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.

Thank you guys for the advice. I really appreciated it. I did go see a bone/joint specialist and he told me pretty much the same thing regarding rest and anti-inflamatories.
These 2 things seem to be working, finally. Yesterday, I felt as good as new for the first time in months! I guess the next thing I need to work on is SOWLY easing my way back into dancing. Doing too much too soon will be an easy trap for me to fall into.

Thanks again for the advice.