HIP

Hip pain can have causes that aren’t due to underlying disease. Examples include trauma, lying on a side for a prolonged period, overuse, muscle stiffness, sitting in an awkward position, sprains, or strains.

CONDITIONS WE TREAT

HIP ARTHRITIS

Inflammation of the joints is referred to as arthritis. The inflammation arises when the smooth covering (cartilage) at the end surfaces of the bones wears away. In some cases, the inflammation is caused when the lining of the joint becomes inflamed as part of an underlying systemic disease. These conditions are referred to as inflammatory arthritis.

The most common types of inflammatory arthritic conditions of the hip include:

• Rheumatoid Arthritis
• Ankylosing Spondylitis
• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE)

TREATMENT OPTIONS

The treatment options vary depending on the diagnosis. Non-surgical treatment: Any infection in the hip joint is treated by non-surgical treatments which may provide relief with relatively few side effects.

• Anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids
• Physical therapy
• Assistive devices such as canes or walkers

SURGERY

Surgical treatment: Surgery is considered the last treatment resort when the above non-surgical treatment options fail to reduce the symptoms. The type of surgery to be performed depends on your age, condition of the hip joint, and the type and progression of the inflammatory disease. The goal of the surgery is to relieve pain and improve the joint motion. The most common surgical procedures include:

• Total hip replacement
• Bone grafts
• Core decompression
• Synovectomy

FEMOROACETABULAR IMPINGEMENT

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which extra bone grows along one or both of the bones that form the hip joint — giving the bones an irregular shape. Because they do not fit together perfectly, the bones rub against each other during movement. Over time this friction can damage the joint, causing pain and limiting activity.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Activity changes. Your doctor may first recommend simply changing your daily routine and avoiding activities that cause symptoms.

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications. Drugs like ibuprofen can be provided in a prescription-strength form to help reduce pain and inflammation.

Physical therapy. Specific exercises can improve the range of motion in your hip and strengthen the muscles that support the joint. This can relieve some stress on the injured labrum or cartilage.

SURGERY

If tests show joint damage caused by FAI and your pain is not relieved by nonsurgical treatment, your doctor may recommend surgery. Many FAI problems can be treated with arthroscopic surgery. Arthroscopic procedures are done with small incisions and thin instruments. The surgeon uses a small camera, called an arthroscope, to view inside the hip. During arthroscopy, your doctor can repair or clean out any damage to the labrum and articular cartilage. He or she can correct the FAI by trimming the bony rim of the acetabulum and also shaving down the bump on the femoral head. Some severe cases may require an open operation with a larger incision to accomplish this.

GREATER TROCHANTERIC BURSITIS

Trochanteric bursitis, also called Hip bursitis, is a painful ailment affecting your joints. Fluid-filled sacs known as bursae act as a cushion between your tendons, bones, muscles and joints. Inflammation of these sacs is called bursitis. It’s a fairly common condition, but many individuals treat inflammation of the bursa at home and don’t see their doctor, so it’s difficult to know exactly how common it really is.

While bursitis can occur in any area of your body where you have bursae, there are a few specific types of bursitis, which we cover in this article. You’ll also learn the causes and symptoms of each type, treatment options and how to prevent bursitis, which may include gentle stretching before exercising.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

You can prevent bursitis by not placing a lot of strain on your hips. Refrain from partaking in particularly painful or difficult activities, and take frequent breaks for resting your hips. Remember to warm your muscles up when you exercise and stretch to prevent injury. Lose weight if you’re overweight, which can help decrease joint pressure, including your hips.