We can help you relieve hip pain and injury
The hip joint is one of the largest joints in our bodies that provides mobility to our legs and allows directional rotation when sitting and moving.
The hip is a major joint and point of transition from the core of the body to the lower body. The area between the hips is the groin. Between the lower back through the upper legs, the hip and groin area are susceptible to injury that may result from 1) mechanical factors like overuse/ degenerative changes and sport related movement, and 2) forces that are propelled from the legs up through the pelvis or from the upper body down through the legs. The true hip joint is a ball and socket joint where the leg bone (femur) and the hip bone (actually 3 bones fused together – ilium, ishium, and pubis) articulate.
VSMD Approach
At VSMD, we diagnose hip pain and injuries by analyzing medical history, conducting a physical exam, and using imaging such as ultrasound and x-ray. Based on the findings, the doctor may recommend a conservative treatment to reduce pain and allow the hip to heal properly. In case of a tear or fracture, the doctor may prescribe a more involved approach to initiate the healing process.
For most hip issues, a non-surgical regiment with frequent evaluation by the doctor is the best course. At VSMD, we treat each patient through a holistic lens. Our doctors not only evaluate the hip but also accompanying systems.
Causes of Hip Pain and Injury
There are many injuries that can occur at and near the hip joint and all athletes are subject to have injury whether from contact, mis-footing, twisting, or overuse. Below are some common injuries and conditions that affect the knee.
Common Hip conditions treated by VSMD include:
IT Band syndrome
The iliotibial band (“IT band”) is a thick band of fibrous tissue (fascia) that extends down the outside of the upper thigh. It begins at the pelvis, crosses the hip and knee, and attaches just below the outside of the knee. Pain may occur due to friction or rubbing of the IT band against the bone on the outside of the knee. It is one of the most common knee injuries and has been reported in as many as 12 percent of runners. Athletes at risk of developing IT band syndrome are involved in sports like cycling, weightlifting, football, soccer and tennis.
Symptoms of IT band syndrome may include pain on the outer part of the knee with sporting activities, a popping sensation on the outer knee, pain after sitting for long periods of time with the knee bent, and pain that worsens with activities.
greater trochanteric pain syndrome & Trochanteric Bursitis
Greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS) is one of the most common causes of lateral hip pain. These symptoms may be caused by inflamed tendons, muscles, bursa or other structures surrounding the greater trochanter, the large bony prominence on the side of the hip. Women tend to be affected more than men, and onset is most common between the ages of 50 – 75.
GTPS was previously called “trochanteric bursitis,” as it was generally accepted that pain on the side of the hip was caused by inflammation of the trochanteric bursa. Recent ultrasound and MRI studies show that lateral hip pain is more often caused by inflammation in other parts of the hip, such as the gluteal muscle tendons (gluteus maxiumus, medius, and minimus), the head of the femur, or other soft tissue structures.
Symptoms of GTPS may include lateral hip pain, swelling, or stiffness. These symptoms can get worse with walking and/or by applying pressure to the affected side. Pain may prevent sleeping on the affected side.
Hip Flexor Strain
Hip flexors are a group of muscles that allow you to bend at the hip or raise the leg from the hip. Hip flexors attach to the femur (leg bone) and cross the hip joint to attach at the low back and pelvis. A strain of the muscles and tendons can occur due to over-stretch or tearing that can lead to inflammation, pain, and weakness. Injury typically occurs with overuse, especially in sports and activities that involve sprinting, jumping, and kicking; like dance, martial arts, track & field, soccer, and cycling.
Symptoms of hip flexor strain may include pain or soreness in the groin or front of the hip. The pain may also be worsened with lifting the thigh or bending at the waist.
Hip Labrum Injury
The labrum of the hip is a type of cartilage that forms a ring around the socket of the hip joint. Like in the shoulder, the labrum creates a vacuum around the head of the leg bone (the ball of the ball and socket) to help it glide smoothly in place. A major injury like a hip dislocation or even just overuse can cause a labral tear.
Symptoms of labral tears include pain with bending the leg at the hips or with twisting movements. Overuse and injury are more common in sports like hockey, soccer, football, and running. Sitting for prolonged periods of time may be painful. Pain can be associated with clicking or catching in the hip and groin.
Arthritis
Arthritis, osteoarthritis, or degenerative change is a common condition that causes pain, swelling, and reduced motion of the hip. There is not one single cause of arthritis but the joint changes caused by arthritis can increase over time. These changes can be seen as early as the 30s and are much more common with each decade one ages over 50 years old. Arthritis may or may not be painful. When the arthritis gets irritated or inflamed is typically when pain starts. Depending on the severity of the arthritis and pain, there are various treatment options but there is no cure for this disease.
Snapping Hip
Snapping hip is the catching of tendons across the hip joint on movement of the hip. Snapping hip is most common in dancers but also occurs in gymnasts, short distance runners, soccer players, and rowers. It occurs most commonly between the ages of 15 and 35; however, more frequently seen in adolescents. There are two main types of snapping hip: 1) where the iliopsoas tendon rubs over the pelvic bone and causes a snapping or popping that is audible with certain hip movements, and 2) where the IT band rubs over the femur with certain movements of the hip and causes an audible pop or snap.
Symptoms of snapping hip may include tight muscles around the hip joint. The snapping may or may not be painful.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis
Slipped capital femoral epiphysis is a growth plate disturbance seen in youth or pediatric patients. The ball of the ball-and-socket joint of the hip appears to slip from its normal position due to repeated stress and injury to the hip.
Symptoms may include pain in the hip or knee, limping or favoring the painful side, and limited range of motion of the hip and leg.
FAI Syndrome
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a common cause of hip pain that occurs because of an abnormal shape of the ball or socket of the hip joint. The abnormal shape of the bone can result in pinching and rubbing (impingement) that is painful with certain hip movements. Patients with FAI are at risk for tearing the labrum. The labrum is a type of cartilage that forms a ring around the socket of the hip joint. A major injury like a hip dislocation or even just overuse can cause a labral tear.
Symptoms of FAI and labral tears include pain with bending the leg at the hips or with twisting movements. Overuse and injury are more common in sports like hockey, soccer, football, and running. Sitting for prolonged periods of time may be painful. Pain can be associated with clicking or catching in the hip and groin, this is more common when the labrum is also torn.
Athletic Pubalgia
Athletic pubalgia is a cause of groin pain in athletes. It is more common in running, twisting, or kicking sports like soccer, hockey, ruby, and football. Many conditions can cause athletic pubalgia, including tendon strains, nerve injuries, joint problems, and true hernias.
Symptoms typically include pain in the groin region that can radiate towards the stomach or into the thigh and is made worse by sporting activity, coughing, sneezing, or sit-ups.
Saddle Sores
Saddle sores refer to a range of injury commonly seen in cyclists. Saddle sores are thought to develop over time, starting with simple chafing of the skin over the buttocks, genital region, and inner thigh. If ignored, the areas can become open sores, which are a more severe form of injury due to damage to the top layers of skin. Inflammation can also occur around the hair follicles (“folliculitis”) and result in painful bumps on the skin. The most severe sores may grow into an abscess or deep skin infection that may be filled with, or drain, pus.