Conditions & Care
Hip
The hip joint is one of the most important joints because of its ability to keep us mobile and retain balance. It allows us to bear our body’s weight, walk, run and jump. It is also one of the most flexible joints allowing a great range of motion.
Anatomy
The hip is also a ball and joint socket. It allows you to turn in different directions while supporting the body. Cartilage lines the socket of the joint and covers the ball, or upper end of the thigh bone, allowing the ball to move easily in the socket of the hip bone. The hip joint is reinforced by four ligaments and several muscle groups located on the front (anterior), back (posterior), and medial (outside) of the hip. These muscles work together to allow flexion, extension, abduction and adduction of the hip and leg.
Treatment
Diagnosis of your hip injury or condition will begin with a discussion of your health history and a physical examination. Further diagnostic testing may also be necessary for diagnosis or to eliminate possibilities before a course of treatment can be decided between you and the doctor.
Depending on the symptoms and severity, prescribed treatments may include non-surgical treatments such as exercise, activity modifications or physical therapy. Anti-inflammatory medications or steroid injections may also be used. If operative care is required, most sports oriented injuries to the hip can be accomplished through minimally invasive procedures.
Common Hip Injuries
Hip Arthroplasty (Hip Replacement)
Hip replacement, also called total hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure to replace a worn out or damaged hip joint with a prosthesis (an artificial joint). This surgery may be an option after a hip fracture or for severe pain due to arthritis.
Labral Tear (Hip Arthroscopy)
Labral tears in the hip may cause painful clicking or locking of the hip, reduced range of motion, and disruption to sports and daily activities. Hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive hip surgery, can be used to treat labral tears.
Athletic Pubalgia (Sports Hernia)
Sports activities that involve a sudden change of direction and intense twisting movements can cause a tear in the soft tissue of the lower abdomen or groin called a sports hernia. Without treatment, this injury can result in chronic pain that prevents the athlete from recovering and returning to sports activities.
Muscle Strains
The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip, providing flexibility, stability, and range of motion. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn.