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Treatments for Hip Pain

The hip joint is the largest ball-and-socket joint in the body. It is fitted in a way that allows gliding movements that can withstand repeated motions. Despite its stability and strength, the hip joint isn’t indestructible. A healthy hip joint comprises of the femur (thigh bone), femoral head, tendons, acetabulum, ligaments and cartilage. If these parts function in harmony, mobility will be easy and painless.

How are Hip Conditions Diagnosed?

Depending on the type of hip condition, diagnosis could involve a series of tests. It may be a visual examination of the hip for deformity and injury. This is done by rotating the leg to look for resistance, popping sensation, or pain.

Other tests include:

  • Medical history
  • Blood tests
  • X-rays
  • Arthrogram
  • Ultrasound scans
  • Bone scans
  • Biopsy

Hip Condition: When is the Right Time to See a Doctor?

For minor hip pain, a little rest and exercise could be all you need. However, you need to see a doctor immediately if:

  • The pain persists for a long time
  • The hip pain developed suddenly
  • The pain was triggered by a fall
  • You heard a popping sound after the fall
  • Your hip joint is deformed or bleeding
  • You find it difficult to move or put any weight your hip or leg.
  • The pain is excruciating

What are the Common Hip Problems that can be Treated by Osteopathy /Physiotherapy?

Bursitis of the Hip

Bursitis of the hip occurs when the fluid-filled sacs, called bursae, become inflamed. Bursae function as a gliding surface to reduce friction during movement. This hip condition can be caused by repeated friction as a result of faulty biomechanics, a sudden impact on the hips, and activities like running or cycling long distances.

Symptoms may include:

  • Deep aching pain at the top of the outer thigh or on the outside of the hip joint.
  • Aggravated pain during normal activities such as walking, climbing, running, prolonged standing, sitting cross-legged, and lying on the hip at night.
  • Stiffness around the hip joint

Chondral Lesions of the Hip

Chondral lesions of the hip occur when the articular cartilage is damaged. The articular cartilage covers the end of the bones in the joint. This tissue helps in reducing friction and allows smooth mobility during movement. These hip conditions can occur from a previous injury, repetitive motion, soft tissue instability, wear and tear, and an abnormality of femoroacetabular impingement.

Symptoms include:

  • Pain
  • Effusion
  • Weak muscles
  • Limited range of motion

Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip socket doesn’t completely cover the ball of the thigh bone. This causes the hip joint to wear out faster and get easily dislocated. This hip condition can have a big impact on your life. It is caused by many factors. Chief among it are genetics, gender (females are more likely to have it) and pregnancy.

Symptoms of hip dysplasia depend on the age of the patient. These signs could start out mild and gradually become intense and frequent.

They include:

  • One hip joint less flexible than the other
  • Hip pain and discomfort in the side or back of the hip.
  • Mild or severe limp
  • Clicking or popping sound in the joint
  • Pain during physical activities

Hip Osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is an injury to a joint caused by the breaking down of cartilage tissue. It causes pain, swelling, and deformity. It is caused by varying factors such as genetics, age, obesity, a previous hip injury and improper anatomy of the hips.

Symptoms include

  • Pain in the thigh or groin, or both
  • Aggravated pain during vigorous activity
  • Stiffness in the hip joint
  • Locking of the joint
  • Grinding noise during movement
  • Reduced range in the movement of the hips which may affect mobility
  • Increased pain during cold weather

Osteoarthritis worsens over time. So, it is essential to identify the condition and treat it fast.

Looking for Osteopaths/Physiotherapists to Help with These Conditions?

Call us immediately on 000000000 to book an appointment if you have any of these symptoms.

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