Common Hip Problems
Hip arthritis and fractures are generally the most frequent hip injuries that are diagnosed and treated, but there are other common hip problems. This typically includes bursitis, tendinitis, and muscle strains. These types of hip injuries and conditions often heal on their own without more involved care but could require professional attention to heal properly. They can worsen and lead to chronic symptoms if they are not treated in a timely fashion.
Different Types of Hip Problems
The major joints throughout the body require the right balance of flexibility and strength to perform daily activities.This is what makes joint injuries such a frequent occurrence. Almost all basic activities performed throughout the day put immense stress on the hips. Running walking, jumping, or even sitting on a chair are just a few instances where stress is put on the hips.
Whether caused by the natural aging process or injury, common hip problems that result in pain and other symptoms can include the following:
- Bursitis of the hip: the bursae are fluid-filled sacs in our joints that provide lubrication for smooth motion. Certain strenuous movements and injuries can irritate the hip bursae and cause pain and inflammation known as bursitis
- Hip tendinitis: the tendons are strong pieces of tissue that connect bones to other bones in joints. If these tendons become irritated, as is common in the hips, tendonitis can develop resulting in pain and reduced range of motion.
- Labral tears: the hip labrum is a piece of strong flexible cartilage that lines the hip joints. injury, structural issues, and age-related breakdown can cause tears to develop that inhibit motion and cause discomfort
- Muscle strains: there are a number of muscles in the hip, including hip flexors that help stabilize and rotate hips. These muscles can develop strains as a result of strenuous physical activity or a sudden twist/turn
Conservative Treatment
For many common hip problems such as strains, sprains, and bursitis, basic conservative treatments like periods of rest, cold compression therapy and heating pads can help relieve symptoms while the injury heals or progress is monitored.
More involved nonsurgical treatments include:
- Over the counter medication: to relieve pain and inflammation patients can take pain medication
- Steroid injections: if there is extensive inflammation in the hip, corticosteroid injection can help reduce pain and swelling for an intermediate period of time
- Physical therapy: a physical therapy specialist can help strengthen the hip and improve function mobility
Symptoms
Specific hip symptoms can vary according to injury or condition present. However, some common symptoms present in all hip problems include:
- Pain and inflammation around the hip
- Restricted range of motion
- Locking or sticking in the hip
- Visible swelling and tenderness
- Popping, cracking, and grinding sensations
Patients should never ignore a persistent hip problem or try to diagnose and treat it themselves. Always see a qualified medical professional if the pain does not improve in a few days, or a week at most, to lower the risk of the injury worsening or not healing properly.
Diagnosis
When attending a diagnostic appointment for hip pain, it is beneficial to prepare by bringing a journal of symptoms, daily activities, and triggers for any problems. The doctor will review the patient as well as family medical history to identify the elevated risk of hip problems.
The doctor will also conduct a physical evaluation that involves a range of motion testing and a hands-on hip examination to find tender areas or painful spots. Diagnostic imagery, such as MRI or X-ray, may be needed to confirm diagnostic.
Once diagnosed, the doctor will work on developing an effective treatment plan with the patient.
Surgery
In most cases, hip problems don’t need surgery. However, if the pain and mobility problems become chronic, then surgery may be necessary. Hip surgery can vary depending on the case but thanks to improvements in medical technology and surgical techniques, they can now be performed on an outpatient basis. This also helps the patient begin the rehabilitation phase much sooner.
Learn More About Hip Pain Relief
If you are living with a hip problem that is negatively impacting your quality of life, BEST Health System can provide the care you need. Contact our dedicated team and we’ll help you learn more about our highly skilled treatment professionals, state-of-the-art centers, and range of treatments that can help you find the lasting relief you deserve.
If you have experienced any of these symptoms or recieved a diagnosis and need treatment, BEST can help. Take the first step towards relief today.
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