Back Clinic Hip Pain & Disorders Team. These types of disorders are common complaints that can be caused by a variety of problems. The precise location of your hip pain can give more information about the underlying cause. The hip joint on its own tends to result in pain on the inside of your hip or groin area. Pain on the outside, upper thigh, or outer buttock is usually caused by ailments/problems with the muscles, ligaments, tendons, and soft tissues surrounding the hip joint. Hip pain can also be caused by diseases and conditions in other areas of your body, i.e. the lower back. The first thing is to identify where the pain is coming from.
The most important distinguishing factor is to find out if the hip is the cause of the pain. When hip pain comes from muscles, tendons, or ligament injuries, it typically comes from overuse or Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI). This comes from overusing the hip muscles in the body i.e. iliopsoas tendinitis. This can come from tendon and ligament irritations, which typically are involved in snapping hip syndrome. It can come from inside the joint that is more characteristic of hip osteoarthritis. Each of these types of pain presents itself in slightly different ways, which is then the most important part in diagnosing what the cause is.
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction and its symptoms can also be a cause for low back pain conditions and disorders.
This condition is also known as:
Sacroiliitis
SI joint inflammation
SI joint syndrome
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction
SI joint strain
It can make regular activities like sitting, standing, walking, and sleeping frustrating, difficult and unbearable. It has been found in around 30-35% of individuals.�Many individuals can spend months or even years dealing with symptoms but are never aware that it’s not the correct diagnosis. Sacroiliac joint dysfunction can sometimes be difficult to diagnose. These joints are so close to the hip and low back, that it is common for sacroiliac joint dysfunction to be mistaken for other causes/conditions of low back pain, like a herniated, slipped or bulging disc.
Sacroiliac Joint Dysfunction Symptoms
When low back pain is present, it can be quite difficult for a doctor to figure out the exact source/cause of your pain.
These are a few recognizable symptoms of sacroiliac joint dysfunction.
Low back pain is the most common.
Pain could also present in the hips, buttocks, thighs, and possibly the groin area.
The pain can be so severe that just touching the area is unbearable.
Other activities that can cause symptoms:
Common movements like climbing stairs, sitting down/getting up out of a seat, can cause pain. Pain can also be aggravated from standing or walking for extended periods but improve when relaxed or lying down. Stiffness or a burning sensation in the pelvis can also present.
Causes of Joint Dysfunction
A variety of conditions can cause sacroiliac joint dysfunction. The most common:
Arthritis
Joint pain can be caused by spinal osteoarthritis because as the cartilage around the sacroiliac joint wears down, the bones can start to rub against each other. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory arthritis that affects the spine that can also cause joint dysfunction.
Pregnancy
Pregnant women can experience low back pain or pelvic pain from sacroiliac dysfunction because the joints get stretched and lose their elasticity during pregnancy. Hormone changes and added weight during pregnancy can place added stress on the sacroiliac joints.
Accident Trauma
High impact from an auto accident, slip and fall injury, or sports injury could damage the sacroiliac joint/s.
Viral Infection
Infections are extremely rare but could be another cause of joint pain.
There are a variety of treatment options that can help reduce and prevent low back pain.
Exercise/Physical Therapy
Exercise and physical therapy are therapies that doctors highly recommend before other treatments like pain medications or surgery. Exercise, chiropractic and physical therapy can help manage pain and other symptoms. Consult your doctor before starting any physical therapy or exercise program. Your doctor can recommend a chiropractor or therapist that can help get you started with the proper exercise treatment plan.
Physical Therapy
Physical therapy can help reduce stress on the joints, that are strained and tight. It also helps maintain joint flexibility. A physical therapist will perform passive and active treatment therapies to help manage joint pain.
Passive treatments – the physical therapist does the majority of the work. An example of passive treatment applying heat or ice along with massaging the area.
Active treatments – the patient participates in the treatment with at-home exercise routines is an example of active treatment.
A combination of passive and active treatment provides the best outcomes and offers the most benefits, as the patient has the know-how of proper posture, exercises that they can do and injury prevention. A chiropractor and physical therapist can build a physical therapy program to help address your symptoms.
Exercise
With sacroiliac joint dysfunction, you do not have to do hard intense exercise. The benefits come from a consistent gentle exercise routine with an emphasis on consistency. Exercising stretches and strengthens muscles of the low back muscles and helps maintain joint flexibility.
An overall exercise plan should incorporate the three main types:
Sacroiliac joint dysfunction is known to cause low back pain, but diagnosing can be hard for some doctors. Especially those that do not have a great deal of experience in sacroiliac joint pain. However,�chiropractors specialize in this area as the SI joint is an important part of the musculoskeletal system.
Piriformis syndrome will cause dull, mild pain in the low back, buttocks and can radiate down the leg.
Hip pain attributed to avascular necrosis will be severe and constant.
Sacroiliac joint pain could be attributed to the hip and the low back because the sacroiliac joints connect the sacrum in the spine to the hip bones.
Symptoms that the Spine Is the Root
Where groin pain is a sign that the pain is linked to the hip when the pain is above the waistline and travels down the body usually indicates a low back issue.
Among the most common degenerative conditions that affect the lumbar spine are:
Herniated discs
Spinal stenosis
Spondylolisthesis
Pain is caused by irritating the low back nerves, which result in pain shooting down the leg/s and:
Weakness
Numbness
Reduced range of motion
Arthritis of the spine brings on pain usually when first getting out of bed or rising up after sitting.
It usually improves after beginning to move.
Spinal stenosis or nerve pressure compression pain worsens with prolonged standing or walking, while relief comes with sitting.
Getting to the Root
When there is pain in the lower body and are not sure whether it’s the back or hip, the first course of action is to visit your doctor or a chiropractor.
They will review your medical history and perform a series of physical exams, such as various movements to get an idea of what is going on.
Your primary doctor may refer you to a doctor/chiropractor who specializes in hip or spinal conditions to make an accurate diagnosis.
The doctor will ask you to describe the:
Pain
Location
When it worsens
When it’s relieved
What the pain feels like (e.g., sharp, dull).
The doctor may have you perform various movements to observe your biomechanics.
The goal is to determine what movements trigger the pain.
For both spine and hip pain, surgery is rarely necessary and only utilized as the last-resort option.
Labrum Tear Hip Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Andrew Hutchinson turned into chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab after suffering a high ankle sprain and a hip labrum tear for which he moved through with surgery to repair it. After being bedridden for weeks so as to correctly recuperate, Andrew Hutchinson transitioned to chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to regain his strength, freedom, and flexibility before returning to perform. Although he has suffered other sports accidents, Andrew Hutchinson continues to trust in chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to keep his spine properly aligned and maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Labrum tears in athletes may occur from a single event or recurring trauma. Running may lead to labrum tears as a result of labrum being used more for weight-bearing and taking excessive forces while at the end-range motion of the leg. Sporting activities are likely causes, especially the ones that require frequent hip rotation or pivoting to some wealthy femur as in ballet or hockey. Continuous hip rotation places increased pressure on the capsular tissue and injury to the iliofemoral ligament. This then causes hip instability placing increased stress on the labrum and resulting in a cool labrum tear.
What’s Afoot
Muscle imbalances in the hip, such as tight hip flexors, can cause low back pain � or at least contribute to it. When the hip flexor muscles are too tight, it causes what is known as an anterior pelvic tilt. In other words, the muscles cause an anterior pull on the pelvis. This affect posture and throws the entire lower body out of alignment. It can also affect the knees and feet if left untreated.
NCBI Resources
Hip flexors can become too tight if the person sits for extended periods of time or engages in activities like cycling and jogging. A chiropractor can guide you through exercises that will help release the tight muscles and stop the micro spams that occur as a result. They will also assess your knees, feet, and ankles to ensure that the issue has not through them out of alignment as well. Correcting the cause of the problem will often correct the associated issues and resolve the pain allowing you to return to your normal activities.
Although hip pain is most often associated with older individuals, in reality, it can affect people from all age groups. The hips are complex joints, which means there are many things that can go wrong in the hips�complications that can lead to pain and discomfort in the hip area. Whatever your age, when hip pain strikes you naturally want to know if there is a way to make it better or eliminate it altogether. Fortunately, chiropractic offers effective methods for addressing hip pain.
Causes of Hip Pain?
There are a surprising number of ways that hip pain can develop. It may show up at one or both sides of your hips, or on the front of your hip. It can also show up on the back of one or both hips. Where the pain develops can serve as an indicator of what is actually causing the pain. Your chiropractor will look closely at your condition to determine the cause, which may be attributed to the following:
Osteoarthritis
The cartilage that surrounds your joints can begin to wear down over time. The degeneration of cartilage around joints is known as osteoarthritis. Many times, osteoarthritis can develop due to normal wear and tear, which is why the condition is so often associated with aging. However, it is possible for younger individuals to develop osteoarthritis as well.
