Hip pain can significantly impact one's quality of life, limiting mobility and affecting daily activities. Understanding the causes and available treatments for hip pain is crucial for effective management.

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Causes of Hip Pain

Osteoarthritis: The most common cause of hip pain, osteoarthritis occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint wears down over time, leading to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

Bursitis: Inflammation of the bursae, small fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint, can cause hip pain.

Tendinitis: Overuse or repetitive stress can lead to tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons around the hip joint.

Hip Labral Tears: These tears occur in the labrum, a ring of cartilage that helps stabilize the hip joint, and can cause hip pain, clicking, or locking sensations.

Hip Fractures: A fracture in the hip, often resulting from a fall or injury, can cause severe pain and require immediate medical attention.

Hip Impingement: Also known as femoroacetabular impingement, this condition occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together properly, causing pain and limited movement.

Other Causes: Other conditions such as hip dysplasia, muscle strains, and referred pain from the lower back or pelvis can also contribute to hip pain.

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Non-Surgical Treatments

Physical Therapy: Specific exercises and stretches can help improve hip strength, flexibility, and reduce pain.

Medications: Over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-inflammatory drugs and corticosteroid injections can provide temporary pain relief.

Assistive Devices: The use of assistive devices like crutches, canes, or walkers can alleviate pressure on the hip joint and aid in mobility.

Lifestyle Modifications: Maintaining a healthy weight, engaging in low-impact exercises, and avoiding activities that worsen hip pain can promote healing and reduce discomfort.

Heat and Cold Therapy: Applying heat or cold packs to the affected area can help reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Alternative Therapies: Options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care, and massage therapy may provide pain relief and improve hip function for some individuals.

Surgical Treatments

When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, surgical intervention may be necessary to address the underlying causes of hip pain. The following are some common surgical treatments used to alleviate hip pain:

Hip Arthroscopy: Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that uses small incisions and a tiny camera called an arthroscope to diagnose and treat various hip conditions. It allows the surgeon to visualize and repair damaged structures within the hip joint, such as labral tears, loose bodies, and cartilage damage. This procedure is less invasive than traditional open surgery and typically results in faster recovery times.

Total Hip Replacement (THR): Total hip replacement, also known as hip arthroplasty, is a surgical procedure in which the damaged parts of the hip joint are replaced with artificial components made of metal, ceramic, or plastic. It is commonly performed for severe hip arthritis, fractures, or other conditions causing significant pain and limited mobility. THR can provide long-lasting pain relief and improve joint function, allowing patients to resume their normal activities.

Partial Hip Replacement: In some cases, only a part of the hip joint may be damaged, requiring a partial hip replacement. This procedure involves replacing either the femoral head (ball) or the acetabulum (socket) with an artificial component while preserving the healthy portions of the joint.

Hip Resurfacing: Hip resurfacing is an alternative to total hip replacement, particularly suitable for younger and more active patients. In this procedure, the damaged surface of the femoral head is removed and replaced with a metal cap, while the socket is lined with a metal cup. Hip resurfacing preserves more bone compared to total hip replacement, which may be beneficial for future revision surgeries.

Hip Osteotomy: Hip osteotomy is a procedure that involves reshaping or repositioning the hip joint to correct biomechanical abnormalities and redistribute weight-bearing forces. It is often performed to treat conditions such as hip dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). By altering the alignment of the hip joint, hip osteotomy can relieve pain and delay or prevent the need for a total hip replacement.

Revision Hip Surgery: In cases where previous hip surgeries have failed or complications have arisen, revision hip surgery may be necessary. This procedure involves removing and replacing the previously implanted components to address issues such as implant wear, instability, infection, or fracture.

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It is important to note that the choice of surgical treatment depends on several factors, including the underlying cause of hip pain, the severity of the condition, the patient's age, overall health, and lifestyle.

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We suggest a thorough evaluation by one of our orthopaedic specialists to determine the most appropriate approach for you.

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