While a hip injury may seem like a relatively minor issue, it can actually be quite serious. If you think you may have injured your hip, it’s important to get information on the basics of hip injuries so that you can make the best decisions about your care. In this article, we’ll go over everything you need to know about hip injuries, from what they are to how to treat them. We hope this information helps you stay healthy and active!
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the leg to the pelvis. The hip joint is one of the largest and strongest joints in the body and is responsible for bearing most of the body’s weight. There are a number of reasons why hip injuries can occur. Some of the most common include:
The symptoms of a hip injury will depend on the type and severity of the injury. However, some common symptoms include:
If you suspect that you have a hip injury, it is important to see a doctor or orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment can be initiated.
Common hip injuries include fractures, dislocations, and tendon tears. While most hip injuries are caused by falls or sports-related accidents, others can be the result of degenerative conditions such as arthritis. Treatment for a hip injury will vary depending on the type and severity of the injury but may include rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.
If you think you may have injured your hip, it’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan. In the meantime, here’s a basic overview of what you need to know about the most common hip injuries:
Bursitis is the inflammation of a bursa. A bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that acts as a cushion between bones and tissues in the body. Bursitis often occurs near joints that perform the frequent repetitive motion, such as the shoulders, elbows, hips, or knees.
The most common symptom of bursitis is pain. The pain may be sharp and intense or dull and achy. It is usually worse when you move the affected joint or press on it. Other symptoms may include swelling, redness, tenderness, and warmth to the touch.
The basics of any hip injury are pretty simple: strains and tears. A strain is a stretching or tearing of the muscle, while a tear is a complete rupture of the muscle. Both can be incredibly painful and debilitating, making it difficult to walk or even stand.
Tears are typically more serious than strains and may require surgery to repair the damage. However, both injuries can lead to long-term pain and discomfort, so it’s important to seek medical help as soon as possible if you think you may have injured your hip.
A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thighbone (femur) that occurs near the hip joint. Hip fractures are most common in older adults with osteoporosis, but they can occur in anyone.
The most common symptom of a hip fracture is pain. The pain is typically severe and may make it difficult to walk or even stand. Other symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and tenderness.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which there is too much friction in the hip joint. This friction can damage the hip joint over time and lead to pain and disability.
FAI occurs when the round head of the thighbone (femur) rubs against the rim of the hip socket (acetabulum). The rubbing may damage the cartilage that covers the bone and/or cause the bone to grow abnormally. FAI can occur in both young and old people, but it is most common in adults between the ages of 30 and 50.
There are a number of different ways that hip injuries can be treated, depending on the specific type and severity of the injury. In some cases, rest and ice may be all that is needed to reduce pain and swelling. More serious injuries may require physical therapy or surgery.
Hip injuries can have a number of different long-term effects, depending on the specific type and severity of the injury. Some common long-term effects include pain, stiffness, reduced range of motion, and weakness. In some cases, hip injuries can also lead to arthritis.
Hip injuries can be incredibly frustrating and debilitating. If you’re suffering from a hip injury, don’t wait to seek treatment. The longer you wait, the more difficult it will be to rehab your injury. Our team of experts is here to help you get back on your feet as quickly as possible. Call us today for a consultation and let us help you start feeling like yourself again.
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