Did you know that hip injuries are one of the most common orthopedic injuries? In fact, according to the Mayo Clinic, approximately 1 in 4 adults will experience a hip injury at some point in their lives. While many people think of hip injuries as being only debilitating and career-ending, that’s not always the case. Hip injuries can range from mild to severe and can impact your ability to do basic activities like walking or climbing stairs. So if you’re ever experiencing any pain or discomfort in your hips, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. Otherwise, you may end up doing more damage.
Hip injuries are a common occurrence among athletes and can range from mild to severe. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that allows for a wide range of motion, making it susceptible to overuse injuries. Some of the most common hip injuries include a hip pointer, hip flexor strain, hip bursitis, and hip labral tear.
The symptoms of hip injuries vary depending on the type and severity of the injury. However, some common symptoms include pain in the hip or groin area, stiffness, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the leg or hip.
There are a number of things that can cause hip injuries. For instance, you may fall and injure your hip, or you may strain your hip muscles by doing something like running too much. Additionally, hip injuries can be caused by diseases like arthritis or bursitis. No matter what the cause, hip injuries can be extremely painful and debilitating.
You may also notice that your hip feels warm to the touch or looks red or swollen. If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor right away so that you can get treated and start on the road to recovery.
While hip injuries can occur due to a single traumatic event, such as a fall or car accident, they most often happen as the result of repetitive stress on the hip joint. This is seen most often in athletes who participate in high-impact sports, such as running, soccer, and football. Overuse hip injuries can also occur in people who perform the same motion over and over again at work, such as those who work on an assembly line.
For the elderly, there are many different causes of hip injuries. Some of the most common include:
Generally, hip injuries are diagnosed through a combination of a physical examination and imaging tests. Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history and then perform a physical examination. They may also order X-rays, MRIs, or other imaging tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment for hip injuries depends on the type and severity of the injury. For minor hip strains, rest, ice, and over-the-counter pain medications may be enough to relieve symptoms. More serious hip injuries may require physiotherapy, braces or other support, or surgery.
Physiotherapy can help to treat hip injuries by reducing pain and inflammation, improving range of motion, and strengthening the muscles around the hip joint. Treatment may also include modalities such as heat or cold therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound. A physiotherapist can develop a personalized treatment plan to help you recover from your hip injury and return to your normal activities.
There are a variety of surgeries that can be used to treat hip injuries, depending on the type and severity of the injury. Some common surgeries include hip arthroscopy, hip resurfacing, and hip replacement. Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive surgery that is used to repair damage to the hip joint.
Hip resurfacing is a surgery that involves removing damaged bone and cartilage from the hip joint and replacing it with new tissue. Hip replacement surgery is a more invasive surgery that involves completely removing the hip joint and replacing it with an artificial joint.
Hip injuries can lead to a number of complications including:
So, if you’re experiencing any of the symptoms we mentioned or think you may have injured your hip, don’t hesitate to give our office a call. We can help diagnose the injury and provide you with the best treatment options available. With early diagnosis and treatment, most hip injuries can be resolved without any long-term problems. However, left untreated, some hip injuries can lead to more serious complications. That’s why it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you suspect you have a hip injury.
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