What are the causes of hip pain?
The most likely causes of hip pain are:
Osteoarthritis (OA)
Osteoarthritis is a wear-and-tear condition in which the cartilage that cushions your hip slowly wears away. As a result, the bone ends rub together when you move the joint, and the synovium (a fluid-filled capsule surrounding the hip) becomes inflamed.
The ends of the bones may thicken due to friction, and you might develop bone spurs at the edges of the joint.
Hip fractures
A hip fracture typically affects the top of your femur (thigh bone), where it angles toward your hip joint. Hip fractures are common among older people, especially those with osteoporosis, a condition where you lose bone density. Hip fractures are usually exceptionally painful.
Labral Tears
The labrum is a cartilage ring around the hip socket and can tear, causing painful motion along with occasional popping symptoms.
Bursitis
Bursitis is a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs (bursae) on the areas where muscles and tendons slide across the bones in your hip joint. Trochanteric bursitis (greater trochanteric pain syndrome or GTPS) affects the bursa by the head of your femur, causing them to become sore and swollen.
GTPS may be a symptom of conditions like iliotibial band syndrome, gluteal tendon infections, or uneven leg length, or it may develop for no identifiable reason.
Avascular necrosis (AVN)
AVN results from a loss of blood flow in your hip bone that can lead to bone death and severe loss of function.
How is hip pain treated?
The primary treatments at Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine for most causes of hip pain include:
- Rest and activity modification
- NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs)
- Physical therapy
- Steroid injections to reduce swelling
- Orthotic inserts (for people with flat feet)
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections
- Hip Arthroscopy
You can help prevent bursitis by performing strengthening exercises on your core and hips.
Dr. Bostick decides which approach is best for you after conducting a thorough evaluation of your medical history, lifestyle, and current condition.
Would I need surgery for hip pain?
Severe injuries like fractures and conditions that aren't improving using conservative methods might require surgery. In hip fracture surgery, Dr. Bostick realigns the ends of the bones and may secure them with metal screws, pins, rods, or plates.
Other procedures Dr. Bostick performs include:
- Bursectomy (surgical removal of the bursa)
- Core decompression
- Hip arthroscopy
- Labral repair
Find the best solution for your hip pain by calling Metairie Orthopedics & Sports Medicine or booking an appointment online today.
