Hip Injuries – Causes and Symptoms
Various injuries to the hip can be the cause of pain, which is generally closely related to lower back pain. However, there are many other factors that can contribute to hip pain.
Trauma
Several types of hip injuries occur, ranging from simple strains to severe hip dislocations. The main cause of these injuries is trauma. They can occur from falls, motor vehicle accidents, or sports. The symptoms of hip injuries include pain, swelling, and a decreased range of motion. If you’ve suffered from a hip injury, you should be evaluated to determine the severity of the injury.
Hip strains are common sports injuries that happen when muscles surrounding the hip become strained beyond the limit. Most strains are treated nonsurgically, but more severe cases may require surgery. In addition to relieving pain, the goal of medical treatment for muscle strains is to restore the range of motion.
Hip strains can occur from a fall, a hard hit during contact sports, or an insufficient warm-up before a sports activity. They can also be caused by overstretching muscles or stretching the ligaments around the hip.
Hip bursitis is a painful condition that occurs when the bursae in the hip become swollen. Bursae are jelly-like sacs that cushion the hip joint and reduce friction between the bone.
Osteoporosis
Having osteoporosis can lead to painful hip injuries. These injuries can have an effect on your life. The symptoms can vary, and they may be disabling. If you have osteoporosis, your doctor can help you. There are several things you can do to prevent these injuries.
Getting a calcium supplement can help rebuild your bones. Your doctor may also prescribe medications that slow down the natural process of bone loss. You may be advised to avoid weight-bearing activities or use walking aids.
If you have osteoporosis, it is important to contact your doctor as soon as possible. You can also use a free telephone helpline. This will allow you to get support and answers if you have questions about your condition.
Transient osteoporosis of the hip (TOH) is a condition in which a part of the hip joint loses its bone density. It can have a sudden onset and pain can increase for several months. The symptoms usually lessen as time passes.
The condition usually resolves on its own within six to 12 months. However, if you are experiencing a lot of pain, talk to your doctor. You can also use medications to reduce the pain.
Osteoarthritis
Symptoms of osteoarthritis in the hip can include pain, stiffness, swelling, and limited mobility. Although there is no cure, treatment can help relieve pain, and improve mobility.
Hip arthritis is caused by wear and tear on the hip joint, which is also known as the ball-and-socket joint. The hip joint is made up of a ball at the top of the thigh bone, called the femoral head, and a socket at the bottom of the femur called the acetabulum. The ball allows the leg to move forward, while the acetabulum allows the leg to rotate.
Hip osteoarthritis may be caused by an injury, or by inflammatory disorders. The most common form is osteoarthritis, which is a degenerative joint disease. The symptoms of hip arthritis typically appear slowly and gradually increase over time.
The pain caused by osteoarthritis is usually worse with movement, such as walking or standing. Exercise may help reduce symptoms. It is also important to avoid activities that increase pain. These may include sports and jumping, and it is also advisable to wear shock-absorbing shoes.
Rheumatoid arthritis
Often referred to as rheumatoid arthritis, RA is a chronic inflammatory disease that affects both hips. It can lead to bone erosion, joint deformity, and other symptoms. Symptoms often begin in middle age or later. RA can also affect other joints.
RA is caused by the body’s immune system attacking healthy tissue. Specifically, the synovium, the lining of the hip joint, release substances that attack articular cartilage, which is the tissue that provides a smooth surface and helps the bone and joint to move easily.
Symptoms of hip arthritis include stiffness and pain. Pain can be worse after periods of inactivity or activity that involves high impact. Treatment includes anti-inflammatory medications, hot and cold compresses, and gentle exercises.
If your RA symptoms are severe, you may need to undergo a hip replacement. This surgery removes the damaged cartilage from the hip joint.
Another treatment option is to use corticosteroids to reduce pain. These medications are often injected into the joint. They are very effective in reducing pain. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may also prescribe other drugs.
Bursitis
Often, bursitis in hip injuries occurs due to repetitive use. For example, you may have injured your hip while running. It can also happen due to an accident, such as falling on your hip or bumping into a table.
In most cases, hip bursitis can be treated by non-surgical methods. For example, the use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can reduce inflammation. Physical therapy can also be helpful to increase mobility and decrease pain.
Bursitis can also be treated with a corticosteroid injection, which can reduce swelling and pain. You can have the procedure done in your doctor’s office. However, you should be aware that too many injections can damage the tissues around your hip. If your pain returns after a few months, you may need to have another shot.
Other methods include ice, ultrasound, and heat. The use of ice will numb the area and reduce inflammation. You should ice the affected area for at least 20 minutes. Having the bursa drained is another way to relieve pain.
A physical therapist will help you develop a treatment plan. You may need to focus on specific movements or movements to help reduce the pain.
Iliopsoas tendonitis
Symptoms associated with iliopsoas tendonitis include pain in the groin or hip, a sensation of tightness in the hip, and a limited range of motion. It may also be felt in the lower back or buttocks.
Injuries of the iliopsoas tendon may occur spontaneously or as a result of trauma. Ruptures are typically caused by eccentric contraction of the muscle. The iliopsoas tendon is located at the front of the hip socket. It is composed of the psoas major and minor muscles.
The psoas tendon originates from the hip bone and ends in the upper part of the thigh bone. It is usually flush against the anterior capsule. When there is a tear of the psoas tendon, a snapping or clicking sound can be heard. Inflammation of the iliopsoas bursa can also occur. Symptoms include pain in the hip, groin, or lower back when raising the leg.
A patient may be referred to a physician for imaging studies to rule out other causes of symptoms. Imaging studies can include radiographs or MRI exams. MRI exams can reveal intraarticular pathology, bone growth, and other conditions.
Femoroacetabular impingement
During physical movement, a hip bone called the femur and a socket called the acetabulum to come together. If these bones are not aligned properly, friction can damage the articular cartilage, which helps stabilize the hip joint. When friction builds up, it can lead to arthritis.
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which a hip bone comes too close to the acetabulum. This causes tearing of the hip’s supporting cartilage. It is a common condition that can cause hip pain. In some cases, surgery can alleviate the pain. Other treatments include pain relievers, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and physical therapy.
The symptoms of FAI include pain in the groin, buttock, hip, and leg. These symptoms may worsen with bending, sitting, or athletic activities. Patients may also experience stiffness in the front of the hip. X-rays can be used to detect structural abnormalities in the hip joint. Diagnostic imaging tests are available at NYU Langone Medical Center.
The labrum is a ring of fibrocartilage that forms a tight seal around the acetabulum. The labrum acts as a bumper to protect the joint and provide stability. If the labrum is pinched or torn, it can cause tears in the joint.
Labral tears
Symptoms of a hip labral tear include pain, clicking or locking in the joint, and feelings of instability. Patients may also experience feelings of weakness. Hip labral tears are often associated with traumatic injuries, such as falls, and are believed to be caused by microtrauma.
X-rays and MRIs can be used to diagnose a hip labral tear. An x-ray will detect any abnormalities in the hip joint, and MRI will detect any soft tissue tears around the bone. If X-rays and MRI do not show any signs of a tear, a CT scan may be ordered.
Nonsurgical treatments may be used to reduce pain and restore range of motion. Surgical treatment options may be needed to repair a hip labral tear.
Nonsurgical treatments may include rest, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and exercise. Physical therapy can help strengthen hip muscles and reduce pain. A cortisone injection can be used to reduce pain for up to a month.
Surgery may be necessary for more serious tears. Hip arthroscopy can be used to repair torn labrum tissue. Surgery will involve two or three small incisions around the hip joint. An arthroscope will be inserted through one of the incisions. The surgeon will then stitch the torn labrum together.
Health Sources:
Health A to Z. (n.d.). HSE.ie. https://www2.hse.ie/az/
U.S. National Library of Medicine. (n.d.). https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/
Directory Health Topics. (n.d.). https://www.healthline.com/directory/topics
Health A-Z. (2022, April 26). Verywell Health. https://www.verywellhealth.com/health-a-z-4014770
Harvard Health. (2015, November 17). Health A to Z. https://www.health.harvard.edu/health-a-to-z
Health Conditions A-Z Sitemap. (n.d.). EverydayHealth.com. https://www.everydayhealth.com/conditions/
