Hip

What does this area do?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint.

The rounded top of the thighbone (the femur) sits deep in a socket in the pelvis. This deep fit makes the hip both stable and mobile, so it can bear weight and move in many directions.

Several tissues keep the hip working. Cartilage is a smooth tissue that covers the ball and socket so they glide without grinding. The labrum is a rim of cartilage that lines the socket and adds a seal. Strong ligaments hold the joint together, and muscles around the hip and pelvis power your steps.

Together, these parts let you walk, sit, bend, and stand for long periods without pain.

Which problems are commonly seen in this area?

Hip problems often come from wear over time, a structural issue, or an injury.

Common ones include the following.

• Hip osteoarthritis, a gradual wearing of cartilage. See the hip osteoarthritis page.
• Hip labral tears, when the rim of cartilage is torn. See the hip labral tear page.
• Hip impingement, when bones rub during certain motions. See the hip impingement page.
• Bursitis, when a cushioning sac on the outer hip becomes irritated. See the hip bursitis page.
• Hip fractures, often after a fall, more common in older adults. See the hip fracture page.

How are problems here evaluated?

A hip visit usually starts with questions about where the pain sits and what activities bring it on.

Hip pain is often felt in the groin, but it can also reach the buttock or thigh. The physician then examines the hip, checking how far it moves and which motions cause discomfort.

Imaging often follows. An X-ray shows bone and can reveal arthritis, impingement, or a fracture. An MRI, which stands for magnetic resonance imaging, shows soft tissues like the labrum and cartilage in more detail. The physician chooses imaging based on the exam.

What is the treatment approach?

Most hip problems are treated without surgery first.

Conservative care means treatment that does not involve an operation. This can include activity changes, physical therapy to build strength and flexibility, a cane or other support, and medicines that reduce pain and swelling. An injection into the joint may help some conditions and can also help find the source of pain.

If symptoms continue after a fair trial of conservative care, or if the joint is badly worn, the physician may discuss a procedure. Surgery is considered when the problem limits daily life and simpler steps have not brought enough relief. A hip fracture is different and often needs prompt surgical care.

Recovery time depends on the problem and treatment. According to general guidance from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, recovery from mild hip irritation often takes a few weeks, while recovery from a hip replacement can take several months. These are ranges, not promises. Your own path depends on your health and how your body heals.

Which warning signs should you call about?

Consider seeing an orthopedic specialist if hip pain lasts more than a few weeks, if it limits walking, if the joint feels stiff in the morning, or if you cannot bear weight after a fall.

An orthopedic specialist is a physician who focuses on bones, joints, and the tissues around them. A suspected hip fracture needs prompt care.

Which conditions and procedures does this practice treat here?

This practice treats hip osteoarthritis, Hip labral tears, Hip impingement, Hip bursitis, Hip fractures, Hip arthroscopy, a procedure that uses a small camera inside the joint, and Total hip replacement in this area.