What are the common causes of hip pain from limping. How can you identify the symptoms of limping-related hip pain. What treatments are available for hip pain caused by limping.

Understanding the Connection Between Limping and Hip Pain

Limping and hip pain often go hand in hand, creating a complex relationship that can significantly impact a person’s mobility and quality of life. When an individual develops a limp, it can lead to hip pain due to altered biomechanics and increased stress on the hip joint. Conversely, existing hip pain can cause a person to limp as they try to avoid putting weight on the affected side.

The interplay between limping and hip pain can create a vicious cycle, where one exacerbates the other. Understanding this connection is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment. Let’s explore some of the key factors that contribute to this relationship:

• Altered gait patterns
• Muscle imbalances
• Compensation mechanisms
• Increased joint stress
• Underlying medical conditions

Common Causes of Limping and Associated Hip Pain

Limping can stem from various causes, ranging from acute injuries to chronic conditions. Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment. Here are some common reasons why a person might develop a limp, potentially leading to hip pain:

Acute Injuries

Sudden trauma or overuse can result in acute injuries that cause limping. These may include:

• Sprains and strains
• Muscle tears
• Fractures
• Dislocations

How do acute injuries contribute to hip pain? When an injury occurs, the body’s natural response is to protect the affected area. This protective mechanism often leads to altered movement patterns, which can place undue stress on the hip joint, resulting in pain and discomfort.

Chronic Conditions

Long-term medical conditions can also cause limping and associated hip pain. Some of these include:

• Osteoarthritis
• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Hip bursitis
• Tendinitis
• Sciatica

In cases of chronic conditions, the persistent inflammation or degeneration of joint tissues can lead to ongoing pain and altered gait patterns. This continuous cycle of limping and pain can further exacerbate the underlying condition if left untreated.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Limping-Related Hip Pain

Identifying the symptoms associated with limping and hip pain is crucial for early intervention and effective treatment. While the specific symptoms may vary depending on the underlying cause, there are several common signs to watch for:

• Pain in the hip joint, groin, or thigh
• Stiffness or reduced range of motion in the hip
• Difficulty bearing weight on the affected leg
• Swelling or tenderness around the hip area
• A feeling of instability or weakness in the hip
• Audible clicking or popping sounds when moving the hip

Is it possible for hip pain to occur without visible limping? Yes, in some cases, hip pain may be present without a noticeable limp, especially in the early stages of a condition. However, as the pain progresses or becomes more severe, it often leads to changes in gait and the development of a limp.

Diagnostic Approaches for Limping and Hip Pain

Accurately diagnosing the cause of limping and associated hip pain is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Healthcare professionals employ various diagnostic tools and techniques to identify the underlying issue:

Physical Examination

A thorough physical examination is often the first step in diagnosis. During this assessment, the healthcare provider will:

• Observe the patient’s gait and posture
• Assess the range of motion in the hip joint
• Check for areas of tenderness or swelling
• Perform specific tests to evaluate muscle strength and joint stability

Imaging Studies

Various imaging techniques may be used to visualize the hip joint and surrounding structures:

• X-rays: To identify fractures, arthritis, or other bone abnormalities
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): For detailed images of soft tissues, including muscles, tendons, and ligaments
• CT (Computed Tomography) scans: To provide cross-sectional images of the hip area
• Ultrasound: To assess soft tissue injuries and inflammation

Laboratory Tests

In some cases, blood tests or joint fluid analysis may be necessary to diagnose certain conditions, such as:

• Rheumatoid arthritis
• Infections
• Gout

How do healthcare providers determine the most appropriate diagnostic approach? The choice of diagnostic tools depends on the patient’s specific symptoms, medical history, and the suspected underlying condition. Often, a combination of these approaches is used to obtain a comprehensive understanding of the problem.

Conservative Treatment Options for Limping and Hip Pain

When addressing limping and associated hip pain, healthcare providers often begin with conservative treatment options. These non-invasive approaches aim to alleviate pain, improve mobility, and address the underlying cause of the limp. Here are some commonly recommended conservative treatments:

Rest and Activity Modification

Giving the affected hip time to heal is crucial. This may involve:

• Temporarily reducing or avoiding activities that exacerbate the pain
• Using assistive devices like crutches or a cane to reduce weight-bearing on the affected side
• Implementing ergonomic changes in daily activities to minimize stress on the hip

Physical Therapy

A structured physical therapy program can be highly beneficial in addressing limping and hip pain. Physical therapy may include:

• Strengthening exercises for the hip and surrounding muscles
• Stretching routines to improve flexibility and range of motion
• Gait training to correct abnormal walking patterns
• Manual therapy techniques to address soft tissue restrictions

Medications

Various medications may be prescribed or recommended to manage pain and inflammation:

• Over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen)
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Topical pain-relieving creams or patches
• In some cases, prescription pain medications or muscle relaxants

Hot and Cold Therapy

Alternating between heat and cold applications can help manage pain and promote healing:

• Cold therapy: To reduce inflammation and numb pain in acute stages
• Heat therapy: To improve blood flow and relax muscles in chronic conditions

Can conservative treatments alone resolve limping and hip pain? In many cases, especially for minor injuries or early-stage conditions, conservative treatments can effectively resolve limping and hip pain. However, more severe or chronic cases may require additional interventions.

Advanced Treatment Approaches for Persistent Limping and Hip Pain

When conservative treatments fail to provide adequate relief, healthcare providers may recommend more advanced treatment options. These approaches are typically reserved for cases where the limping and hip pain persist or worsen despite initial interventions. Here are some advanced treatment options that may be considered:

Corticosteroid Injections

Corticosteroid injections can provide potent anti-inflammatory effects directly to the affected area. These injections may:

• Reduce pain and inflammation in the hip joint
• Improve mobility and function
• Provide temporary relief to allow for more effective physical therapy

Regenerative Medicine Techniques

Emerging regenerative medicine approaches aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes:

• Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy: Uses the patient’s own blood components to promote healing
• Stem cell therapy: Utilizes stem cells to potentially regenerate damaged tissues

Orthotic Devices and Braces

Custom-made orthotic devices or braces may be prescribed to:

• Correct biomechanical imbalances
• Provide support and stability to the hip joint
• Reduce stress on the affected area during movement

Surgical Interventions

In severe cases or when other treatments have been unsuccessful, surgery may be necessary. Surgical options may include:

• Hip arthroscopy: Minimally invasive procedure to repair damaged tissues
• Hip replacement: Partial or total replacement of the hip joint
• Osteotomy: Reshaping of the bone to improve joint alignment

How do healthcare providers determine when advanced treatments are necessary? The decision to pursue advanced treatments is based on several factors, including the severity of symptoms, the impact on daily life, the patient’s overall health, and the response to previous treatments. A comprehensive evaluation and discussion between the patient and healthcare provider are essential in making this decision.

Preventing Limping and Hip Pain: Proactive Strategies

While not all cases of limping and hip pain can be prevented, there are several proactive strategies that individuals can adopt to reduce their risk and maintain hip health. Implementing these preventive measures can help minimize the likelihood of developing limping-related hip pain and promote overall musculoskeletal well-being.

Maintain a Healthy Weight

Excess body weight places additional stress on the hip joints, increasing the risk of pain and injury. To maintain a healthy weight:

• Adopt a balanced, nutritious diet
• Engage in regular physical activity
• Consult with a healthcare provider or nutritionist for personalized advice

Regular Exercise and Strength Training

Staying physically active and maintaining muscle strength can help protect the hip joint:

• Incorporate low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling
• Perform strength training exercises targeting the hip and core muscles
• Practice flexibility exercises to maintain range of motion

Proper Footwear and Ergonomics

Wearing appropriate footwear and maintaining good posture can reduce stress on the hips:

• Choose shoes with proper arch support and cushioning
• Use ergonomic chairs and workstations to maintain good posture
• Consider custom orthotics if recommended by a healthcare provider

Warm-Up and Cool-Down

Proper preparation before physical activity and recovery afterward can help prevent injuries:

• Perform dynamic stretches before exercise
• Gradually increase intensity during workouts
• Cool down with static stretches after physical activity

Listen to Your Body

Paying attention to early warning signs can prevent minor issues from becoming major problems:

• Address minor aches and pains promptly
• Avoid pushing through pain during physical activities
• Seek medical advice if you experience persistent discomfort or changes in gait

Can these preventive strategies guarantee freedom from limping and hip pain? While these strategies can significantly reduce the risk of developing limping and hip pain, they cannot provide absolute guarantees. Individual factors such as genetics, age, and previous injuries also play a role in hip health. However, consistently implementing these preventive measures can greatly improve overall hip function and reduce the likelihood of developing problems.

Living with Chronic Limping and Hip Pain: Coping Strategies

For some individuals, chronic limping and hip pain may be an ongoing challenge. While medical treatments are essential, developing effective coping strategies can greatly improve quality of life and daily functioning. Here are some approaches to consider when living with chronic limping and hip pain:

Pain Management Techniques

Adopting various pain management strategies can help individuals better control their symptoms:

• Mindfulness and meditation practices
• Relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises
• Cognitive-behavioral therapy to address pain-related thoughts and behaviors
• Exploring alternative therapies like acupuncture or massage (with medical approval)

Adaptive Equipment and Home Modifications

Using adaptive equipment and making home modifications can enhance independence and reduce strain on the hip:

• Installing grab bars in bathrooms
• Using a raised toilet seat or shower chair
• Employing long-handled reachers or grabbers for picking up objects
• Considering a stairlift for multi-level homes

Energy Conservation and Activity Pacing

Learning to manage energy levels and pace activities can help prevent exacerbation of symptoms:

• Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps
• Alternating between periods of activity and rest
• Prioritizing essential tasks and delegating when possible
• Using a daily planner to balance activities throughout the week

Supportive Social Networks

Building a strong support system can provide emotional and practical assistance:

• Joining support groups for individuals with similar conditions
• Communicating openly with family and friends about needs and limitations
• Seeking professional counseling if needed to address emotional challenges

Continued Education and Self-Advocacy

Staying informed about one’s condition and advocating for appropriate care is crucial:

• Researching reputable sources for information about hip conditions and treatments
• Maintaining open communication with healthcare providers
• Being proactive in discussing treatment options and concerns
• Keeping a symptom journal to track patterns and identify triggers

How can individuals maintain a positive outlook while dealing with chronic limping and hip pain? Maintaining a positive outlook can be challenging, but it’s essential for overall well-being. Focus on what you can do rather than limitations, celebrate small victories, and engage in activities that bring joy and fulfillment. Remember that it’s okay to have difficult days, and seeking support when needed is a sign of strength, not weakness.

By implementing these coping strategies and working closely with healthcare providers, individuals with chronic limping and hip pain can often achieve a better quality of life and improved daily functioning. It’s important to remember that everyone’s experience is unique, and finding the right combination of strategies may require some trial and error. Persistence and a willingness to adapt are key in successfully managing chronic conditions.

Limping Symptoms, Causes & Common Questions

At-home treatments for limping

You may be able to address your limping symptoms at home with the following methods.

• Rest: If an acute or overuse injury is the cause of a limp, resting the injured foot or leg for several days may help.
• Ice: If an acute or overuse injury is the cause of a limp, icing the injury may reduce swelling.
• Pain medication: If injury and pain is the suspected cause of a limp, over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) or other NSAIDs may help.

Medical treatments for limping

If your limping worsens or persists, you should see your doctor. Depending on the diagnosis, he or she may recommend the following.

• Crutches: Crutches can help in the event of an acute injury to reduce weight on the injured foot or leg.
• Physical therapy: A person may benefit from physical therapy if orthopedic injury or muscular weakness is the cause of a limp.
• Neurologic assessment: A doctor may do a full neurologic assessment to determine the cause of a limp, particularly if they suspect the cause is in the brain, spinal cord, or nerves. A neurologic assessment generally includes testing strength, sensation, cognitive ability, and ability to walk, among other things.
• Genetic testing: If a doctor suspects that an inherited condition may be the cause of a limp, they may order genetic testing.
• Imaging: If a doctor suspects a neurologic condition may be the cause of a limp, they may order a CT scan or an MRI of the brain and/or spinal cord.

Posterior tibialis tendinopathy

Posterior tibialis tendinopathy

The posterior tibialis tendon attaches the calf muscle to the bones on the underside of the foot. It provides stability and arch support. If this tendon is damaged, the result may be a flat, unstable foot.

Posterior tibialis tendinopathy is most often a sports injury, where the tendon becomes inflamed or torn through overuse or high impact.

Symptoms include pain down the ankle and into the foot, sometimes with swelling. The pain becomes worse with any activity, even standing or walking. When standing, the patient’s arch will be collapsed and flat and the front of the foot will point outward. The patient will be unable to stand on the injured foot and raise the heel.

Diagnosis is made through patient history, physical examination, and imaging such as x-ray, CT scan, or MRI.

Treatment involves rest, over-the-counter pain relievers, orthotics (shoe pads,) braces, and sometimes steroid injections into the damaged tendon. Surgery can be tried, but tends to be complex and cannot always restore the tendon completely.

Rarity: Ultra rare

Top Symptoms: swollen foot, pain in one foot, limping, pain in one ankle, spontaneous ankle pain

Symptoms that never occur with posterior tibialis tendinopathy: recent cutting accident

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Iliopsoas bursitis

Bursae are small fluid-filled sacks located around the body in strategic locations to provide a cushion and help reduce friction. Iliopsoas bursitis, or hip bursitis, is an inflammation of the hip bursa, causing pain at the point of the hip. The pain may extend to the outside of the thigh area.

You should visit your primary care physician. Treatment for this condition usually involves avoiding activities that worsen the symptoms, over-the-counter pain medication, physical therapy, and steroid injections. Surgery is rarely needed.

Rarity: Uncommon

Top Symptoms: thigh pain, groin pain, limping, snapping or clicking sensation of the hip, pain in the front of the hip

Symptoms that never occur with iliopsoas bursitis: fever, back pain, butt pain from an injury, pain in both hips, unmovable hip lump, hard hip lump, back pain that shoots down the leg

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Hip fracture

A hip fracture is a break in the upper quarter of the femur (thigh) bone. The extent of the break depends on the forces that are involved, which determines the type of surgery used for treatment.

You should seek immediate medical care at an urgent care clinic or ER as complications can become life-threatening. Treatment involves a combination of surgery, rehabilitation and medication.

Hip dislocation

Hip dislocation is relatively are and means that the ball-shaped head of the femur, or thighbone, has been forced out of its socket in the pelvic bone.

In some cases hip dislocation can result from congenital abnormality or as a complication of hip replacement surgery, but it is most often caused by trauma. Car accidents, sports injuries, or falls from a height are usually involved.

Symptoms include pain; inability to walk or move the leg; and the knee turned inward with the foot pointed towards the other leg.

This injury is considered a medical emergency. Because hip dislocations are usually caused by trauma, broken bones and soft tissue damage are likely to be present even if not immediately obvious. Avascular necrosis, or death of bone tissue in the hip joint due to a cutoff in the blood supply, is a possible complication.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and imaging, such as x-ray, CT scan, and/or MRI.

Treatment involves replacing the joint back in the socket and treating any other injuries, and may require surgery.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: hip pain, moderate hip pain, dull, achy hip pain, thigh pain, groin pain

Symptoms that always occur with hip dislocation: hip pain

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Hip bone damage (osteonecrosis)

Osteonecrosis of the hip is painful, progressive damage of the hip joint caused by a loss of blood flow.

Hip/groin/thigh pain that affects your hip motion should be assessed for osteonecrosis as soon as possible (ER), where imaging via MRI (and rarely, X-rays) might visualize the injury. Treatment depends on the severity of the disease, and includes everything from physical therapy to medications to improve bone strength to surgery to take out dead bone.

Rarity: Rare

Top Symptoms: severe or worsening pain in the hip or groin area, thigh pain, deep, throbbing hip pain, limping, pain in one knee

Symptoms that always occur with hip bone damage (osteonecrosis): severe or worsening pain in the hip or groin area

Urgency: Hospital emergency room

Hip arthritis

Arthritis of the hip is inflammation of one or more of the joints in the hip. Pain, swelling, and stiffness are the primary symptoms of arthritis. Hip arthritis can make it hard to do many everyday activities, such as walking or climbing stairs. It is a major cause of lost work time and a serious disability for many people.

The goal of hip arthritis treatment is to relieve pain and maintain the function of the hip. Your doctor will be able to suggest a future course of action, such as pain medication, walking aids, or changing to more appropriate footwear.

Rarity: Common

Top Symptoms: hip pain, difficulty walking, pain in one hip, limping, groin pain

Symptoms that always occur with mild/moderate hip arthritis: hip pain

Symptoms that never occur with mild/moderate hip arthritis: severe hip pain

Urgency: Primary care doctor

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome, also called trochanteric bursitis or GTPS, is an inflammation of the bursa of the greater trochanter.

Bursae are the small “cushions” between tendons, bones, and muscles. The greater trochanter is the larger of two bony knobs at the top of the thigh bone. Overuse, trauma, or infection can cause inflamed and irritated bursae around the greater trochanter.

Most susceptible are individuals with low back pain, osteoarthritis, and obesity.

Symptoms include chronic, persistent pain on the outside of the hip that radiates down the outside of the leg, sometimes to the knee.

The symptoms are similar to other conditions such as degenerative joint disease, and so a medical provider should be seen for an accurate diagnosis.

Diagnosis is made through physical examination and observation of simple movements.

Treatment largely involves managing the symptoms through weight loss, physical therapy, and over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. In some cases, corticosteroid injections into the hip work well to relieve pain, and surgery can sometimes help.

Foot sprain

The bones of the ankle and foot are held together by ligaments, which are bands of tough tissue. An ankle sprain is a type of injury where one or more of the ligaments is stretched too far, causing tiny fibers in the ligaments to tear. In most cases, the ligament does not tear completely. A sprain is caused by the ligaments being stretched too far or tearing. This can happen when the foot rolls rolls, twists or turns too much.

Developmental dysplasia of the hip

Developmental dysplasia of the hip is a condition affecting infants and young children in which abnormal development of the hip joint causes it to become unstable and predisposed to dislocation. Developmental dysplasia can be caused by a breech position of the fetus before it is born, as well as female gender, family history, and swaddling the infant.

Symptoms primarily include hip instability and a limited range of motion, as well as possible leg asymmetry or an abnormal gait.

Treatments depend on the age of the infant, and may include observation, splints or harnesses, and closed or open reductions in which the hip is put back in a proper position.

You should visit your primary care physician who will coordinate care with a muscle and bone specialist (orthopedic surgery). This condition is treated with a special harness, as well as several types of surgical procedures.

• Have you been experiencing dizziness?
• Do your symptoms get worse when you exercise?
• Can you stand on both legs?
• Did you just suffer from a high impact injury (e.g., a fall, collision, accident or sports trauma)?

Self-diagnose with our free Buoy Assistant if you answer yes on any of these questions.

Kids Health Information : Transient synovitis (irritable hip)

Transient synovitis (sin-oh-vie-tis), commonly called irritable hip, is the most common cause of limping in children. It is due to inflammation (swelling) of the lining of the hip joint.

In most cases of irritable hip, your child will have recently recovered from a viral infection. Sometimes, the condition occurs after a fall or injury.

Irritable hip is most often seen in children aged between three and 10 years old. It is not serious, and will get better on its own with rest.

Signs and symptoms of irritable hip

If your child has irritable hip:

• they may have a limp or difficulty crawling or standing
• they may complain of pain in the hip, groin, thigh or knee.

Some children may just be refusing to walk, without explanation. Usually only one side is affected. Children with irritable hip are otherwise well.

A small number of children with irritable hip go on to have further episodes.

Usually, no tests are required for irritable hip, and you can care for your child at home.

Care at home

Irritable hip is a mild condition that will get better on its own. Complete rest is usually all that is needed. It should start to improve in about three days and be better in two weeks.

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, are helpful for irritable hip as they relieve the pain as well as reducing inflammation. Give the ibuprofen according to packet directions regularly for 48 hours. Paracetamol may also help with reducing the pain. Never give aspirin
to children under the age of 12. See our fact sheet
Pain relief for children.

Antibiotics are not given as the condition is not caused by a bacterial infection.

While your child is recovering:

• It is important to encourage your child to rest at home. They will naturally sit, crawl, walk or lie in the most comfortable position.
• Allow your child to gradually go back to their usual activities as they improve, but they should not play sport or undertake any strenuous activities until they are completely better.

When to see a doctor

Take your child to the GP if your child: 

• develops a fever or is otherwise unwell
• develops an obvious swelling or redness on any part of the hip or leg
• has increasing or persistent pain that is not relieved by ibuprofen or paracetamol
• is in pain when they are at rest
• is not starting to improve within three days or has not recovered fully in two weeks.

Key points to remember

• Transient synovitis (irritable hip) is the most common cause of limping in children.
• It is generally a mild condition that will get better on its own with rest, usually within two weeks.
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, e.g. ibuprofen, may help relieve the pain and reduce inflammation.

For more information

• See your GP.
• Kids Health Info fact sheet:
  Developmental dysplasia of the hip (DDH)
• Kids Health Info fact sheet:
  Slipped Upper Femoral Epiphysis
• Kids Health Info fact sheet:
  Pain relief for children

Common questions our doctors are asked

If my child has had irritable hip, should I take him to a
physiotherapist to get exercises so it won’t happen again?

Irritable hip cannot be prevented with any exercises, so
seeing a physiotherapist is not usually required.

What is the likelihood of this occurring again in my child?

We estimate the recurrence
rate is about 10 per cent. This means that one in 10 children will experience
another episode of irritable hip.

Developed by The Royal Children’s Hospital Emergency department. We acknowledge the input of RCH consumers and carers.

Reviewed March 2018.

This information is awaiting routine review. Please always seek the most recent advice from a registered and practising clinician.

Kids Health Info is supported by The Royal Children’s Hospital Foundation. To donate, visit
www.rchfoundation.org.au.

If you have hip pain…

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• If you have hip pain… 9 0005

ACUTE hip pain can have many causes – from a banal overstrain of the limbs to very serious illnesses.

Therefore, if the pain recurs and becomes regular, it is necessary to urgently consult a specialist in order to establish a diagnosis and prescribe treatment. After all, some diseases of the limbs directly lead to permanent disability. One of them is Perthes disease – aseptic necrosis of the femoral head in adults (ANGBK). As a rule, it affects men of quite working age – 30-50 years old, and in half of the cases both legs are affected. The causes of the disease can be very different: trauma to the femoral neck, taking certain medications (most often high doses of glucocorticoid hormones), prolonged exposure to high pressure (divers, miners), frequent alcohol consumption (it damages blood vessels, which can cause necrosis) , chronic metabolic disorders (diabetes mellitus, obesity, acute and chronic pancreatitis, fat embolism, Gaucher’s disease, decompression sickness, etc.). The result of this most dangerous disease is the necrosis of a part of the bone substance of the femoral head, followed by its destruction.

We were told more about the development and diagnosis of aseptic necrosis of the femoral head by the specialist of the Floris Medical Center MIROSLAV STARKIV:

– The first symptom of ANFH is pain in the hip joint when transferring body weight to the affected leg. The pain can spread to the inguinal, gluteal region, give along the front of the thigh. Then lameness and impaired function (mobility) of the joint appear. In the later stages, the patient feels severe pain even at rest, which causes sleep disturbances. At this time, one leg becomes shorter than the other, a pronounced lameness appears, the need for a cane or crutches – and it is no longer possible to change the situation. Therefore, it is very important that the patient consult a doctor at an early stage – when pain occurs from time to time, and the joint still retains full mobility.

Unfortunately, the diagnosis of ANHF at an early stage is difficult – traditional x-ray examination does not reveal incipient pathological changes, the spherical surface of the femoral head is preserved, the joint space remains of normal width. X-ray does not always allow answering the question about the exact localization and size of the pathological process, the state of the cartilage and periarticular tissues, and to track the dynamics of restoration of the bone lesion after treatment.

But the solution to this problem was found – the study of soft tissue and cartilage elements of the hip joint became possible thanks to such a highly informative, non-invasive, fast and affordable method as ultrasound sonography. Ultrasound examination of the hip joints using high-precision equipment at the Floris Medical Center allows diagnosing manifestations of necrosis of the femoral head and its severity. In addition, ultrasound can be used repeatedly without risk to the health of patients, unlike radiography.

At the stage of vascular disorders, the process of development of bone necrosis can be not only slowed down, but also reversed. Violations of regional blood supply in various pathologies helps to detect ultrasound with dopplerography. Today, the doctors of the Floris Medical Center master this technique. In April 2009, they prepared a report on the early diagnosis of ANGBK at the international conference on ultrasound diagnostics in Kiev. According to statistics, in our center for 2009-2010 produced more than 220 ultrasound examinations of the femoral head with dopplerography. Of these, in 25% of the examined patients, the disease was detected at an early stage, which made it possible to prescribe treatment in time and monitor its effectiveness.

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sharp, aching, when walking, after running and sitting

The hip joint is one of the largest in the human body. It connects the head of the femur to the acetabulum of the pelvic bone, helps in performing complex leg movements, and provides the function of upright walking. Many people complain that they feel pain in the thigh, which radiates to the joint, groin, buttocks, has an aching or dull character. These symptoms should not be ignored: if your leg hurts in the thigh, the best thing to do is to seek help from a specialist. In this area, important blood vessels and nerve endings are localized, which may be involved in the pathological process.

Pain in the hip joint

1. Classification
   1. Acute pain in the hip joint
   2. Chronic aching pain in the hip joint
   3. Local and radiating pain
2. Causes of pain in the hip joint
3. How to understand what exactly hurts the hip joint
4. How to get rid of hip pain
   1. Which doctor to go to when your hip hurts
   2. Diagnostics
   3. Treatment Methods
   4. Conservative therapy
   5. Surgery

Classification

Pain in the hip joint can have a different character – acute, local, aching chronic. Often there is a pain syndrome radiating to the groin or buttocks. Causes of pain – injuries and diseases, including coxarthrosis, aseptic necrosis, osteoarthritis, lesions of the ligamentous apparatus, pathologies of the lumbar spine, etc.

Acute pain in the hip joint

Acute pain in the hip joints is predominantly short-term, characteristic of damage or rapidly developing diseases. Often it becomes the reason for seeking medical help. If therapy is not started in a timely manner, the pain spreads further and loses its pronounced localization.

Chronic aching pain in the hip joint

Aching pain may accompany an acute pain syndrome or be an independent phenomenon. Often it is characterized by an increasing amplitude, disappearing for a while. As a rule, such pain increases with physical activity, for example, when playing sports, running, long walking.

Over time, it becomes more difficult to move the limb, the range of motion is limited. In especially advanced cases, lameness may develop. Unfortunately, many people prefer to endure chronic aching pain and try to self-medicate. Remember, the best thing you can do to regain your health and freedom of movement is to make an appointment with a specialist.

Local and radiating pain

If a person has pain in the hip joint, it is often accompanied by irradiation, including to the knee joint, inguinal region. A similar pain syndrome can noticeably increase if you lean on an injured limb. Often radiating pain develops with osteoarthritis.

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Causes of pain in the hip joint

Pain in the hip joint can be triggered by various factors and pathologies. We list the main ones:

• Bursitis (inflammation of the articular bag). May be chronic or acute. It is characterized by severe pain in the affected joint, which does not recede even in the supine position.
• Coxarthrosis. It is provoked by a violation of metabolic processes in cartilage, which provokes their death. With this pathology, the pain syndrome is felt not only in the region of the femoral joint, but also in the lower back.
• Arthritis. This is an inflammatory process that occurs due to a malfunction in the process of the immune system. It is characterized by swelling of the affected area, fever, a problem with motor function.
• Tendinitis is a disease of the tendons that causes pain on movement, as well as articular “clicking”, a change in gait.
• Osteochondropathy, including Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, characteristic of young patients. The pain syndrome increases gradually and provokes lameness.

Important!

The diseases listed above are far from the only causes of pain in the hip joint. Pain syndrome can provoke injuries, benign or malignant neoplasms. Infections should not be ruled out – aseptic necrosis of the femoral head, purulent or tuberculous arthritis.

How to understand that it is the hip joint that hurts

How to understand that the hip joints hurt? Most often, the pain syndrome localized in the thigh does not go away after a few days, you feel constant discomfort and even wake up from it at night. Many patients complain that they are forced to constantly change their position if they are lying or sitting.

Other signs that indicate the possibility of this problem:

• Pain in the groin. It has a pulsating character.
• Dull or throbbing pain in the lower back.
• Pain in the thigh, which radiates to the groin, knee. Often accompanied by weakness or itching in the affected limb.
• Limited mobility of the upper limb. As a rule, it indicates that rheumatoid arthritis is developing.
• Lameness due to pain. If you have developed such a condition, immediately seek medical help, because trying to reduce pain, you instinctively hold the diseased joint above the other, resulting in a habit that negatively affects the entire musculoskeletal system.

Important!

An important symptom that may indicate the pathology of the hip joint is a characteristic crunch that occurs during movement. If it is accompanied by an increasing pain syndrome, this indicates the presence of pathological changes.

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How to get rid of pain in the hip joint

No matter what the cause of pain in the hip joint, self-medicate and hope that the problem will disappear on its own. It is necessary to seek help from a qualified traumatologist who will determine the cause of the pain and prescribe conservative or surgical treatment.

Which doctor to go to when the hip hurts

An orthopedic traumatologist specializes in the treatment of pathologies associated with the hip. The Garvis Clinic employs experienced professionals who have extensive positive experience in treating patients suffering from hip pain of various etiologies. They offer only modern diagnostic and treatment methods that will restore your freedom of movement quickly and with minimal trauma.

Diagnostics

What should be done if the hip joint hurts? First of all, undergo a thorough diagnosis and determine the cause of the disease. Most often, the specialist prescribes the following examinations:

• radiography of the hip joint;
• CT/MRI of the joint and femur;
• X-ray of the spine;
• laboratory tests.

Methods of treatment

Methods that help relieve pain can be divided into conservative and surgical. They are united by the fact that they are aimed not only at treating pain, but also at eliminating the main cause of the pathology. Also, therapeutic exercises, manual therapy, physiotherapy, physiotherapy exercises have proven themselves well.

Conservative therapy

Conservative therapy includes pain relief, which is selected for each patient individually. First of all, we are talking about a therapeutic blockade that relieves pain and promotes muscle relaxation, normalization of blood flow.

Also effective:

• Physiotherapy aimed at restoring muscles, normalizing blood circulation and completely eliminating pain.
• Therapeutic exercise, which strengthens the muscular-ligamentous structures, prevents the occurrence of discomfort in the limb in the future.
• Massage and manual therapy – have a beneficial effect on the general condition of the tissues.

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Surgery

One of the most effective surgical methods for dealing with various hip pathologies is hip arthroscopy. This is a low-traumatic surgical intervention that allows you to accurately determine the main focus of the pathology and get rid of such diseases and injuries:

• synovitis;
• osteoarthritis;
• arthritis;
• neurosis of the femoral head;
• snap joint;
• injuries and complications after previous surgeries.