HIP
Another joint susceptible to various ailments is the hip. Generally speaking, hip conditions tend to fall into two categories based on age. Younger patients tend to have more tendon and muscle instability complaints, while more senior patients tend to have pain stemming from arthritic changes within the joint. Common hip issues seen are osteoarthritis (including total hip replacements) and a “catch-all” term, greater trochanter pain syndrome (GTPS). GTPS can include pain originating from inside the joint from degenerative changes of the labrum (a ring of cartilage that further stabilizes the joint) or one of many tendons around the hip.
Injures We Treat the Most
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
This is a common form of arthritis that affects the hip joint, causing pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility, especially during weight-bearing activities.
Hip Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa sacs located near the hip joint can lead to pain, tenderness, and swelling on the outside of the hip, often aggravated by prolonged standing or walking.
Hip Fracture
Fractures of the hip can occur due to falls or trauma, resulting in severe pain, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, and possible deformity of the hip joint.
Hip Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, and tears in this structure can cause pain, clicking or locking sensations, and feelings of instability in the hip joint.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
This condition involves abnormal contact between the ball of the femur and the acetabulum of the hip socket, leading to pain, stiffness, and restricted hip movement, especially during activities like squatting or pivoting.
Hip Dysplasia
This is a congenital condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to instability, pain, and an increased risk of hip dislocation.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Inflammation of the bursa sacs near the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip) can cause pain and tenderness on the outer hip, often worsened by activities like climbing stairs or lying on the affected side.
Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis) of the Hip
This condition involves the loss of blood supply to the hip joint, leading to bone death and eventual collapse of the joint, resulting in pain, limited mobility, and potential need for hip replacement surgery.
Get Relief Now
If you or a family member are dealing with any of the above and the symptoms have not improved in more than three weeks, chances are you would greatly benefit from at least one formal visit with a licensed physical therapist. While most aches and pains do improve on their own, persistent issues often require formal evaluation from a musculoskeletal expert.