Hip Care: Restoring Mobility and Enhancing Quality of Life

The hip is one of the body’s largest and most important joints, responsible for supporting body weight and allowing movement in activities like walking, running, and bending. When hip pain, stiffness, or injury occurs, it can greatly affect daily life. Our experienced orthopaedic specialists are here to help diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of hip conditions, so you can get back to enjoying the activities you love.

Common Hip Conditions

1. Osteoarthritis of the Hip
   • Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common cause of hip pain in older adults. It occurs when the cartilage that cushions the hip joint wears down, leading to pain, stiffness, and decreased mobility.
   • Treatment options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, lifestyle modifications, corticosteroid injections, and in severe cases, hip replacement surgery.
2. Hip Fractures
   • Hip fractures, often caused by falls or trauma, typically occur in the femur (thigh bone) near the hip joint. They are especially common in older adults with osteoporosis.
   • Treatment for hip fractures may include surgical intervention to stabilize the bone, often with pins, screws, or a hip replacement.
3. Hip Labral Tear
   • The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, and a tear can result from injury, trauma, or repetitive motion. Symptoms may include groin pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion.
   • Non-surgical treatments such as physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections can help manage the pain. In some cases, surgery may be required to repair the labrum.
4. Trochanteric Bursitis
   • Trochanteric bursitis occurs when the bursa (a fluid-filled sac that helps reduce friction) on the outer side of the hip becomes inflamed, leading to pain and tenderness over the hip.
   • This condition is commonly caused by repetitive motions, overuse, or muscle imbalances. Treatment options include rest, ice, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications.
5. Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement, FAI)
   • Hip impingement occurs when there is abnormal contact between the ball (femoral head) and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip joint, which can lead to pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. It may be caused by abnormal bone shapes or hip joint degeneration.
   • Treatment may involve physical therapy, medications, and in some cases, surgery to reshape the bone or repair damaged tissue.
6. Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)
   • Avascular necrosis occurs when the blood supply to the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) is disrupted, leading to bone death and joint collapse. It can result from trauma, long-term use of corticosteroids, or alcohol abuse.
   • Early stages may be treated with medications and lifestyle changes, while more advanced cases may require surgery, including hip replacement.
7. Hip Dysplasia
   • Hip dysplasia is a condition where the hip socket is not properly formed, causing the ball of the femur to be less stable in the socket. It is typically present at birth but may not be diagnosed until later in life.
   • Depending on the severity, treatment can include physical therapy, bracing, or surgery such as a hip replacement or hip preservation surgery.
8. Piriformis Syndrome
   • Piriformis syndrome occurs when the piriformis muscle, located in the buttock, compresses the sciatic nerve, causing pain, tingling, or numbness that radiates down the leg.
   • Treatment may involve physical therapy, muscle relaxants, anti-inflammatory medications, and in some cases, injections or surgery.

Treatment Options for Hip Conditions

1. Non-Surgical Treatments
   • Physical Therapy: Targeted exercises can help improve flexibility, strengthen muscles around the hip, and relieve pain.
   • Medications: Pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs, and muscle relaxants can be effective in managing symptoms and reducing inflammation.
   • Corticosteroid Injections: Injections into the hip joint can provide relief from inflammation and pain, particularly in conditions like arthritis or bursitis.
   • Assistive Devices: Using walking aids, such as canes or walkers, can help reduce stress on the hip joint and improve mobility.
2. Minimally Invasive Surgery
   • For conditions such as hip labral tears, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or some cases of hip fractures, minimally invasive surgery may be an option. This involves smaller incisions, less muscle disruption, and faster recovery times compared to traditional surgery.
   • Hip Arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure to treat labral tears, hip impingement, and other joint issues by removing damaged tissue or repairing the labrum.
3. Hip Replacement Surgery (Total or Partial)
   • When conservative treatments fail and the hip joint becomes severely damaged or arthritic, hip replacement surgery may be the best option. In this procedure, the damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components.
   • Total Hip Replacement (THR): Involves replacing both the acetabulum (hip socket) and the femoral head (ball of the femur).
   • Partial Hip Replacement: Involves replacing only the femoral head, typically when the socket is still healthy.
4. Hip Preservation Surgery
   • In younger patients with conditions like hip dysplasia or early-stage arthritis, hip preservation surgery aims to reshape or repair the hip joint to avoid the need for a full replacement. This can include procedures such as a periacetabular osteotomy (PAO) or labral repair.

Prevention and Lifestyle Tips

While some hip conditions are unavoidable, there are steps you can take to protect your hip joints and maintain healthy mobility:

• Stay Active: Regular low-impact exercise such as swimming, walking, or cycling helps maintain joint function and prevent stiffness.
• Strengthen the Muscles Around the Hip: Strong muscles provide stability to the hip joint and reduce the risk of injury or strain.
• Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can place added stress on the hips, increasing the risk of arthritis and other joint problems.
• Practice Proper Posture: Proper posture helps distribute weight evenly across the hips and prevents overloading certain areas of the joint.
• Use Good Technique: Whether lifting objects or participating in sports, using proper body mechanics can help avoid hip strain and injury.

When to Seek Help

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, it’s important to consult with an orthopaedic specialist:

• Persistent hip pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter medications
• Difficulty walking, standing, or sitting comfortably due to hip pain
• Swelling, bruising, or deformity around the hip joint
• Limited range of motion or stiffness in the hip
• Pain that radiates down the leg or in the groin area

Your Path to Recovery

At our clinic, we understand how disruptive hip pain can be to your lifestyle. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, a sports injury, a fracture, or other hip issues, our orthopaedic specialists are dedicated to finding the right treatment for you. We offer both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to your individual needs, ensuring that you receive the best care possible for a full recovery.

Contact Us Today to Schedule a Consultation
If you’re experiencing hip pain or dysfunction, don’t wait. Contact us today to schedule a consultation with our experienced orthopaedic team, and take the first step toward improved mobility and a pain-free life.

Call or mail us