Transient Osteoarthritis
Both middle-aged men and pregnant women can suffer from transient osteoarthritis. It is a painful condition, but fortunately, it is reversible with proper treatment.
Bursitis
Bursa are sacs filled with fluid found in your joints, including the hips. The bursa are supposed to provide cushioning to your joints and lessen the friction created as your joints move. However, the bursa can become inflamed, which can lead to pain each time the joint is used.
Muscle Strain
There are a multitude of muscles that support the hips and make it possible for them to function. If one or more of those muscles is strained, it can lead to pain. Muscle strain is common in active individuals.
Overuse
Any joint and the soft tissues that support it can be overused. Overuse is common in individuals who perform repetitive motions, such as having to do the same motion hundreds of times a day for particular job activity.
Chiropractic Can Help
Studies have shown that chiropractic can increase mobility and lessen the pain when patients are experiencing hip pain. Treatment can be quite effective for many hip conditions, including all of those listed above. Since chiropractic steers clear of unnecessary medications and surgery, it is non-invasive and can be used regularly with minimal risk of side effects. Even if the condition you suffer from is not completely eliminated by treatment, it can make your symptoms much more tolerable by reducing pain and improving mobility.
Some common treatments for hip pain in chiropractic include:
Adjustments
By realigning your spine, adjustments can reduce or eliminate strain that may be placed on your hips. Regular adjustments can help ensure that your body maintains alignment and minimizes the amount of unnecessary strain might be impacting your hip area.
Exercises
Sometimes the best long-term solution to hip pain is to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hips. Your chiropractor can give you personalized exercises based on your body�s needs to help you get stronger so that your body supports your hips day in and day out.
Stretches
Hip pain can lead to loss of mobility. Appropriate stretches can help you regain some of that mobility.
Contact Us & Schedule An Appointment for Hip Pain Relief
Labrum Tear Hip Treatment El Paso, TX Chiropractor
Andrew Hutchinson turned into chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab after suffering a high ankle sprain and a hip labrum tear for which he moved through with surgery to repair it. After being bedridden for weeks so as to correctly recuperate, Andrew Hutchinson transitioned to chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to regain his strength, freedom, and flexibility before returning to perform. Although he has suffered other sports accidents, Andrew Hutchinson continues to trust in chiropractic care and Crossfit rehab to keep his spine properly aligned and maintain overall health and wellbeing.
Labrum rips in athletes may occur from a single event or recurring trauma. Running may lead to labrum tears as a result of labrum being used more for weight-bearing and taking excessive forces while at the end-range motion of the leg. Sporting activities are likely causes, especially the ones that require frequent hip rotation or pivoting to some wealthy femur as in ballet or hockey. Continuous hip rotation places increased pressure on the capsular tissue and injury to the iliofemoral ligament. This then causes hip instability placing increased stress on the labrum and resulting in a cool labrum tear.
Hip Weakness
Muscle imbalances in the hip, such as tight hip flexors, can cause low back pain � or at least contribute to it. When the hip flexor muscles are too tight, it causes what is known as an anterior pelvic tilt.�Hip flexors�can become too tight if the person sits for extended periods of time or engages in activities like cycling and jogging. A chiropractor can guide you through exercises that will help release the tight muscles and stop the micro spams that occur as a result.
NCBI Resources
Treating your hip is successful when the focus is on restoring the balance and function of the entire body. This starts from the ground up with the feet along with a chiropractic examination that determines the root cause, which in turn helps in making an informed decision on a treatment plan. This instead of merely reducing the pain and inflammation in the irritated areas.
