Hip disorder symptoms vary based on the affected joint part and cause, with common signs like hip pain, limited movement, limping (difficulty in walking), muscle stiffness, referred leg pain, and pain during weight bearing.
The hip joint is durable but not indestructible. The cartilage may deteriorate or break down with age and use. Overuse of the hip’s muscles and tendons is possible. Hip bones may fracture as a result of an injury or fall. Hip discomfort may result from any of these illnesses. Various factors can lead to hip joint injuries and disorders
Frequent causes include:
- Arthritis (destruction of cartilage and bone ends)
- Tendonitis (inflammation of tendons)
- muscle strain (tear in muscle fibers)
- Bone fractures
- Congenital (by birth) anomalies
- Snapping hip syndrome (Popping sound when you walk)
Hip joint disorders can compromise mobility and cause chronic (long-term) pain. Therefore, early diagnosis is very crucial for a successful treatment plan. There are a variety of methods that may be used to diagnose a potential hip disorder.
Diagnostic methods used are:
- Bone x-ray,
- MRI
- Hip ultrasound
- Musculoskeletal ultrasound
- Hip arthroscopy
- Biopsy
- Bone scan
Hip pain can be treated at home with a break from routine physical work and by using anti-inflammatory medications. Treatment of hip disorders is designed according to the severity and nature of the disease.
Non-surgical treatment is preferred in comparison to surgical treatment. Hip pain can be prevented by wearing protective clothing during sports, through rest periods, warm-up and cool-down stretches. RICE protocol can be used at home which includes rest, ice, compression, and elevation. Rest is recommended to boost the healing process.10 to 15 minutes of ice therapy on the first day can reduce swelling and pain. Compression can remove the extra fluid from the injury site thus reducing swelling. Elevation is beneficial in increasing venous drainage. Pain and inflammation are controlled by the use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Cortisone (steroids) injections are also used to relieve pain and inflammation. Physical therapy sessions can be provided to increase the range of motion and strengthen muscles.
Surgical treatment Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure that includes chondroplasty, arthrotomy, osteotomy, and labral debridement. In partial hip replacement, your orthopedic surgeon replaces the damaged femur head with an artificial head mostly made up of ceramic or metal. Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA), or Total Hip Replacement (THR) is a complex surgical procedure that excises the damaged hip joint and cartilage and replaces it with a prosthetic hip joint. Typically, the patient recovers and returns to normal activities within 6 weeks of surgery.
