Information about other hip conditions, including trochanteric bursitis, hip fractures, dislocations, and other injuries.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is a common problem that causes pain over the outside of
the upper thigh. A bursa is a fluid filled sac that allows smooth
motion between two uneven surfaces. For example, in the hip, a bursa
rests between the bony prominence over the outside of the hip (the
greater trochanter) and the firm tendon that passed over this bone. When
the bursal sac becomes inflamed, each time the tendon has to move over
the bone, pain results. Because patients with hip bursitis move this
tendon with each step, hip bursitis symptoms can be quite painful.
Labrum Tear of The Hip Joint
The labrum is a type of cartilage that surrounds the socket of
ball-and-socket joints. A labrum is found in both the shoulder and the
hip joint. The labrum forms a ring around the edge of the bony socket
of the joint. It helps to provide stability to the joint by deepening
the socket, yet unlike bone, it also allows flexibility and motion.
Injuries to the labrum have long been recognized as a possible source of pain and discomfort. Labral injuries in the shoulder are much more common, and the treatment of shoulder labral injuries has
been more carefully investigated. With the recent development of
arthroscopic techniques to surgically manage the hip joint, there has
been increased recognition and awareness of hip labral tears.
Iliotibial Band Syndrome
The iliotibial band syndrome is due to inflammation of the iliotibial
band, a thick band of fibrous tissue that runs down the outside of the
leg. The iliotibial band begins at the hip and extends to the outer side
of the shin bone (tibia) just below the knee joint. The band functions
in coordination with several of the thigh muscles to provide stability
to the outside of the knee joint. Iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS) occurs when there is irritation to this
band of fibrous tissue. The irritation usually occurs over the outside
of the knee joint, at the lateral epicondyle--the end of the femur
(thigh) bone. The iliotibial band crosses bone and muscle at this point;
between these structures is a bursa which should facilitate a smooth
gliding motion. However, when inflamed, the iliotibial band does not
glide easily, and pain associated with movement is the result.
Physical Therapy
A physical therapist is a specialist trained to work with you to restore your activity,
strength and motion following an injury or surgery. Physical therapists
can teach specific exercises, stretches and techniques and use
specialized equipment to address problems that cannot be managed without
this specialized physical therapy training.
Physical therapists are trained to identify deficiencies in the
biomechanics of the body. Working with a physical therapist can target
specific areas of weakness in the way our bodies work. They can relieve
stress and help the body function without pain.
Physical therapists are knowledgeable about surgical procedures and
treatment goals, and can tailor their efforts to improve your
well-being. After surgical procedures, it is important that therapy is
guided by the surgical procedure. Physical therapists are knowledgeable
about your body's limitations after surgery and can help ensure a
successful outcome.
Strengthening of the muscles around the hip joint may help decrease the
burden on the hip. Preventing atrophy of the muscles is an important
part of maintaining functional use of the hip.
Hip replacement surgery is usually very
successful, but the success of the procedure is partly due to the
rehabilitation period that follows the surgery. For patients to expect a
good result from hip replacement surgery, they must be an active rehab
participant.
Rehabilitation after hip replacement begins
immediately. Patients will work with a physical therapist as soon as the
surgical procedure has been performed. The emphasis in the early stages
of rehab is to maintain motion of the hip replacement and to ensure
that the patient can walk safely.
Contact campus Physical Therapy Center for an appointment with a physical therapist at
650.994.7800
Femoroacetabular Impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement is the condition that occurs when bone spurs form around the hip joint, causing the bone to pinch together when the
hip is moved. Bone spurs can form just below the ball of the
ball-and-socket hip joint, or just adjacent to the socket.
FAI occurs when the bone spurs pinch together as the hip moves. FAI can
cause hip labral tears and may be one of the early signs of hip arthritis. Treatment of FAI can be accomplished with an arthroscopic procedure to shave down the bone spurs, called an osteoplasty.
Hip Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis is the most common type of hip arthritis. Also called
wear-and-tear arthritis or degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis is
characterized by progressive wearing away of the cartilage of the
joint. As the protective cartilage is worn away by hip arthritis, bare
bone is exposed within the joint. Hip arthritis typically affects patients over 50 years of age. It is
more common in people who are overweight, and weight loss tends to
reduce the symptoms associated with hip arthritis. There is also a
genetic predisposition of this condition, meaning hip arthritis tends to
run in families. Other factors that can contribute to developing hip
arthritis include traumatic injuries to the hip and fractures to the
bone around the joint.
Hip Dislocation
A hip dislocation occurs when the head of the thighbone (femur) slips
out of its socket in the hip bone (pelvis). In approximately 90% of
patients, the thighbone is pushed out of its socket in a backwards
direction (posterior dislocation). This leaves the hip in a fixed
position, bent and twisted in toward the middle of the body. The
thighbone can also slip out of its socket in a forward direction
(anterior dislocation). If this occurs, the hip will be bent only
slightly, and the leg will twist out and away from the middle of the
body.
A hip dislocation is very painful. Patients are unable to move the
leg and, if there is nerve damage, may not have any feeling in the foot
or ankle area.
Hip Arthroplasty
Hip replacement surgery the second most common joint replacement
procedure, closely following knee replacements. Many people have hip
arthritis, but it can be difficult to know when the right time to have a
hip replacement surgery is. Furthermore, there is confusion about what
to expect from hip replacement surgery. Do you have questions? Look no
further. You can find all you need to know about hip replacement
surgery right here.
Hip replacement surgery is performed when the hip joint has reached a
point when painful symptoms can no longer be controlled with
non-operative treatments. In a hip replacement procedure, your surgeon
removes the damaged joint surface and replaces it with an artificial
implant.
A total hip replacement is a major surgery, and deciding to have the surgery done is a big decision. Here are some signs to look for to help you decide if the time is right, or not right, for knee replacement surgery.