Hip

What Are Some of the Common Hip Problems?

Hip Arthritis

Hip arthritis is one of the most common orthopedic conditions, especially in the older population. Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes inflammation of the bones and soft tissues of the joints, which causes the bones within the hip to rub together.

The hip is what is known as a “ball and socket” joint, and osteoarthritis in the hip can cause the ball and socket to grind together and damage the joint.

Hip & Thigh Muscle Strain 

Hip & thigh muscle strain (also known as a pulled muscle) usually happens when a muscle is stretched beyond its limit. Muscle strain in the hip or thigh is quite common and can happen to people of all ages when the muscle is overstretched or torn due to fatigue, overuse, or improper use.

Dislocation

A hip dislocation is an injury that occurs when the ball at the head of your femur (leg bone) slides out of its socket. It can slide backward or forward out of the socket. Hip dislocations are extremely painful, although if it causes nerve damage, you may lose feeling in your leg or foot.

Fractures

Hip fractures occur at the top of your femur. While you can sustain a hip fracture during a high-impact collision, they’re also a common side effect of osteoporosis. Hip fractures are painful, and you might not be able to stand or put any weight on the affected leg.

Hip Bursitis

Your bursae are tiny gel-filled sacs in your joints that provide cushioning between your bones. Bursitis develops when overuse or repetitive movements cause inflammation in the bursae. You can also develop hip bursitis following an injury or surgery.

Osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, snapping hip, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which is also known as bone spurs, can also contribute to bursitis. 

The first sign of bursitis is a sharp pain in your hip. As the condition progresses, the pain can spread to the outside of your thigh and become a constant dull ache. You might have more severe hip pain at night or when you move between sitting and standing. 

Synovitis of the Hip 

Synovitis of the hip is a condition where there is inflammation of the synovial tissues (connective tissues) surrounding the hip joint. This condition is also commonly called transient synovitis and can often cause pain in the hip.

When Should I Talk to an Orthopedic Hip Specialist about Hip Pain?

Mild injuries typically resolve within a couple of days with rest. You should call OrthoNeuro in Columbus, Ohio if you have hip pain that doesn’t subside or gets worse over time. You should also schedule a consultation if your pain interferes with your sleep or mobility.

How Is the Cause of My Hip Pain Diagnosed?

The team at OrthoNeuro provides thorough exams and diagnostic testing to identify the cause of your hip pain. They also offer state-of-the-art diagnostic imaging, including X-rays. Your doctor may also use hip arthroscopy to examine the inside of your hip joint in more detail.

What Are the Available Treatments for Hip Problems?

Medication

Your orthopedic hip specialist might prescribe medication, including nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids, muscle relaxants, anti-rheumatic drugs, and biological response modifiers. These medicines reduce inflammation and pain. Your doctor may combine medication with other treatment options to manage your hip pain while you recover.

Physical Therapy

Physical therapy is a critical part of hip condition treatment. Suppose your hip pain is due to a muscle imbalance or weakness. Physical therapy can correct imbalances and weaknesses that contribute to hip pain. It’s also critical to recovering from any type of hip surgery, including hip resurfacing, hip arthroscopy, and hip arthroplasty.

Hip Arthroscopy

Hip arthroscopy (scope) is a surgical procedure that allows the surgeon to view the hip joint without making a large incision (cut). It is a technique used to diagnose and treat a wide range of hip conditions.

Total Hip Replacement (Arthroplasty)

Total hip replacement is a procedure that removes the bone and cartilage of the hip that has been damaged due to arthritis and replaces them with metal and plastic components. These components mimic the anatomy and function of a healthy hip so that you can return to activities without the pain caused by arthritis.

The procedure is one of the most well-known and most effective in orthopedic surgery because it dramatically improves hip pain and quality of life.

Hip Resurfacing

Hip resurfacing is a type of hip replacement. In traditional hip arthroplasty, your orthopedic surgeon removes the head or ball at the top of your femur. However, during hip resurfacing, they trim away the damaged tissue and cap it with a smooth metal cap.

Your hip specialist repairs the socket just as they would during a conventional hip replacement. They smooth the inside of the socket and attach a metal shell.

Revision Hip Arthroplasty (Joint Replacement)

Revision joint arthroplasty (or joint replacement) is sometimes needed to correct an issue or complication from a previous joint replacement procedure. One of the most common reasons it is required is to address osteoarthritis in another area of the joint.

For instance, if you have had a partial knee replacement and several years later osteoarthritis is affecting the other compartment of the knee, this compartment of the knee may now be replaced as well.

The board-certified orthopedic surgeons at OrthoNeuro have performed thousands of total hip replacements. They are experts in this procedure using the latest advancements in surgical techniques for total hip replacement.