Hip Pain

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, offering more stability and conformity than the knee. Therefore, hip issues are generally less common than knee problems. However, since the hip joint and thigh are close to the spine and pelvis, it is not uncommon for lower back and pelvic issues to be mistaken for hip problems.

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Symptoms

Hip pain may present acutely or chronically (lasting more than three months).

Pain and Stiffness

Pain may be sharp or aching, accompanied by stiffness or limited movement.

Patients may hear or feel a cracking sensation when moving.

Jamming or catching sensations during posture changes or while walking.

Causes

Hip pain can be caused by various conditions and injuries.

  • Labral Tears: Damage to the lining of the hip socket caused by repetitive movements.
  • Osteoarthritis: Cartilage wear and tear, more common with ageing.
  • Avascular Necrosis: A condition where the bone in the head of the thigh bone dies and collapses due to loss of blood supply.
  • Hip Dysplasia: A shallow socket can cause hip problems, especially in children.

Risk Factors

Certain factors increase the likelihood of developing hip pain.

  • Untreated Childhood Hip Problems: Can lead to labral tears or arthritis.
  • High-Impact Sports: Pivoting sports like basketball or soccer may cause hip injuries.
  • Family History of Osteoarthritis: Increases the risk of developing degenerative hip issues.

Diagnosis

Diagnosing hip pain requires a thorough history, physical examination, and imaging.

  • X-rays: To assess the structure of the hip joint and detect fractures or abnormalities.
  • MRI: Used to detect soft tissue injuries such as labral tears.

Treatments Provided By Us

Rehabilitation

Rehabilitation is essential to regain function after hip treatment or surgery.

  • Physical Therapy: Focuses on restoring range of motion, strength, and flexibility.
  • Gradual Return to Activity: Starting with low-impact exercises and gradually increasing intensity under supervision.
  • Pain management: Medication or ice therapy may be recommended to manage post-treatment pain.

Complications

If left untreated, hip damage can worsen and affect other structures in the joint, leading to more serious issues:

  • Loss of Strength, Flexibility, and Mobility: Untreated hip problems may cause the muscles around the hip to weaken, leading to decreased flexibility and limited mobility. Over time, this can make everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs, difficult.
  • Gait Problems: Hip pain or instability can cause changes in how you walk (your gait), leading to additional strain on other parts of the body, particularly the knees and lower back. This compensatory movement can create further complications like knee pain or back problems.
  • Progression to Osteoarthritis: Conditions like untreated labral tears can eventually lead to osteoarthritis, where the cartilage in the hip joint wears down, causing chronic pain and stiffness. In severe cases, osteoarthritis may require a total hip replacement.
  • Potential Need for Surgery: For instance, a significant labral tear, if not addressed early with minimally invasive procedures like arthroscopic surgery, may progress to the point where more extensive surgery, such as hip replacement, is needed.

Early diagnosis and intervention can often prevent these complications, and timely treatment can restore function and reduce the risk of long-term damage.

Prevention Methods

To prevent hip pain:

  • Engage in proper warm-up exercises before physical activities.
  • Maintain a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joints.
  • Strengthen hip muscles through regular exercises.
  • Avoid activities that involve repetitive hip movements or pivoting motions without proper conditioning.

 

When To See A Doctor

Consult a doctor if hip pain persists beyond a few weeks, or if you experience immobility, severe pain, fever, or night pain that disrupts sleep.

 

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