X-radiography pitfalls: some undisplaced Garden 1 & 2 Fxs may be missed d/t pre-existing DJD and osteophytes along the femoral head-neck junction that may overly the Fx line
Fx line is incomplete and too small/subtle especially if the study is read by non-radiologists
Incomplete Fxs if left untreated will not heal and likely to progress to complete Fxs
AP hip spot view: note valgus deformity of the head (above yellow arrow) with a small/subtle line of sclerosis in the sub-capital region representing Garden 1 Fx. MRI may help with Dx of subtle radiographic Fxs. If MRI contraindicated, Tc 99 radionuclide bone scan may help demonstrate high uptake of the radiopharmaceutical in Fx (below image)
Above – Tc99 Radionuclide Bone Scan Reveals Left Subcapital Femoral Neck Fx
Garden 2 complete undisplaced (above green arrows) Fx
AP hip: Garden 3 complete partially displaced Fx (above the first image)
AP pelvis: complete displaced Garden 4 Fx (above the second image)
Clinical pearls: in some cases of Garden 4 Fx, DDx may be difficult to differentiate from OSP vs. pathologic fx d/t to bone Mets of Multiple myeloma (MM)
Management: depends on patients age and activity level
Garden 3 & 4� require total hip arthroplasty in patients <85-y.o.
Garden 1 & 2 may be treated with closed reduction of fx and open capsule and 3-cannulated fixating screws
Pre-existing DJD may require total arthroplasty
Occasionally observation may be performed on patients who are not active and significant risks of surgery and depends on surgical centers
m/c Rx of Garden 1 & 2 undisplaced Fx with 3-screws. Screws proximity depends on the bone quality and Fx type
THA aka hip replacement: cemented THA with bone cement (above the first image) vs. non-cemented (biologic) that is used mostly in younger patients
2-types: metal on metal vs. metal on polyethylene
The femoral angle of the prosthesis should have slight valgus but never >140 degrees
The non-cemented component uses porous metal allowing the bone to integrate sometimes coating in bone cement from osteoconduction
THA has good outcome and prognosis
Occasionally cement failure, fractures, and infections may complicate this procedure
Unstable Fx: a result of high energy trauma with >50% d/t MVA
20% closed Fx and 50% of open Fx result in mortality
Mortality is associated with vascular and internal organs injuries
Vascular injury: 20% arterial 80% venous
Chronic morbidity/disability and prolonged pain
Unstable Fx are rarely seen in the outpatient setting and typically and present to the ED
Stable pelvic Fx are usually caused by muscles/tendons avulsions and more often seen in pediatric cases
Understanding Pelvic Anatomy Is The Key To Successful Imaging Dx
The bony pelvis is a continuous ring of bone held by strong ligaments
During significant impact, pelvic fractures may occur in more than one location because forces applied to one region of the ring will also correspond to injury on the other, usually the opposite side of the ring (above image)
Thus the majority of unstable pelvic Fx will typically demonstrate more than one break
Pelvic is seen as a ring of� bone connected by some of the strongest ligaments in the body
The pelvic ring comprises 2-semirings: anterior to the acetabulum and posterior to the acetabulum
The bony pelvis is in close proximity to major vessels carrying a greater chance of vascular injury
Anatomical Differences of The Female and Male Pelvis
Post-Traumatic Pelvic Views May Vary and Include:
Standard AP Pelvis (above images)
Judet views evaluating the acetabulo-pelvic region
Inlet/Outlet views helping with the symphysis and SIJ regions
Rad survey of the pelvis should include evaluation of the continuity of pelvic rings:
Inlet/outlet, obturator rings (above the first image)
Symphysis pubis and SIJ for diastasis and post-trauma separation (above the second image)
Lumbosacral spine and hips should also be carefully examined
Pelvic inlet (above top left) and Outlet (above bottom left)
Judet views: left and right posterior oblique views
Additional Survey:
Iliopectineal, ilioischial, Shenton and Sacral arcuate lines will help detection of sacral, acetabular and hip fracture/dislocations
Stable Pelvic Fractures aka Avulsion Injury
Appreciating anatomical sites of pelvic origin/insertion of different muscles will help Dx of pelvic avulsion Fx
Avulsion Fx of the AllS (origin of the direct head of Rectus femoris M)
Pelvic avulsions occur by sudden eccentric contraction especially during kicking or jumping
Imaging: x-radiography will suffice
Clinically: sudden snap or pop followed by local pain. Pt can weight bear
Care: non-operative with rest for 4-weeks. Non-union is rare. No major complications
DDx: key rad DDx feature is not to mistake an avulsion from an aggressive pediatric bone tumor-like osteosarcoma that may show some exuberant new bone formation d/t healing and bone callus
Commonly Encountered Unstable Pelvic Fractures
Malgaigne Fx: d/t vertical shear injury to the ipsilateral pelvis
Rad Dx: ipsilateral superior and inferior pubic rami Fx (anterior ring) with ipsilateral SIJ separation/Fx of the sacrum and adjacent ilium (posterior ring). Symphysis pubis diastasis can be seen. An additional clue is an avulsion of L4 and/or L5 TP that often signifies serious pelvic injury
Clinically: marked leg shortening, shock, inability to weight bear.
