Arthritis refers to the degeneration of joint cartilage. It is more common in the hands, but it can also occur in the hips, leading to pain and stiffness.
Hip
At Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport, we understand and recognize the importance of having healthy hips. The hip region is a complex part of the body that requires special attention and care. Our experienced physical medicine and rehabilitation (PM&R) specialists are committed to providing you with the most ideal hip treatment for you.
What Makes up the Hip Region?
Understanding the anatomy of the hip is important for helping you to determine the best ways of addressing your hip pain. It also allows you to prevent further hip-related problems that might occur. The hip is comprised of the following elements:
Bone
The hip bone combines with the thigh bone and pelvis to create what is referred to as a ball and socket joint.
Cartilage
Cartilage covers the joint’s surfaces and allows for smoother movement.
Ligaments
These are strong bands that connect bones together and help to provide strength and structure.
Tissue
Muscles, tendons, and other soft tissue play a role in supporting the functionality of the hip joint.
Causes Of Hip Pain
There are various factors that can contribute to hip pain. Understanding the cause of your hip pain will help you and your doctor develop an appropriate treatment plan. Here are some of the most common causes of hip pain:
This is a less common but still important cause of hip pain. Bursitis is defined as inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
Though uncommon, it’s possible for the hip to become displaced from its socket. This can be incredibly painful, and typically, you are unable to walk until the hip is repositioned.
Infections, particularly in the joints, can cause inflammation and discomfort, which can contribute to hip pain.
In some circumstances, hip pain could be the result of an injury. Hip fractures are one of the most common hip injuries, and they are typically caused by some sort of trauma (like falling). The elderly are particularly at risk for hip injuries. Labral tears are also fairly common and are usually caused by repetitive movements or trauma to the hip. Many athletes experience this type of injury.
The process of aging can contribute to hip pain. Over time, bones lose their density and joints become stiff, which can lead to pain.
Sometimes hip pain is caused by the burden of excessive body weight. Carrying or lifting heavy items improperly can also strain the hip.
Hip Pain Treatment Options
Determining the best course of action for treating hip pain is vital to a speedy recovery. At Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport, we offer a great range of treatment options in order to effectively reduce hip pain. These include, but are not limited to:
Acupuncture
This traditional holistic medicine technique promotes natural healing by helping relax specific areas of the body. When the nerves around your hip are stimulated, tight muscles are released and inflammation is suppressed, allowing for more blood flow.
Physical therapy
Physical therapy is a form of treatment that includes the prescription of certain exercises, manipulations, and assistive devices to improve functionality. It can be performed in conjunction with other treatments to reduce pain and increase mobility.
Cortisone or perineural injections
Steroids are anti-inflammatory drugs. They can be injected into the hip to reduce inflammation and alleviate strain on the joint. They can also be injected directly into affected nerves.
Regenerative injections
Receiving regenerative injections is one of the more modern solutions for treating hip pain. It’s an innovative treatment that harnesses the body's own healing mechanisms to achieve the desired result. When the regenerative cells are injected, they attach to the damaged tissue surrounding joints. They begin producing more cells, which eventually heals the tissue and reduces pain.
When Hip Surgery Might Be Required
Severe cases of hip pain may require surgery. You may also consider hip surgery if you’ve exhausted all other possibilities for treatment. Furthermore, in the event of an emergency, such as a serious injury to your hip area, it might be necessary to take immediate and definitive action by way of hip surgery.
Hip surgery can be rather intense, so you should consult with the Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport team before deciding to pursue this course of treatment.
Take Control of Your Hip Health
If you are experiencing hip pain, contact Rocky Mountain Spine and Sport today. Our caring, skillful providers will help you develop a treatment plan that reduces your pain and improves the quality of your life.