Effective treatment for common sources of hip pain and mobility problems

Our hip joints connect the upper body to the lower limbs, making them indispensable to nearly any basic movement. We need strong, stable and functioning hips in order to stand, walk and sit, let alone run or jump. However, due to their frequent usage and the stress they endure, there is a wide array of injuries and conditions that can lead to debilitating hip pain.

Not only can hip pain impede mobility, but it can also cause persistent discomfort while sitting or laying down. Many people with chronic hip pain also have trouble sleeping, which can seriously disrupt quality of life and potentially worsen symptoms. Fortunately, if you are suffering from hip pain, there are effective treatment options.

A great first step on any treatment journey is educating yourself as a patient. Whether you have received a professional diagnosis or you are researching potential causes before you meet with a physician, learning about hip function and sources of pain can be highly beneficial. We hope the following information can help you be more engaged as a patient and work more closely with your doctor as you seek relief.

Basic hip anatomy

The hip joints are two ball and socket joints that connect part of the pelvis, called the acetabulum, to the upper leg bones, or femurs. Like many joints in the body, the hips are synovial joints, meaning they are each surrounded by synovial membranes that help lubricate the joint surface, allowing for smooth movement. The joint surface is also covered by a protective layer of cartilage that works with the synovial fluid to ease friction and stabilize the joint.

There are two groups of ligaments that connect the bones of the hip and allow for flexibility. These are the intracapsular ligament and the extracapsular ligaments. Stabilizing and facilitating mobility in the hip are anterior and posterior muscles that surround both the acetabulum and the femur. Another key structure is the acetabulur labrum, which is a ring of cartilage roughly shaped like a horseshoe that provides depth and stability to the hip socket.

Hip pain and immobility explained

The hips are major load-bearing joints, and while they are built to withstand a high degree of stress, they are still prone to a high degree of injury and age-related degeneration. Because of the intricate movements and rotations required of the hip, injuries can occur as the result of repetitive movements and immediate trauma. Postural and mechanical problems can sometimes increase the strain on the hips, making certain injuries more likely.

However, possibly the biggest contributor to hip problems is the natural aging process. Over time, our bones become weaker and the connective tissue and cartilage that stabilizes the hips and helps to reduce friction can dry out and become brittle. These factors are extremely common contributors to the specific conditions and injuries, particularly inflammatory arthritis, that result in hip pain.

Hip conditions treated by the orthopedic experts at USA Spine Care

Patients who come to USA Spine Care are typically seeking relief after being diagnosed with the following conditions:

• Hip arthritis — Arthritis is a broad term describing joint inflammation that results in pain, stiffness and other symptoms. Due to the repetitive stress the hips endure every day, hip arthritis is an extremely common form of this condition.

• Osteoarthritis of the hip — Osteoarthritis is the most common form of arthritis and is caused by the natural breakdown of joint cartilage due to aging. As the cartilage wears down, it causes increased bone on bone contact and the inflammation that results in arthritis symptoms.

• Rheumatoid arthritis of the hip — Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease, which is when the body’s immune system attacks healthy joint tissue.

• Hip fractures — Hip fractures due to falls are a very common source of hip pain and disability among the elderly. Although hip fractures can happen to people of any age, the risk increases as we get older due to bones becoming more brittle over time.

• Other causes of hip pain — The hips are prone to a wide array of injuries and conditions, including bursitis, muscle strains, ligament sprains and labral tears.

Hip pain can be progressive and patients require individualized treatment based on their specific condition and medical history. This is why it is so important to seek professional diagnosis and treatment that is tailored to your lifestyle and treatment goals.

Start your journey toward hip pain relief pain today

At USA Spine Care, we’re passionate about helping people find effective treatments for many of the common causes of hip pain.Our experienced, multidisciplinary treatment team can perform a spectrum of conservative treatment options including injections and physical therapy. By delivering highly personalized care, we can help people achieve the outcome that is right for their treatment and lifestyle goals.

Contact us today to learn more. Call toll free 1-866-249-1627.