Damage to Superior Gluteal Artery can occur
Imaging: x-radiography followed by CT scanning w/o and with IV contrast esp. if visceral injury present
Care: surgical in most cases d/t significant instability. ORIF. Hemostasis, Pelvic stabilization
Prognosis: depends on the complexity, rate of visceral complications and stability. 10% Superior glut artery bleed requiring rapid hemostasis
Open Book Pelvis (major instability)
Mechanism: AP compression of different force magnitude (picture depiction)
Rad Dx: diastasis of symphysis pubis with diastasis of SIJ with and w/o adjacent Fx of the ala
Imaging steps: x-radiographic, CT scanning with and w/o contrast for vascular injury, cystography for acute urinary bladder rupture
Immediate and delayed complications may occur: vascular injury, urethral/bladder injury
Straddle Injury: Unstable Fx
Mechanism: direct impact/collision
High risk of urinary bladder/urethral injury
Imaging: bilateral superior and inferior pubic rami Fx with or w/o diastasis and Fx of SIJ
CT with and w/o contrast for vascular injury
Cystourethrogram additionally evaluates a urogenital injury
2) Osteoporotic patients with low impact, trivial or no trauma (i.e., insufficiency Fx)
X-radiography is crucial to early Dx and prevention of complications which include:
Dx: intra-capsular vs. extra-capsular Fx
Ischemic osteonecrosis aka avascular necrosis (AVN) of the femoral head and rapid disabling DJD
Epidemiology: USA has some of the highest rates of OSP hip Fx worldwide. Highest healthcare cost Fx to treat overall
Women>men, Caucasians>African-Americans
25-30% mortality within the 1st year. Mortality depends on co-morbidities and stat of activity prior Fx
Pathophys: the femoral neck is intra-capsular and transmits arterial flow to the head. The neck is uncovered by the periosteum and unable to develop a good callus. The neck transmits maximum tensile forces through the proximal femur and prone to Fx and non-union
Ever since he started chiropractic care with Dr. Alex Jimenez and continued rehabilitation at Push, Bobby Gomez has experienced great improvements on his back and hip pain. Since birth, Bobby had problems walking due to an uneven pelvic tilt. However, treatment has helped him gain more muscle on his legs, giving him more strength, flexibility and mobility to further improve his gait. Thanks to chiropractic care and rehabilitation, Bobby Gomez has become more confident and at peace with himself, highly recommending Dr. Alex Jimenez as the non-surgical choice for hip pain.
Chiropractic Hip Pain Treatment
Pain in the hip is the experience of pain from the joints or muscles in the hip region, a condition arising from any of a number of variables. Occasionally it is associated with back pain. Causes of pain around the hip joint may be extra-articular, or referred pain from neighboring structures, including the sacroiliac joint, spine, symphysis pubis, or the inguinal canal. Clinical tests are accommodated to identify the source of pain as intra-articular or extra-articular. The flexion-abduction-external spinning (FABER), internal range of motion with overpressure (IROP), and scour tests reveal sensitivity worth in identifying individuals with intra-articular pathology.
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As El Paso�s Chiropractic Rehabilitation Clinic & Integrated Medicine Center,�we passionately are focused treating patients after frustrating injuries and chronic pain syndromes. We focus on improving your ability through flexibility, mobility and agility programs tailored for all age groups and disabilities.
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I went through the physical therapy, and then I used chiropractic care, as well as crossfit, to kinda get me to that 100% mark. And I haven’t had a problem since, I continue to do crossfit and I use chiropractic care to make sure my body is aligned. It gives me that extra sense of feeling that I’m not gonna injure myself again, that my body is feeling good and 100%. I never have that feeling in the back of my mind, that, you know, I’m gonna injure myself. Sometimes I forget I even had a surgery and I think I can attribute that to a combination of chiropractic care and to the overall training aspect of crossfit. – Andrew Hutchison
There are a variety of causes for both hip pain and knee pain. While the hip joint can withstand a tremendous amount of wear-and-tear, it’s not indestructible. With age and usage, the hip cartilage can begin to degenerate, resulting in hip pain. Tendons and ligaments at the hip may also get excessive overused and can start to demonstrate signs of wear-and-tear over time. The anatomy of the knee, however, is more complex. The knee is collectively made up of bones, pads of cartilage and a joint capsule. Trauma or damage from an injury or degeneration associated with aging may cause knee pain.
