Did you know that hip injuries are incredibly common? In fact, they account for around one-third of all sports injuries. Regardless of whether you’re a professional athlete or just like to stay active, it’s important to be aware of the most common treatments for hip injuries. This way, you can get back to your normal routine as soon as possible if you do happen to suffer from one. Keep reading for a rundown of the five most common treatments for hip injuries.
Physiotherapy is an important part of the rehabilitation process for patients suffering from hip injuries. The treatments help to improve range of motion, decrease pain, and increase strength and function.
Physiotherapy is a common treatment for hip injuries that helps to improve range of motion, reduce pain, and prevent future injuries. The therapist will use exercises and stretching to help the patient regain strength and flexibility in the hip area. Massage may also be used to release tension in the muscles and connective tissue. Ice and heat therapy can also be used to relieve pain and inflammation. Electrical stimulation may be used to reduce muscle spasms. Ultrasound may be used to increase blood flow and promote healing.
The most common exercises that can help hip injuries are:
These are just a few of the many exercises that can help hip injuries, but depending on the severity of your injury, you may need to consult with a physiotherapist or doctor to get specific exercises tailored to your needs.
RICE therapy is often recommended as a conservative treatment option for hip injuries, particularly those that involve inflammation or swelling. RICE stands for rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Resting the injured hip is important to allow it to heal properly. Ice can help reduce inflammation and pain, while compression can also help reduce swelling. Finally, elevating the injured hip above the level of the heart can also help reduce swelling by promoting drainage of fluid away from the injury site.
There are a number of different ways that occupational therapy can help treat hip injuries. One common approach is to focus on helping the individual maintain their range of motion and flexibility. This can be done through a variety of exercises and stretches that are designed to help keep the muscles around the hip loose and relaxed.
Another common treatment approach is to help the individual strengthen the muscles around the hip. This can be done through a variety of exercises that target the specific muscles groups that are responsible for stabilizing the hip joint. By strengthening these muscles, it can take some of the strain off of the injured area and help speed up the healing process.
Additionally, occupational therapists may also provide guidance on how to properly modify activities or perform certain tasks in order to avoid putting too much stress on the hip. This can be particularly helpful for individuals who have to return to work or participate in other activities that may put a strain on the hip.
Finally, occupational therapists can also provide guidance on the use of assistive devices or orthotics that can help protect the hip joint and allow the individual to participate in their usual activities with less pain.
Steroid injections are a common treatment for hip injuries. They work by reducing inflammation and pain in the hip joint. The injection is usually given into the bursa, a small sac of fluid that cushions the hip joint.
The steroid helps to reduce inflammation and pain by decreasing the production of inflammatory chemicals in the body. This can help to improve the range of motion and function in the hip joint.
There are a number of different surgeries that can be used to treat hip injuries, depending on the specific injury. For example, hip arthroscopy for minor cases and hip replacement may be necessary for more severe cases. In general, surgery can help improve the function of the hip joint and relieve pain.
Arthroscopic Surgery: This is a minimally invasive surgery that uses a small camera to look inside the hip joint and repair any damaged tissue.
Open Surgery: This type of surgery may be necessary if the damage to the hip joint is more extensive. The surgeon will make an incision in the hip area to access the joint and repair the damage.
Hip Replacement: This is a major surgery that involves removing the damaged hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint. This procedure is usually only considered when other treatments have failed to relieve pain and improve function.
If you’re experiencing hip pain, don’t wait to seek treatment. There are a variety of options available, and our team can help you find the best solution for your needs. Don’t suffer in silence – call us today!
Dr. Chen sees patients at Saint Francis Memorial Hospital Center for Sports Medicine in Walnut Creek, California. He is a board certified Pediatrician and Sports Medicine Doctor that specializes in the non-operative medical treatment of a wide variety of various musculoskeletal conditions. Dr. Chen graduated from St. George’s University School of Medicine and went on to complete Pediatric residency training at the University of Medicine and Dentistry in New Jersey (Rutgers), then went on to fellowship training in Sports Medicine at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, one of the perennially top ranked children’s hospitals in the nation. There he provided sideline coverage for NCAA Division I athletics at the University of Cincinnati and Miami University (OH). Since graduating, Dr. Chen has continued his love of sports coverage by volunteering for the San Francisco Marathon, the San Francisco Giant Race, and as the team physician for Northgate High School in Walnut Creek. Being a part of The Center for Sports Medicine allows Dr. Chen quick access to a multidisciplinary team of orthopedic surgeons, podiatrists, physiatrists, and physical therapists to return you to your highest functional level quickly and safely. Click here to contact us for your next appointment!
925-934-3536
stephen.chen@eastbaysportsdoc.com