Understanding and Treating Common Hip Injuries

Your hips power you through daily life, from morning walks to weekend gardening. And while you may not think about them often, healthy hips are foundational to living an active and independent life.

But what happens when that foundation cracks? Hip pain can sideline athletes, halt daily walks, and threaten independence, especially with age.

Hip trauma is surprisingly common and usually happens quite suddenly; an unlikely twist or fall can lead to a hip injury that throws your whole life off course if left untreated. Yet while hip injuries are certainly painful and disruptive, most are treatable, and they rarely create permanent loss of mobility.

This blog post provides practical information about common hip injuries, including preventative measures, early warning signs, and effective treatment options.

Overview of Hip Anatomy and Function

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, one of the largest and most stable joints in the human body. It’s where the head of the femur (thigh bone) fits into the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. This design allows for a wide range of motion, enabling us to walk, run, bend, and twist with ease. The hip joint plays a critical role in:

• Supporting body weight, especially during activities like walking, running, and jumping.
• Enabling a wide range of motion spanning flexion, extension, abduction, adduction, internal rotation, and external rotation of the leg.
• Facilitating everyday activities, from getting out of bed to climbing stairs.

The main components of the hip joints are:

• The femur, or thigh bone, which connects to the hip socket.
• The acetabulum, which is the socket in the pelvis that receives the head of the femur.
• The labrum, a ring of cartilage surrounding the acetabulum that provides stability and cushioning.
• Ligaments, or strong fibrous tissues that connect bones and provide stability to the joint.
• Bursae, fluid-filled sacs that reduce friction between bones, tendons, and muscles.

Common Types of Hip Injuries

Several factors may contribute to hip injuries and pain, including overuse, trauma, age-related degeneration, and structural abnormalities. Here’s an overview of some of the most common types of hip injuries:

Hip Flexor Strain

What it is: A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles are stretched or torn. These muscles, located at the front of the hip, are responsible for lifting the leg and flexing the hip.

Symptoms and causes: Hip flexor strains are often caused by overuse, sudden movements, or direct impact during sports or other physical activities. Symptoms may include pain in the front of the hip or groin, muscle spasms, tenderness to the touch, difficulty lifting the leg, and stiffness.

Hip Labral Tear

What it is: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning. A hip labral tear involves a tear in this cartilage ring.

Symptoms and causes: Labral tears can result from sports injuries, hip impingement (femoroacetabular impingement or FAI), structural abnormalities, or repetitive motions. Common symptoms include clicking, popping, or catching sensations in the hip, stiffness, limited range of motion, pain that worsens with activity, and a feeling of instability.

Hip Osteoarthritis

What it is: Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition that occurs when the cartilage in the hip joint breaks down over time.

Symptoms and causes: Aging, wear-and-tear, and previous hip injuries can contribute to hip osteoarthritis. Symptoms may include pain in the hip, groin, or buttock, stiffness, reduced mobility, and a grinding sensation in the hip.

Hip Bursitis

What it is: Bursitis is inflammation of the bursae, fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint. Trochanteric bursitis, which affects the bursa on the outside of the hip, is a common type of hip bursitis.

Symptoms and causes: Repetitive motions, trauma, or underlying conditions like arthritis can cause hip bursitis. Common symptoms include localized pain on the outside of the hip, swelling, tenderness to the touch, and pain that worsens with activity

Hip Fractures

What it is: A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the femur (thigh bone).

Symptoms and causes: Hip fractures are more common in older adults due to osteoporosis (weakening of the bones) and falls. Symptoms include severe pain in the hip or groin, inability to bear weight on the affected leg, and visible deformity. Fractures require urgent medical attention.

Painful Hip or Groin

What it is: The hip and groin areas are closely related anatomically. Pain in one area can often be indicative of an issue with the other, making it difficult to pinpoint the exact source. Schedule an exam with an orthopaedic doctor to identify and treat the source of your pain.

Symptoms and causes: The cause of hip and groin pain vary, and may include muscle strains, labral tears, nerve entrapment, or tendinitis. Pain in this part of the body could feel like burning, dull aches, stiffness, throbbing or sharp sensations, and might be present during rest or activities.

Treatment Options for Hip Injuries

The treatment approach for your hip trauma depends on the type and severity of the injury you sustained. Diagnostic techniques like X-rays, MRIs, and physical exams are imperative to accurately identify the underlying condition, whether it’s a fracture, labral tear, or arthritis.

Non-Surgical Treatments

Non-surgical treatments for hip injuries can significantly reduce your pain, improve your mobility, and address the underlying causes of your injury. The most common and effective non-surgical hip treatments are:

• Physical therapy: This tried-and-true modality uses tailored exercises to strengthen muscles (particularly deep hip stabilizers like the gluteus medius and iliopsoas) and improve flexibility. Pre-operative PT can optimize surgical outcomes, while post-operative regimens accelerate recovery.
• Pain management: There are many options for non-surgical pain management. Some of the most effective are NSAIDs (such as ibuprofen) for inflammation reduction, ultrasound-guided corticosteroid injections for precise therapeutic delivery and diagnostics, and regenerative medicine options like platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapies to stimulate tissue regeneration, particularly for tendon injuries or early arthritis.
• Assistive devices: Canes or braces provide support and reduce stress on the hip joint by up to 20-30%, while custom braces improve biomechanical alignment.

Surgical Interventions

In some cases, surgery may be necessary to address hip injuries. Common surgical interventions include:

• Hip arthroscopy: A minimally invasive procedure used to treat conditions like labral tears, hip impingement, and cartilage damage.
• Hip replacement surgery: A procedure in which the damaged hip joint is replaced with an artificial joint. This is typically recommended for severe osteoarthritis or hip fractures.

Rehabilitation and Recovery

Post-surgical rehabilitation is necessary to achieve full recovery. Your rehabilitation plan will center on a tailored physical therapy program and include:

• Stretching exercises to improve flexibility and range of motion
• Strengthening exercises to build up the muscles around your hips
• Functional training to help your muscles relearn habitual activities such as walking, climbing stairs, and balancing

Some physical therapists use heat, cold, or electrical stimulation to expedite the recovery process and help manage pain and inflammation.

Prevention Strategies

Engaging in regular physical activities you enjoy will benefit your overall health and well-being. Protect your hips and reduce injury risk by incorporating regular flexibility and strength training into your daily exercise routine. Moderate resistance exercises are effective for strengthening hip muscles and maintaining bone density. Consult a physical therapist or trainer to ensure proper form.

Athletes should prioritize rest and cross-training to avoid overtraining and stress injuries. If you’re at risk for osteoporosis, consult your doctor about prevention and management strategies.

When to Seek Medical Advice

If you’re experiencing any of the following symptoms, you should visit a doctor as soon as possible to avoid serious injury:

•   Persistent pain that doesn’t improve with rest
•   Inability to bear weight on the affected leg
•   Hip dislocation symptoms
•   Severe pain that interferes with daily activities

Early diagnosis and intervention from orthopedic specialists can help prevent further damage and improve your chances of a full recovery.

Impact of Hip Injuries on Quality of Life

Hip injuries can significantly limit your mobility, activity levels, and overall quality of life. Pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion make it difficult to perform everyday tasks and participate in activities you enjoy. Accurate diagnosis and proactive treatment are essential for restoring function and improving your quality of life.

“On Nov. 13, 2017 and again on Feb. 14, 2018 I had hip replacement surgeries in St. Petersburg, Fl. with Dr Vladimir Alexander of Alexander Orthopaedics Associates. I am now 8 weeks post op on second hip replacement and I am quite pleased with progress with both hips. This is an ongoing project, not always easy or comfortable but with an excellent skilled Surgeon, a personal commitment to work hard and return to my 45 year career as a Fitness Professional Trainer and Instructor, and the help of great PT’s, who understand setting and achieving personal goals I will succeed. Thank you Dr Alexander for giving me my life back!” — Mary Frances Blackard

Hip Injury? Call Alexander Orthopaedics

If your hips hurt or you’ve suffered a painful injury, don’t sit with the pain. Our practice is dedicated to supporting your recovery. We offer physical therapy and lifestyle support as well as acute injury treatments and surgery. Contact Alexander Orthopaedics today to schedule an appointment with our expert team.

FAQs about Common Hip Injuries

What Are the Red Flags of Hip Pain?

Persistent pain, inability to bear weight, hip dislocation symptoms, and severe pain are serious indicators of an underlying hip problem for which you should seek orthopedic treatment right away.

How Do You Know If a Hip Injury Is Serious?

If your hip pain is persistent, doesn’t improve with rest, or interferes with daily activities, it’s important to seek medical advice before the condition worsens.

Is Walking Bad for Hip Pain?

That depends on the cause and severity of your hip pain. In some cases, walking may exacerbate the pain, while in others, it may help improve mobility. Consult with a healthcare professional to determine the best course of action.

What Are the Best Treatments for a Hip Labral Tear?

Treatment options for a hip labral tear may include physical therapy, pain management, and in some cases, hip arthroscopy.

How Can You Tell If Hip Pain Is Muscular or from the Bone?

Muscular pain is often characterized by tenderness to the touch and/or muscle spasms. Bone pain is deeper and more persistent, and it may be associated with weight-bearing activities. For an accurate diagnosis and recovery plan, schedule an examination with an orthopedic specialist.