Causes of Hip Pain
Hip pain is the general term used to define pain felt in or around the hip joint. Certain injuries and/or conditions may commonly cause hip pain. Arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis, are the primary culprits of hip pain in older individuals. Both may result in the breakdown of cartilage in the hip joint and can cause inflammation in the area. Combined with pain and discomfort, there’s generally also reduced range of motion in the hip as well as stiffness. Bursitis may also result in hip pain. The bursae are sacs of fluid which function by helping to reduce friction between the joints. If these become inflamed, however, they can lead to pain. Typically, it’s only repetitive movements that irritate the hip joint and result in pain.
Similar to bursitis, tendinitis can also lead to inflammation and is usually caused by repetitive stress from movements. Muscle or tendon strain can be a result of overuse. Repeated physical activities can additionally place unnecessary amounts of pressure on the ligaments, tendons and joints of the hip, especially in those which support the buttocks. If some of these are inflamed, the hip won’t be able to function normally and there will be painful symptoms as a result. Below, we will describe the various causes of hip pain as well as discuss their effects on the structure of the hip in detail.�Hip pain isn’t always felt in the hip itself as it may also be felt in the groin or thigh.
Tendonitis
The most frequent cause of severe hip pain is inflamed tendons, or tendonitis. This can generally be due to excessive exercise or physical activities. This health issue can be quite debilitating but it usually heals within a couple of days with proper care.
Arthritis
As mentioned above, one of the most common causes of chronic hip pain is arthritis. Arthritis can cause painful, stiff and tender joints, and it can cause walking problems. Various types of arthritis can cause hip pain, including:
Osteoarthritis might be the final result of age-related degeneration in the cartilage that surrounds the joints.
Trauma, damage or injury to a joint, like a fracture, may cause traumatic arthritis similar to atherosclerosis.
Infectious arthritis is a result of an infection in the joint caused by the degeneration of cartilage.
Rheumatoid arthritis is a result of the human body’s immune system attacking its own joints. This type of arthritis can ultimately destroy joint bones and cartilage.
Osteoarthritis is a a lot more commonly diagnosed than rheumatoid arthritis.It’s fundamental to understand the different types of arthritis as these can be powerful diagnostic tools to help effectively treat hip pain.
Trochanteric Bursitis
Another possible cause of hip pain involves a health issue medically referred to as trochanteric bursitis, as previously mentioned. This condition occurs when the bursa, which are liquid-filled sacs near the hip joint, become inflamed. Any number of variables can lead to trochanteric bursitis, such as hip injury, overuse of the joints, underlying health issues, or even the presence of other conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. This condition is reportedly much more common in females than in males.
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are common causes of hip pain which most frequently occur in older adults and in people who have osteoporosis, which is a weakening of the bones associated with age and various other factors. Hip fractures cause very sudden and extreme hip pain, where they will require immediate medical attention. There are complications that can happen due a fractured hip, like a blood clot in the leg. A hip fracture usually requires surgical interventions to be corrected. Additionally, you may be required to seek further care from a qualified healthcare professional in order to engage in a rehabilitation program.
Less Common Causes of Hip Pain
There are additional, less common conditions that can result in hip pain. These include snapping hip syndrome and osteonecrosis, or avascular necrosis. Below, we will discuss these two health issues in detail.
Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome, which most commonly occurs in athletes, especially dancers, is characterized by a snapping noise or feeling from the hip. By way of instance, this snapping may happen when you’re walking or getting up from a chair. The problem is usually painless, but it can cause pain in several cases. Snapping hip with pain is generally an indication of a tear in the hip cartilage or other structure surrounding the hip joint.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis, also known as avascular necrosis, occurs when blood isn’t able to reach the bones, either permanently or temporarily. This can cause the reduction of bone. The cartilage of individuals with this condition is normal initially, however, it will eventually collapse as the disease evolves. Finally, bones may crack or crumble. It’s not always clear what triggers osteonecrosis. Joint harm, heavy usage of steroid drugs or alcohol, and cancer treatments could put you at greater risk of developing this condition, however, the cause is never determined in many osteonecrosis cases.
