If you’re like most people, you probably take your hips for granted. But did you know that hip injuries are surprisingly common? In fact, the National Institute of Health reports that millions of Americans experience hip pain every year. So if you’re one of them, don’t despair – there is hope! This article will discuss some of the most common hip injuries and their treatment options.
Bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursa) that cushion the bones, tendons, and muscles near your joints become inflamed. The hip joint is a common site of bursitis. Bursitis in the hip can cause pain on the inside of your hip joint.
Bursitis is often caused by repetitive motions or positions that put stress on the bursa. These include activities such as running, squatting, climbing stairs or leaning over a counter for long periods of time. Bursitis can also occur from an injury or infection.
The most common symptoms of bursitis include:
Treatment for bursitis often includes a combination of self-care measures and medical treatment. Self-care measures include:
Medical treatment may include:
A hip fracture is a common injury that can happen to anyone but is most common in older adults. It occurs when the top of the thighbone (femur) breaks, usually from a fall. Hip fractures can cause severe pain and make it difficult to move around.
There are several different types of hip fractures, depending on where the break occurs:
Symptoms of a hip fracture may include:
If you think you have a hip fracture, it is important to see a doctor right away. Hip fractures can be very serious, especially in older adults. Treatment usually involves surgery to fix the broken bone.
Hip strains are common among athletes who participate in sports that involve running or jumping. The most common type of hip strain is a groin strain, which occurs when the muscles and tendons around the hip joint are stretched beyond their normal range of motion. Groin strains can be very painful and may cause swelling, bruising, and weakness in the affected leg.
Hip tears are another common type of hip injury. They can occur in any of the tissues that support the hip joint, including the muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Hip tears can be caused by sudden trauma, such as a fall or car accident, or they can develop over time from repetitive stress on the hip joint.
Piriformis syndrome is a common hip injury that results from the inflammation of the piriformis muscle. This muscle is located in the buttocks and helps to stabilize the hip joint. When the muscle becomes inflamed, it can compress the sciatic nerve, which runs through the buttocks and down the leg. This can cause pain, numbness, and tingling in the leg and buttock.
Treatment for piriformis syndrome typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to release the pressure on the sciatic nerve.
A hamstring strain is a common injury that occurs when one of the muscles in the back of the thigh is stretched beyond its capacity. This can happen during activities that require sudden bursts of speed, such as sprinting or jumping. Hamstring strains can range from mild to severe, depending on the extent of the muscle damage.
Treatment for a hamstring strain typically includes rest, ice, and physical therapy. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the damaged muscle.
Hip tendonitis is the inflammation of one or more tendons around the hip joint. The most common type of hip tendonitis is iliopsoas tendinitis, which affects the iliopsoas muscle. This muscle is responsible for bringing your thigh and trunk together. Other types of hip tendonitis include gluteus medius tendinitis, gluteus minimus tendinitis, and tensor fasciae latae tendinitis.
Symptoms of hip tendonitis include pain in the hip that worsens with activity, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Treatment typically involves rest, icing, and anti-inflammatory medication. In some cases, physical therapy may be necessary to stretch and strengthen the muscles and tendons around the hip joint.
If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Hip injuries can cause a lot of pain and discomfort and can take a long time to heal if left untreated. However, early diagnosis and treatment often lead to a successful outcome. So don’t wait – call us today and let us help you get on the road to recovery.
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