Hip Pain
Hip pain is common problem, and it can be confusing because there are many causes. It is important to make an accurate diagnosis of the cause of your symptoms so that appropriate treatment can be directed at the underlying problem. If you have hip pain, some common causes include:
Lumbar Pain - Referred Symptoms
Many back and spine problems can cause symptoms around the buttocks and hip. The most common problems that refer pain to the hip region are mechanical back pain/strains, herniated discs and sciatica. These conditions are commonly treated successfully with Chirorpactic care and few patients actually have a problem with their hip.
Muscle Strains
Strains of the muscles around the hip and pelvis can cause pain and spasm. The most common strains are groin pulls and hamstring strains.
Arthritis
Arthritis is among the most frequent causes of hip pain, and there are many treatments available. Medication can slow the onset and help deal with inflammation, Chiropractic can help deal with the symptoms, ie the associated muscle aches, pains and stiffness. If conservative treatments such as chiropractic fail, hip replacement surgery is an option, however many of our paitients are able to delay surgery for years if not all together with management of their muscle aches and pains.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis is an extremely common problem that causes inflammation of the bursa over the outside of the hip joint.
Tendonitis
Tendonitis can occur in any of the tendons that surround the hip joint. The most frequently encountered tendonitis around the hip is iliotibial band (IT band) tendonitis.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis is a condition that occurs when blood flow to an area of bone is restricted. If an inadequate amount of blood flow reaches the bone, the cells will die and the bone may collapse. One of the most common places for osteonecrosis to occur is in the hip joint.
Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome is a word used to describe three distinct hip problems. The first is when the IT band snaps over the outside of the thigh. The second occurs when the deep hip flexor snaps over the front of the hip joint. Finally, tears of the cartilage, or labrum, around the hip socket can cause a snapping sensation.
Hip Fracture
Hip fractures are most common in elderly patients with osteoporosis. Treatment of broken hips requires surgery to either replace the broken portion or repair it with a metal plate and screws.
Stress fractures of the hip are most common in athletes who participate in high-impact sports, such as long distance runners. Treatment usually is successful by avoiding the impact activities.
Childhood Hip Problems:
Developmental Dysplasia
When the hips are dislocated or out of position in infancy, the joint may not develop properly. While this is not usually painful as a child, it will lead to early arthritis and problems with walking.
Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease
Also called Perthes disease, this is a problem similar to osteonecrosis (see above) but in childhood. If severe, it can lead to permanent damage to this hip joint and early arthritis. Some common treatments for hip pain are listed here. Not all of these treatments are appropriate for every condition, but they may be helpful in your situation.
Chiropractic:
Chiropractic is an important aspect of treatment of almost all orthopedic conditions. Our Chiropractors use a combination of different techniques and skills to increase strength, regain mobility, and help return patients to their pre-injury level of activity.
Ice and Heat Application:
Ice packs and heat pads are among the most commonly used treatments for hip pain. So which one is the right one to use, ice or heat? And how long should the ice or heat treatments last? Your chiropractor will go through a routine of ice and or heat with you once assessment and diagnosis have been achieved.
Stretching:
Stretching the muscles and tendons that surround the joint can help with some causes of hip pain. Our chiropractors are also trained in Sports Therapy and are very knowlegable in a plethora of stretching and strengthening exercises. They will design a bespoke programme to get you back to full health as soon as possible.
Anti-Inflammatory Medication:
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are some of the most commonly prescribed medications, especially for patients with hip pain caused by problems such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. You will need to consult your GP regarding medicaiton
Cortisone injections:
Cortisone is a powerful medication that treats inflammation, but it can weaken the ligaments which support the joint and is not always successful first or even second time. Discuss with your doctor and or chiropractor the possible benefits of a cortisone injection for your condition.
