Common Hip Injuries, Symptoms & Treatment

Hip injuries can occur as a result of an accident (slip & fall, car accident etc…) and can be very painful. Learn more about various Hip Pains(like hip pointer injury), symptoms, Diagnoses & Treatment Plans. We got to you the best hip injury doctors near you in NY & NJ.

What Is a Hip Injury?

Hip injuries are commonly caused by accidents. The hip joint, also known as the acetabulofemoral joint, is the joint between the femur, or thigh bone, and the acetabulum of the hip. The hip joint supports the weight of the body which is needed for standing and walking.

This joint is a ball and socket type and allows for a wide range of motion. This range of motion is supported by two major fluid-filled sacs called a bursa. These act as gliding surfaces that minimize friction and maximize smooth pain-free motion.

Common Hip Injuries

The hip joint is strong and resilient, but certain activities or medical conditions can result in injuries that affect its proper functioning. For example, trauma to the hip can cause a hip fracture, sprain, or dislocation. These types of injuries can also cause inflammation of the fluid-filled bursa, a condition known as bursitis.

Hip pain can also be caused by medical conditions that affect the hip joint including osteoporosis or osteoarthritis, both degenerative conditions that are very common among the elderly. These types of pre-existing medical conditions can increase a patient’s likelihood of sustaining a hip fracture following a fall or a car crash.

How is a Hip Injury Diagnosed?

Hip injuries are generally quite painful and usually result in significant impairment. A patient with a hip injury is usually referred to an orthopedic surgeon, a doctor who specializes in conditions affecting bones and joints.

An orthopedist will begin the clinical evaluation by taking a detailed medical history from the patient. This is usually followed by a thorough physical examination, during which an orthopedist performs gait and stance assessments. These assessments help the doctor determine a patient’s range of motion and strength.

The physical examination is performed in standing, sitting, supine, lateral, and prone positions. After the physical examination is completed, the doctor may order laboratory testing to further evaluate the hip. Some common laboratory tests include:

• Complete blood count – analysis of white blood cells which can help the doctor diagnose bone infection;
• Urinalysis;
• Synovial fluid test – Extraction of synovial fluid, or fluid within the joint, using a needle to test for joint inflammation or injury.

The doctor may also order medical imaging to have a better view of the bones, muscles, and soft tissue of the hip and to help make a more definitive diagnosis. Medical imaging modalities commonly used to evaluate the hip include:

• MRI Scan;
• CT Scan;
• Ultrasonography; and
• X-ray;

The results of the physical examination, laboratory, and diagnostic testing together provide the doctor with the information needed for an accurate diagnosis. 

Treatment of Hip Injuries

The treatment of an injury to the hip differs depending on the cause and nature of the injury. Some mild hip injuries can be initially treated with rest, ice, compression garments, and elevation. This treatment is designed to reduce inflammation and manage hip pain associated with minor hip trauma.

Some patients benefit from a course of physical therapy to increase the mobility and strength of the hip. There are a variety of different types of therapies that can be appropriate, including stretching and strengthening exercises.

At times, however, surgery may be required to manage fractures or other conditions for which non-surgical treatments are ineffective.

You can find & contact the best hip injury doctor near your location in NY & NJ by visiting the doctor listing page: https://accidentdoctors911.com/doctors/