Managing Hip Pain

Treatment Options for Hip Pain

The hip is the largest ball and socket joint in the human body. It also gets the most use since we use our hips to get out of bed, sit in a chair, walk, run, and do just about any other activity you can imagine. As a result, millions of people experience hip pain that can range from mild to severe. Sometimes, it is an occasional occurrence, but it can progress into a persistent pain in the hip joint, thigh, groin, or buttocks. Hip pain is typically due to swelling and inflammation from wear and tear on the cartilage and underlying tissues in the joint due to arthritis, which is why it is often associated with aging. However, it is also a common complaint among athletes, especially when they start playing sports at an early age.

What is Arthritis?

Arthritis is a disease that causes swelling, pain, or stiffness in the joint. It can occur at any stage of life, including in children (juvenile arthritis). There are several types of arthritis, but osteoarthritis (OA) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is the most common causes of hip pain. It often occurs due to the gradual breakdown of the soft tissues and cartilage causing friction between the hip bones and swelling and inflammation. As a result, it may be painful and challenging to stand up, bend, sit down, or walk, depending on the severity.

Causes of Arthritis

Several conditions can cause Arthritis, including:

Osteoarthritis: The wearing down of cartilage that lubricates and cushions the joint.
Rheumatoid Arthritis: An autoimmune disorder that damages the synovial membrane surrounding the joint.
Bone/Joint Fracture: Bone or joint fractures can increase the risk of developing arthritis.
Joint Injury: Injury to the cartilage, tendons, or connective tissue can also lead to arthritis.
Viral Infection: Some viruses such as Hepatitis (A&B viruses), Parvovirus B19, and Rubella can cause arthritis.
In addition, a person’s age, weight, history of a previous injury, and other medical conditions can also cause hip pain and arthritis.

Signs of Arthritis in Your Hip

Some of the signs of hip pain due to arthritis include:

A dull to throbbing pain in the hip joint
Swelling and tenderness
Joint stiffness
Misaligned joints
A popping, cracking or grinding noise (crepitus) when moving the hip

Managing hip pain can come in the form of injections, lifestyle changes, physical therapy or surgery.

Dangers/Risk Factors

Arthritis is a degenerative disease that will continue to worsen as you age or gain weight and continue your physical activities without adequate treatment. It can also become a disability that limits mobility. There is also an increased danger of a fall or injury that could fracture the hip or cause additional damage to the cartilage, connective tissue, and tendons.

Treatments for Hip Pain

There is no cure for arthritis, but with a proper medical evaluation, diagnosis, and effective treatment, the trained orthopaedic specialists at 3D Sports Medicine can help restore your mobility so you can participate in the activities you enjoy without pain.

Pain Medication: Depending on your condition, our doctors, may prescribe pain medications, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation due to arthritis. Keep in mind that over-the-counter NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen are not indicated for long-term use. Consult a physician if you have chronic or persistent joint pain that lasts for more than ten days.

Physical Therapy: Working with a trained physical therapist for several weeks to rehabilitate the hip joint through exercise and conditioning can significantly reduce pain and swelling and improve mobility.

Cortisone Shots: Injecting cortisone into the hip lubricates the joint, reducing pain, friction, and stiffness. It is a very common and effective treatment option for providing joint pain relief. 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center offers a Synvisc-One® one injection that uses hyaluronic acid to lubricate the hip joint for more extended pain relief.

Joint Replacement: In some cases, hip replacement surgery that implants a prosthetic hip in the joint, may be recommended to relieve pain and restore your range of motion.

Other Causes of Joint Pain

There are many other causes and even medical conditions that can cause joint pain, that include, but are not limited to:

Lack of exercise
Obesity
Smoking
Bursitis
Depression
Fibromyalgia
Hypothyroidism
Tendonitis

Common Injuries

Knee Injuries
Meniscal tears
Cartilage Repair
Shoulder Dislocations

Shoulder Impingement
SLAP Tears
Labral Tears
Rotator Cuff Repair
Elbow Injuries

Ankle Injuries
Ankle Sprains/Fractures
Achilles Tendon Repairs
Hip Injuries/Labral Injuries

Trauma/Fractures
Wrist Fractures
Patella Fractures
Clavicle Fractures
Pediatric Fractures
Total Joint Replacement
Arthritis
PRP

Shoulder

There are a number of causes for shoulder pain. The shoulder is one of the most flexible joints and therefore is prone to injury. Shoulder pain occurs when soft tissues (Muscle, tendon, labrum & Ligaments) are injured or overused. The shoulder is prone to instability and even to dislocations which may require extensive rehabilitation or surgery. As well, years of use along with other medical conditions can cause stiffness, bursitis, rotator cuff tears, frozen shoulder, or even arthritis. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic shoulder problems. Should you need surgery Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Hip

As weight bearing joints your hips are highly susceptible to arthritis and surgery, including sports injuries and work related injuries. Characterized by joint deterioation and movement limitation, hip injuries and conditions can be especially painful and debilitating. Non-Surgical treatment of hip problems may include physical therapy and injections. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic, degenerative and traumatic hip problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Ankle

Ankle injuries like fractures and sprains are common sports related injuries. An Ankle fracture is the break of one or more of the bones in the ankle. If treated appropriately either by casting or with surgery, one can anticipate a full recovery. Ankle Sprains are when the foot rolls, turns or twists, beyond its normal abilities. Ankle sprains typically occur when the foot lands in an odd position and with great force, causing stretched ligaments and sometimes tears. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez is fellowship trained in Sports Medicine and Arthroscopic Surgery with specific expertise in diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic ankle problems. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is in the latest minimally invasive surgical techniques geared to expedite your recovery.

Trauma/Fracture

A fracture is a medical condition in which there is a break in the continuity of the bone. Inappropriate treatment or neglect of fracture care could lead to permanent deformity and disability. Dr. David Dominguez has specific training and experience treating complex fractures. Prior to completing his sports medicine fellowship, he worked as an orthopaedic traumatologist at Holmes Regional Medical Center. We treat both adult and pediatric patients who have sustained injuries sustained during auto accidents, sports related, life threatening falls etc. At 3D Sports Medicine & Orthopaedic Center, Dr. David Dominguez, fellowship trained in Sports Medicine, have specific, expertise diagnosing and treating a broad spectrum of athletic and traumatic injuries. We have state of the art casting, splinting, and bracing available. Should you need surgery, Dr. Dominguez is skilled in the most advanced minimally invasive surgical procedures to maximize your recovery.

If your are experiencing pain relating to these common injuries above,
please contact 3D Sports Medicine and Orthopaedic Center to schedule an appointment today.