Hip Pain & Hip Conditions

The treatment depends entirely on the cause of the problem. Therefore, it is important that you understand the cause of your symptoms before embarking on a treatment programme. If you are unsure of your diagnosis, or the severity of your condition, you should seek medical advice before beginning any treatment plan.

Not all of the treatment options listed are appropriate for every condition. 

The first treatment for most conditions that cause hip pain is to rest the joint, and allow the acute inflammation to subside. Often this is the only step needed to relieve hip pain. If the symptoms are severe, crutches or a cane may be helpful as well.

 

Ice packs and heat pads are among the most commonly used treatments for inflammation.  Ice packs are mostly used for acute injuries to help minimise swelling while heat pads are used for chronic conditions to help relax and loosen tissues, and to stimulate blood flow to the area.

Stretching the muscles and tendons that surround the joint can help with some causes of hip pain. A good routine should be established. 

Physiotherapy is an important aspect of treatment for almost all orthopaedic conditions. Physiotherapists use different modalities to increase strength, regain mobility, and help return patients to their pre-injury level of activity. 

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications, commonly referred to as NSAIDs, are some of the most frequently prescribed medications, especially for patients with hip pain caused by problems such as arthritis, bursitis, and tendonitis. 

Hip replacement surgery may be considered when arthritis limits your everyday activities such as walking and bending, when pain continues while resting, or stiffness in your hip limits your ability to move or lift your leg. Hip replacement may be recommended only after careful diagnosis of your joint problem. It is time to consider surgery if you have little pain relief from anti-inflammatory drugs or if other treatments, such as physical therapy, do not relieve hip pain.

Hip replacement surgery involves replacing the femur (head of the thighbone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). Typically, the artificial ball with its stem is made of a strong metal or ceramic, and the artificial socket is made of polyethylene (a durable, wear-resistant plastic) or metal backed with a plastic liner. The artificial joint may be cemented in position or held securely in the bone without cement. The ball and insert are designed to glide together to replicate the hip joint.

For the vast majority of patients, joint replacement can be successful in providing relief from pain and improved mobility for many years. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, hip replacement procedures have been found to result in significant restoration of function and reduction of pain in over 90% of patients.

Hip replacement surgery helps more than 200,000 Americans each year to relieve their hip pain, and get back to enjoying normal, everyday activities. Most patients need to stay in hospital for only 4 to 5 days.

In this innovative process, the end of the thigh bone (femur) is capped with a metal covering – a strong cobalt chromium metal – much like the capping of a tooth. This fits neatly into a metal cup that sits in the hip socket. The head swivels within the cup, gliding together to replicate the hip joint. The surfaces that rub against each other are both made from highly polished metal. This type of hip device is called a metal-on-metal hip resurfacing device.

The first benefit of hip resurfacing is that its bone conserving – This means that more of your healthy bone is kept intact. The damaged area is simply resurfaced, not fully removed.

In addition, there is more natural motion and less chance of dislocation than total hip replacement1 – As large amounts of bone are not removed, the surgeon can resurface the hip closer to the size and shape of your natural hip. In fact, your resurfaced femur is similar to the size of your natural bone so you get a better fit inside your hip socket. This may result in greater stability and the potential for an increased range of motion – so you can return to the gym or dancing, or whatever activity you loved.

You are better prepared for a later treatment - hip resurfacing removes less of your own bone, which may be important should you ever require a total hip replacement in the future.

Hip Resurfacing may be appropriate for younger, more active patients, patients with good bone quality, osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. 

Hip Resurfacing is not recommended for patients with the following conditions: