Nonsurgical Treatment of Hip Injuries
Nonsurgical treatment for hip pain is frequently the first choice because this approach has been shown to be successful in reducing pain and swelling. Nonsurgical management typically includes a combination of rest, anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, walking aids, steroid injections into the joint and when the diagnosis is a symptomatic psoas tendon an injection into the psoas tendon may be recommended. Steroid injections may also be prescribed for treatment of hip bursitis. When hip arthritis is the diagnosis certain arthritis medications may be prescribed.
Platelet – rich Plasma (PRP) treatment may be recommended to boost the body’s natural healing capacity. PRP is valuable to augment conservative treatment. It enhances healing of numerous painful musculoskeletal conditions including hip pain from osteoarthritis, tendinopathy, and cartilage damage and tears. PRP is commonly used or when conservative therapy fails, and in the surgical treatment of the hip joint.
Dr. Jonathan Godin is a hip specialist who will discuss with you all your treatment options based on your diagnosis and your personal requirements. Where appropriate he will recommend nonsurgical treatments to manage your pain and dysfunction. Conservative management is effective at rehabilitating athletes with labral tears.
Conditions amenable to nonsurgical treatment
Hip Labral Tears
The hip labrum is vital to the maintenance of normal hip function. The labrum is made of cartilage and has only a limited blood supply, so a tear has little ability to heal itself.
A labrum tear may be caused by trauma or overuse. However, most labral tears are the result of FAI – femoroacetabular impingement often caused by a structural problem that pinches and tears the labrum. In young and active patients, FAI is a common cause of hip pain.
A labral tear is a tear or fraying of the labrum, a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket. Hip labral tears affect athletes who participate in sports that place a lot of strain on the hips and the upper legs. However, in aging there is often degeneration of the hip joint that can result in a tear. A trial of conservative management will be considered based on the size of the tear and the patient’s pre-injury activity level. Generally nonsurgical management is reserved for less active patients, and for those with mild to moderate symptoms. It will involve rest, activity modification, OTC anti-inflammatory medications and physical therapy. Cortisone injections may be recommended to help ease pain.
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis is irritation, swelling and inflammation of the bursae. Hip bursae are small fluid-filled sacs that lubricate the joint, reduce friction, and provide cushioning during movement. Hip bursitis is a common problem in active middle-aged women and the elderly. It can also be caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis, injury, repetitive stress, and bone spurs. Conservative management is the initial treatment.
Low- energy shock wave therapy (ESWT) is another option that may be offered to improve pain and reduce inflammation. When conservative management is insufficient. minimally invasive arthroscopic surgery may be recommended.
Hip Tendonitis
Tendonitis is a common condition characterized by pain due to inflammation of the hip muscles and tendons that connect muscle to bone. It affects athletes and non-athletes alike. It is caused by overuse or strenuous activity such as HIIT workouts, cycling, hockey, baseball, swimming, and running can cause hip tendonitis.
The pain feels like a deep, dull ache in the groin, especially when climbing stairs or getting out of a chair. It can be disabling. However, conservative management with RICE, OTC NSAIDS, and physical therapy can manage pain and improve function.
Hip Arthritis
Several forms of arthritis can affect the hip joint, muscles and bones causing pain stiffness and swelling, and limit motion. Osteoarthritis (wear and tear arthritis) is the most common type that affects people age 50 and older. It causes degradation of the cartilage and bone changes, including bone spurs. It can be extremely painful and debilitating.
Nonsurgical treatment including gentle exercises can help maintain hip function, strength and range of motion. OTC pain medications may be helpful. However, prescription arthritis medications can help treat advanced pain.
Hip Strains
Traumatic hip strains often occur in sports, or from overuse. When the muscles, tendons and ligament that provide hip support become inflamed it can cause pain and dysfunction.
Strains can be treated with conservative measures. Hip strains that involve torn muscles can also be successfully treated without surgery.
Contact Dr. Godin at the internationally renowned Steadman Clinic is Vail Colorado to get expert guidance on the low-tech nonsurgical treatments for hip pain and the most advanced treatments in a caring and compassionate environment.
