Hip
Hip Bursitis
Bursitis is inflammation of the bursa. Bursae, are small, jelly-like sacs that are located throughout the body, including around the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, and heel. They contain a small amount of fluid, and act as cushions to help reduce friction between bones and soft tissue.
There are two major bursae in the hip that typically become irritated and inflamed. The greater trochanter covers the bony point of the hip bone. Inflammation of this bursa is called trochanteric bursitis. The iliopsoas bursa is located on the inside (groin side) of the hip. Pain is often experienced in the groin area. This condition is not as common as trochanteric bursitis, but is treated in a similar manner.
The main symptom of trochanteric bursitis is pain at the point of the hip. The joint will often feel achy and stiff. The pain usually extends to the outside of the thigh area. In the early stages, the pain is usually described as sharp and intense. Later, the pain may become more of an ache and spread across a larger area of the hip. As the problem progresses, the symptoms produce a limp when walking and stiffness in the hip joint. Eventually, the pain will also be present at rest and may even cause a problem with sleeping.
The treatment of trochanteric bursitis usually begins with simple measures. Treatment becomes more involved if simple measures fail. The vast majority of patients with trochanteric bursitis will never require surgery. It is important to consult with Dr. Elkhechen if you are experiencing disabling joint pain or pain that persists for more than one to two weeks.
Hip
Femoral-Acetabular Impingement (FAI)
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where the bones of the hip are abnormally shaped. FAI occurs because the hip bones do not form normally during the childhood growing years. Because the hip bones do not fit together perfectly, they rub against each other and lead to joint damage and pain.
Hip pain was previously thought to be a problem primarily affecting individuals age 50 and over. But with the growing awareness of FAI, we’re discovering that hip pain is being experienced much earlier in active teens and younger adults. However, it is important to remember that exercise does not cause FAI, it is the hip bones not forming normally during the childhood years. Because young active people may work the hip joint more vigorously, they may begin to experience pain earlier than those who are less active.
Hip arthroscopy, a surgical treatment for this condition, is rapidly gaining attention and proving to be very effective in relieving hip pain in those diagnosed with FAI.
People with FAI usually experience pain in the groin area or outside of the hip. A sharp stabbing pain may occur with turning, twisting, and squatting, but sometimes, it is just a dull ache.
Hip arthroscopy is proving very successful for the treatment of FAI. It generally allows individuals to return to their active lifestyles within 4-6 months after surgery.
For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
hip
Labral Tears of the Hip
A hip labral tear involves the ring of cartilage called the labrum. The labrum is a rim of soft tissue or fibro cartilage that surrounds the hip socket. The labrum acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help hold the ball at the top of your thighbone securely within your hip socket.
The labrum is a type of cartilage that surrounds the socket of ball-and-socket joints. It helps to provide stability to the joint by deepening the socket, yet unlike bone, it also allows flexibility and motion. A labrum is found in both the shoulder and the hip joint.
Labral tears can be caused by a sudden, specific injury or with repetitive motions that cause “wear and tear.” Athletes who participate in such sports as ice hockey, soccer, football, golfing and ballet are at higher risk of developing a hip labral tear. Structural abnormalities of the hip also can lead to a hip labral tear. Patients suffering with labral tears often complain of having a deep pain in the groin on the side of the involved hip. This may be accompanied by a clicking or locking sensation in the hip.
For those with persistent pain from labral tears, there are many treatment options which need to be discussed with your doctor. Most hip pain that lasts more than a few days should be evaluated by a physician. The diagnosis of a labral tear is usually made by a detailed examination by your sports medicine physician. Call and and schedule an appointment with Dr. Elkhechen if you are experiencing any form of hip pain.
Hip
Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip is a condition in which you feel a snapping sensation or hear a popping sound in your hip when you walk, get up from a chair, or swing your leg around. This condition is also referred to as dancer’s hip. For most people this condition is more of an annoyance than anything else. Snapping hip is most often the result of tightness in the muscles and tendons surrounding the hip. For athletes and dancers this condition can cause weakness and pain that often interferes with performance.
The snapping sensation is caused when a muscle or tendon (the strong tissue that connects muscle to bone) moves over a bony protrusion in your hip. This most often occurs in the hip where the illiotibial band passes over the thighbone called the greater trochanter.
In some cases, snapping hip leads to bursitis, a painful swelling of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint.
People who are involved in sports and activities that require repeated bending at the hip are more likely to experience snapping hip. Young athletes are also more likely to have snapping hip. This is because tightness in the muscle structures of the hip is common during adolescent growth spurts.
For more severe pain or pain that does not improve with home treatment, consult with Dr. Elkhechen.