Hip Care and Treatments

Understanding Hip Conditions and Available Treatments

Hip Pain Doctors in Birmingham and Hoover, Serving Central Alabama

Whether sitting, standing, walking, running, or jumping, the hips are fundamental to daily activity. The hip joints connect the legs to the torso and play a significant role in body mobility. Furthermore, the hips serve as anchors for the spine. Ensuring hip health is essential to maintaining an active lifestyle and overall well-being.

When injuries or other health conditions impact the hip, seeking expert medical attention from a board-certified hip doctor is imperative. Southlake Orthopaedics provides complete orthopedic and sports medicine care to patients throughout central Alabama. Located in Birmingham and Hoover, AL, we are committed to delivering high-quality care to patients in central Alabama.

Hip Conditions Requiring Orthopedic Care

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint. The femur (thigh bone) has a ball-shaped knob on the end that fits into a socket formed in the hip bone. As one of the body’s largest joints, the hip can support up to five times a person’s body weight. The joint is surrounded by large muscles, meaning it takes substantial force to damage the hip. However, hip injuries occur in people of all ages.

Common symptoms of hip conditions include:

Pain
Swelling
Limited range of motion
Hip instability
Difficulty walking
Joint stiffness
Grinding noises during movement

Common Hip Conditions

The hip is susceptible to a variety of conditions, including:

Bursitis

The hip joint is cushioned by a fluid-filled sac known as a bursa, which allows the joint to move freely and smoothly. If the bursa becomes inflamed, moving the hip joint becomes painful. Inflammation of this large bursa is called bursitis. It is often brought on by repetitive movements such as running, cycling, or standing. Bursitis can also result from an injury, arthritis, and bone spurs. Treatment for this condition may involve making simple lifestyle changes, using a walking cane or crutches temporarily, or taking anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, bursitis requires steroid injections to alleviate symptoms.

Dislocation

A dislocated hip occurs when the head of the femur slips out of its socket in the pelvis, causing extreme pain. When the hip dislocates, it can disrupt the blood vessels, resulting in long-term consequences such as damaged bone tissue and cartilage. A dislocated hip is corrected with manipulation techniques that set the bones into their proper position.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) occurs when the hip bones do not form normally during a child’s growing years. Instead, extra bone (bone spurs) grows along one or both bones that form the hip joint. The improper hip structure causes the bones to rub against each other during movement, creating friction that can lead to joint damage and limited mobility.

Fractures

A break in the upper quarter of the femur is a hip fracture. Fractures may also result in a break in the socket or acetabulum in the pelvis. Medical conditions such as osteoporosis can weaken the bone and make the hip more susceptible to fracture. Treatment for hip fractures depends on several factors.

Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis of the hip. The condition worsens over time, making it very painful to move the hip. Minimizing the pain with decreased activity causes the surrounding muscles to weaken, which can lead to a limp. Early treatment is needed to subdue symptoms and the condition’s progression.

Strains

A hip strain is when the muscle fibers are overused or torn through repetitive or overly strenuous activity. Rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE) are often recommended to treat hip strains. In some cases, a hip specialist may also recommend anti-inflammatories or acetaminophen to reduce swelling and ease pain.

Diagnosis and Treatment for Hip Conditions

At Southlake Orthopaedics, we pride ourselves on being a multi-specialty orthopedic and sports medicine care center. We offer complete care, including testing, surgery, and rehabilitation for a variety of hip conditions. Our team can perform the following procedures:

Hip Arthroscopy

This surgical procedure enables orthopedic surgeons to view the hip joint without requiring a large incision, allowing for an accurate diagnosis of hip conditions and the appropriate treatment method.

Hip Fracture Treatment With Surgical Screws (Femur Fracture Fixation – Surgical Screws Method)

Hip fractures require surgical intervention to help bones heal properly. Surgical procedures may involve surgical steel hardware, such as compression screws or implants to replace the damaged bone. After surgery, physical therapy helps patients regain mobility in their hips and make a full recovery.

Physical Therapy

Healthy hips are vital for enabling many leg movements. The hips also provide support for the spine. Injuries or conditions limit the hips’ ability to do their job, but physical therapy offers a solution. It alleviates pain and enhances mobility. Following hip surgery, physical therapy can also ensure a smoother recovery.

Total Hip Replacement (Total Hip Arthroplasty)

Hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip arthroplasty, is a procedure to relieve pain and restore hip mobility by replacing damaged bone and cartilage with prosthetic components. Hip replacement surgery is a common procedure that often provides patients with outstanding results.

Why Choose Southlake Orthopaedics for Hip Care?

People who choose Southlake Orthopaedics receive treatment from a team of board-certified physicians who specialize in hip orthopedics. We deliver high-quality care to patients from all walks of life to ensure less pain and more living. Learn more about our orthopedic shoulder specialists:

Receive Outstanding Care From Hip Doctors in Alabama

Anyone suffering from hip pain or limited mobility can find relief with Southlake Orthopaedics. Our board-certified hip doctors provide complete orthopedic care with an on-site osteoporosis clinic, orthotics lab, and in-house physical therapy. We make it our mission to deliver comprehensive care to patients throughout central Alabama. For more information, contact us at one of our locations in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL.