The Hip

The hip is a pivotal ball and socket joint in the human body. This joint is where the pelvis comes in contact with the lower extremity. The hip is made for stability and weight bearing. Due to the protected location and overall stability, this joint is typically injured less than the knee or shoulder. However, the hip can still be predisposed to acute or chronic injury.

If you’re experiencing hip pain, call one of our offices or book an appointment online to get started.

Hip Anatomy

ortho urgent care

Your hip consists of one major joint called the femoroacetabular joint. This is a stable ball and socket joint similar to the shoulder but made for less mobility. The acetabulum is the deep socket portion of the joint attached to the pelvis. The socket is deepened by a cartilage structure known as the labrum that helps provide additional support.

The hip joint is surrounded by musculature that helps move the hip and lower extremities. These muscles include the gluteus muscles, hip adductors and abductors, hip flexors also known as the quadricep muscles, and the hamstrings. The hip is in a crucial location of the body that is intertwined with the lower back and pelvis. Any injury to any of these structures may present as hip pain and thus must be evaluated thoughtfully.

What causes hip pain?

What causes hip pain?

ortho urgent care

There are many causes of hip pain. Some of the most common are damage to the cartilage of the hip leading to arthritis, tears of the labrum caused by impingement, inflammation known as hip trochanteric bursitis, or muscular or tendon-related injuries. Acute fractures or stress fractures to the hip or pelvis can also occur but are much less common. Pain from these injuries can be experienced in various locations, including on the lateral hip, groin area, or near the posterior gluteus muscles depending on the cause of your symptoms.

Common Conditions

ortho urgent care

Osteoarthritis is a common type of hip pain, specifically in an older population. Osteoarthritis leads to a loss of cartilage in your joint. This is usually caused by age, prior injury, as well as wear and tear from activity and work. Symptoms usually begin very gradually with only a slight increase in pain or subtle loss of motion in the hip. Sometimes an unrelated injury in the hip can make underlying arthritis suddenly symptomatic. These symptoms tend to worsen over time, especially as you get older. More severe arthritis can be associated with significant loss of motion as well as pain with walking or certain activities.

Hip arthritis is diagnosed primarily on X-ray, as this best shows the extent to which your joint has worn out. Once diagnosed, treatment for arthritis depends on its severity. For more mild cases preservation of range of motion and activity with physical therapy is very helpful. Significant flares of pain can sometimes also be controlled with cortisone injections. In severe cases, hip replacement can be a very effective option for restoring the full range of motion and eliminating pain.

Fractures in the hip joint are typically rare and are treated quite seriously. The hip joint is one of the most stable joints in the body and so it often takes a high-impact injury for a fracture to occur, specifically in a younger person. Fractures can result from a fall, high-energy accidents, or contact sports. Less commonly, a stress fracture can occur from repetitive use. In the hip region, the most common fractures are to the upper portion of the femur (femoral neck), or the pelvis.

All of these injuries should be first evaluated by a medical provider. The extent of the fracture can be evaluated on X-ray. Once the positioning and extent of the fracture are understood, a treatment plan can be put into place. Non-surgical treatment can involve non-weight-bearing on crutches for a period of time while the break heals. Surgical treatment will often involve placing a combination of plates and screws at the site of the fracture in order to stabilize the bone and allow for good future outcomes and function.

Trochanteric bursitis is a condition characterized by inflammation of the bursa on the side of the hip. The bursa is a fluid-filled sac that sits on the side of the femur bone. The bursa can get irritated by repetitive use when the IT band is tracking over the bursa. This typically occurs as point tenderness on the lateral side of the hip that is noticeable with activity. A diagnosis is made by a physical exam. Once diagnosed, treatment includes anti-inflammatories, rest from repetitive activity, physical therapy stretches, and, occasionally, a corticosteroid injection into the bursa.

Labral tears are a common cause of hip pain in all age groups. The labrum is the cartilage bumper that sits between the femoral head and the acetabulum. Labral tears can be caused by degeneration, acute or repetitive trauma, or something called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). FAI is an anatomical variant that causes abnormal contact between the femur and acetabulum that over time can wear down the cartilage.

Labral tears are characterized by a vague groin or hip pain that can worsen with activity and cause a snapping sensation. An official diagnosis of a labral tear typically comes from an MRI, but a physical exam and X-ray can also give the provider a good sense of the condition. Depending on the extent of the tear, treatment begins with physical therapy, anti-inflammatories, and occasionally a steroid injection. In cases where symptoms are not improving, a surgical arthroscopic debridement can be done.

There are many muscles surrounding the hip that aid in lower leg function and strength. These muscles include the quadriceps, hamstrings, gluteus muscles, and others. Injuries to these tendons and muscles can vary from simple tendonitis from overuse to partial or full tears from an acute injury. Symptoms of tendonitis include pain at the site of the muscle that’s worse with activity or walking. Strains or tears to the muscles usually come after an immediate injury and vary in severity from mild pain at the site to swelling, bruising, and weakness in the area. Most muscle strains or partial tears are treated with physical therapy and rest. Depending on the extent of the tear and a patient’s age, full tears may require surgical fixation to prevent long-term weakness.

Treatment

ortho urgent care

At Pacific Crest Orthopedics, we customize a treatment plan to meet your individual needs. In the hip, some of the most common treatments can include different types of injections, the use of anti-inflammatories, physical therapy, or rest and non-weight-bearing in crutches. For some conditions, surgery is indicated as the best option.

Ephraim Dickinson, MD has extensive experience treating your hip pain and providing therapies to prevent future problems and to keep you active and healthy. Don’t continue to suffer from hip pain or immobility. If you have questions about hip pain, call Pacific Crest Orthopedics in San Francisco or use the online booking tool to schedule an appointment today.

Need Immediate Care?

If you’re in need of immediate care, please visit one of our Walk-In locations.

Real Stories, Real Recovery.

ortho urgent care

“Dr. Dickinson has been super helpful in my recovery and truly cares about the patient in getting back to full range of motion. Great team all around – I highly recommend!”

Chad W.
Google Review

Terry B.

“Amazing from the time i walked in the door until the time i left. Everyone is so helpful and a joy to work with. I got the treatment i need fast and efficiently. This place is a must go to when to need to be seen urgently. Skip the ER if they can see you!”

May 28, 2024

Melanie M.

“Loved how accessible this clinic was and how easy it was to book. I looked everywhere for an ortho to see me for days and couldn’t find one available or who look at back issues, and with them I was able to book a same day appointment and got answers to my problems during that one visit. I was seen by Brianna and she was great. She talked me through everything and explained things easily to me where I felt very comfortable and trusting in her diagnosis.”

May 28, 2024

Robert Z.

“Dr. Halbrecht is an extremely talented and professional physician. He takes time to explain all medical terms and procedures and listens to all questions and concerns.”

Apr 4, 2024

Allyssa J.

“Great service: very professional, nice office and location, and excellent staff. I fractured my foot, and they took great care of me!”

Apr 2, 2024

Frank T.

“Great service: very professional, nice office and location, and excellent staff. I fractured my foot, and they took great care of me!”

Apr 2, 2024

Katherine B.

“I came to the office with a huge pain. Dr Ephraim Dickinson not only quickly assist my problem and gave me the treatment plan. He was very nice and explain everything clear and answer all my questions. I recommend Dr. Dickinson and his office!”

Mar 20, 2024

Don’t Wait to Get the Care You Need.
Fix What Hurts, Fast.

Don’t Wait To Get The Care You Need. Fix What Hurts, Fast.