Get Relief From Hip Pain

A hip fracture is a break in the top of the femur (thighbone) where the bone angles toward the hip joint. If the break occurs within two inches of the joint, it is called a femoral neck fracture. If it occurs between two and four inches from the joint, it is known as an intertrochanteric fracture. (A break further down the bone is classified as a broken femur rather than a broken hip.) Femoral neck fractures require more extensive surgery.

Hip fractures usually make it too painful for the person to stand. The leg may may turn outward or shorten. They generally require hospitalization and surgical repair.

A person's risk for suffering a hip fracture increases if he or she is over 65, female, or small-boned; has a family history of hip fractures; has osteoporosis or low calcium, which leads to bone weakness; smokes or uses alcohol excessively; is physically or mentally impaired; or takes medications that cause weakness or dizziness. Hip fractures are a common and serious problem for the elderly, for whom a simple fall in the home may be enough to break the bone.

The hip socket, or acetabulum, is covered with a layer of cartilage called the labrum, which cushions and deepens the socket to help stabilize the joint. The labrum may tear due to a traumatic injury (e.g. hip dislocation), repetitive movement (e.g. twisting or pivoting, such as in golf) or tissue degeneration (e.g. osteoarthritis or hip impingement). Athletes who play certain sports, such as ice hockey, soccer or football, may be at an increasing risk of a labral tear.

Sometimes, a labral tear causes no symptoms and doesn't require treatment. However, tears may cause pain in the hip as well as stiffness, limited motion, and a sense that the joint is locking, clicking or catching.

Treatment for a labral tear depends on the severity of the injury and associated symptoms. Many patients are able to recover within a few weeks through anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. More severe injuries may require surgery to remove the torn piece of labrum or to sew the torn pieces back together. These procedures can be performed arthroscopically, and are usually indicated for patients whose pain has not improved after more than four weeks.

Bursitis is a common condition that involves an inflammation of the bursa, the fluid-filled sacs within the joints that allow muscles and tendons to move smoothly over the bones. Overuse, injury and surgical procedures can lead to swelling and inflammation within these structures, which then result in severe pain and tenderness in the hip, which tends to worsen with movement.

Treatment for bursitis aims to relieve inflammation and allow patients to maintain painless movement and an active lifestyle. This can be done through conservative methods such as medication, ice and draining fluid from the inflamed bursa. Other patients may benefit from cortisone injections administered directly into the hip to relieve pain, as well as physical therapy and stretching to strengthen the muscles and tendons in the hip for smoother movement.

Surgery is rarely needed to treat hip bursitis, but may involve a bursectomy, or removal of the bursa, which can be performed arthroscopically. This procedure is performed on an outpatient basis, with patients usually only requiring crutches for a few days. Dr. Lager will determine the best treatment for your individual condition after a thorough examination.