Orthopedic Hip Pain Doctors

Hip Pain Specialist

How Common is Hip Pain?

Hip pain is a common symptom many people experience in their lifetime. Hip pain can interfere with daily activities and drastically impact mobility and freedom. It’s a complex issue with many possible causes, from injuries to underlying medical conditions.

The hip joint is a complex structure that bears the body’s weight and facilitates a wide range of movements, including walking, standing, and sitting comfortably. Various factors can contribute to hip pain, ranging from injuries to underlying medical conditions.

What’s Causing My Hip Pain?

There could be a lot of underlying causes of your hip pain, especially if you’ve had an injury or sudden onset of painful symptoms. Some common reasons for hip pain and injury are:

Osteoarthritis: Over time, the cartilage that cushions your hip bones can wear down. This is called osteoarthritis, the most common cause of hip pain, especially in older adults, athletes, dancers, or if you have a physically demanding career.

Hip Fractures: A sudden fall or a hard blow can cause a crack in your hip bone. This is called a hip fracture, and it’s more common in people with weaker bones, like those with osteoporosis. Tell your doctor if you had a recent fall or if you suspect you have a hip fracture.

Bursitis: The hip joint is surrounded by fluid-filled cushions called bursae. These bursae help your hip move smoothly and protect the joint throughout your day. Bursitis is caused when the bursa gets inflamed or breaks down due to overuse or age, leading to pain and discomfort.

Tendinitis: Your muscles are connected to your bones by tendons, which can get strained or inflamed, causing tendonitis.

Hip Labral Tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that helps keep your hip joint stable. Labral tears can cause pain, a popping sensation, or a feeling of instability and discomfort.

How is Hip Pain and Injury Diagnosed?

Your doctor will want to know all about your hip pain to get to the root of it. They’ll ask about the pain’s location, intensity, and when it started. They’ll also inquire about injuries or activities that worsen the pain. Tell your provider about any recent or past accidents or injuries relevant to your hip pain.

Your provider gives you a thorough physical exam, checking your range of motion joint stability and looking for any signs of inflammation. They may also order imaging tests like X-rays or MRIs to get a better look inside your hip joint to assess if there’s been any damage.

How is Hip Pain Treated?

The treatment for your hip pain will depend on the cause and severity of your symptoms. Depending on the results of any imaging you have done, most providers will take a conservative approach to treating your hip pain.

Medication: Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help manage pain and inflammation. For more severe pain, your doctor may prescribe more vital medication or corticosteroid injections directly into your hip joint.

Physical Therapy: Physical therapy may help relieve pain and improve your range of motion. A therapist will design a personalized exercise program to strengthen the muscles around your hip, improve flexibility, and enhance joint function. Water therapy and low-impact exercises are often recommended.

Lifestyle Modifications: Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference in managing your hip pain. Maintaining a healthy weight can help reduce stress on your hip joints, and avoiding activities aggravating the pain can prevent further damage. Assistive devices like canes or braces can provide extra support. Ask your provider if you’d benefit from an assistive device.

Surgery: In some cases, where other treatments haven’t worked or the condition is severe, surgery may be an option. Joint replacement surgery, such as hip arthroplasty, is a standard procedure for advanced osteoarthritis. Arthroscopic procedures can address issues like labral tears or certain types of hip impingement. Your provider will discuss all your options with you, including your recovery time and post-operative recommendations, if your diagnosis dictates surgery as the best option.

Am I at Risk For Hip Injury?

Several things can raise your chances of developing hip problems, ranging from minor discomfort to severe conditions. Age is a significant factor, as older patients are more likely to have issues like osteoarthritis, fractures, and hip impingement. Women, especially after menopause, are at higher risk due to hormone changes that affect bone density.

People with a family history of hip problems may be more likely to get certain conditions, which shows how genes play a role in hip health. Obesity puts extra strain on the hip joints, making osteoarthritis more likely. Athletes who play high-impact sports or do activities that involve repetitive hip movements may be more likely to get hurt, like labral tears or tendinitis.

Some medical conditions, like rheumatoid arthritis or hip dysplasia, can also lead to hip problems. Bad posture, muscle imbalances, and a sedentary lifestyle can also harm hip health. Finally, people who have had hip trauma or accidents are more likely to have problems like fractures and long-term joint damage.

Knowing these risk factors helps healthcare professionals tailor preventive measures and interventions, emphasizing lifestyle changes, regular exercise, and early detection to lower the risk of hip problems.

Hip pain, while challenging, doesn’t have to dictate your life. With a thorough understanding of the causes, an accurate diagnosis, and a comprehensive treatment plan, you can manage your hip pain effectively and enjoy a better quality of life.

Experience relief from hip pain and injury at Anodyne Pain and Health Group

If you’re experiencing hip pain or injury, our compassionate and experienced team is dedicated to helping you regain mobility and an active lifestyle. We offer comprehensive evaluations, personalized treatment plans, and a range of advanced therapies to address your specific needs.

Our experienced physical therapists will thoroughly assess your condition, identify the root cause of your pain or injury, and design a personalized rehabilitation program to improve your flexibility, strength, and range of motion. We utilize a combination of modalities and exercises to manage pain and inflammation and promote healing.

With Anodyne Pain and Health Group, you’ll experience the convenience of comprehensive care under one roof. We offer many services, eliminating the need to travel to multiple appointments and facilities. Our team of experts works collaboratively to ensure you receive the most effective and personalized care possible.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and discover how we can help you alleviate hip pain and injury, regain your active lifestyle, and meet your sports participation requirements. We accept Medicare and most major insurance plans, making the process easy and accessible.