problem with my foot and had to be x-rayed just to rule out stress fracture. My case turned out to be a strain/sprain due to repetitive use and rest took care of it. Try not to dwell on single type of movement for too long a time. If it starts hurting it is probably best to call it a day. Pain is one of the body's protective mechanism, it tells you when to stop. There is always another to dance. I hope you get well soon.