Causes of Knee Pain
Similar to hip pain, arthritis, especially rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, may commonly cause knee pain. With the breakdown of cartilage associated with osteoarthritis in the knee, the bones can begin to rub against one another, causing pain and discomfort which could eventually lead to other painful symptoms. Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the joints and it can affect the soft tissue which lines the knee joints. The final result is inflammation, joint damage and joint pain at the knee. The knee joint is very prone to accidents. Typical knee injuries include: meniscal injuries, anterior cruciate ligament injuries and tendon injuries.
The meniscus might be damaged when the knee is bent and twisted in an unnatural way, where ligaments and tendons could also be overstretched and ultimately torn as a result. If it is not repaired, the probability of developing osteoarthritis increases. Any abrupt change in movement can additionally injure the anterior cruciate ligament. Nearly all causes of knee injury and knee pain are the result of a blow to the surface of the knee. Exercises or physical activities which could harm the complex structures of the knee include jogging and jumping. A dislocated kneecap is still another frequent source of knee pain. This occurs when the patella is moved from place and it can be very debilitating.
Temporary knee pain differs from chronic knee pain. Persistent knee pain is not always attributable to one incident. It the result of many causes or conditions.Persistent knee pain is characterized as long-term pain, swelling, or sensitivity in a single or both knees. The reason behind your knee pain can determine the symptoms you develop. Many conditions may cause or lead to chronic knee pain, and lots of treatments exist. Every person’s experience with chronic knee pain will most likely be different. Understanding the causes of knee pain can be a powerful diagnostic tool which can help healthcare professionals properly determine the proper treatment option for your specific health issue.�Common causes of knee pain include:
osteoarthritis: pain, inflammation and joint destruction brought on by degeneration of a joint.
tendinitis: pain in the knee which worsens when climbing, taking stairs, or walking up an incline.
bursitis: inflammation caused by repeated overuse or trauma of the knee.
chondromalacia patella: damaged cartilage under the kneecap.
gout: arthritis brought on by the buildup of uric acid.
Baker’s cyst: a buildup of synovial fluid, fluid which lubricates the joint, supporting the knee.
rheumatoid arthritis, or RA: a chronic autoimmune inflammatory disease that causes painful swelling, joint deformity and bone erosion.
dislocation: dislocation of the kneecap most commonly caused by trauma, damage or injury.
meniscus tear: a rupture in one or more of the soft tissues in the knee.
torn ligament: tear at one of the four ligaments in the knee, the most commonly injured ligament is the anterior cruciate ligament, or the ACL.
bone tumors: osteosarcoma, is the second most common bone cancer, which most commonly occurs in the knee.
Dr. Alex Jimenez’s Insight
While the hip and knee joints are capable of sustaining various degrees of stress when performing physical activities, trauma, damage or injury as well as the degeneration of these complex structures, can ultimately lead to knee and hip pain. The balance of the human body as a whole is fundamental towards overall health and wellness. Therefore, if an individual experiences hip or knee pain, the entire structure and function of their body can be tremendously affected. It’s important for a person with knee or hip pain to seek immediate medical attention from a qualified and experienced healthcare professional, such as a chiropractor or physical therapist, in order to restore the balance of their entire body.
Treatment for Knee and Hip Pain
The treatment of hip pain is based upon the cause. For many instances of trauma, damage or injury, rest is generally enough to enable the hip to heal. By way of instance, exercise-associated hip pain is normally eliminated within a couple of days. When you have arthritis, a healthcare professional may sometimes prescribe drugs and/or medications to help relieve stiffness and pain. Furthermore, your physician will refer you to a doctor who can provide additional information regarding the cause of your hip pain along with recommending an alternative treatment option, such as chiropractic care and physical therapeutics, that will explain to you how you can perform rehabilitation exercises to help maintain joint strength, mobility and flexibility.
For injuries, therapy typically involves bed rest and the use of drugs and/or medications, such as naproxen, to alleviate pain, swelling and stiffness. Hip fractures, malformation of the hip and some injuries may require surgical intervention to repair or replace the hip. In hip replacement surgery, a surgeon will replace a broken hip joint with an artificial one. Although hip replacement surgery will need rehabilitation to become accustomed to the new joint, this type of treatment option is often considered.
Alternative Treatment Options
Some holistic remedies can offer relief from hip pain. Make certain you discuss treatment options with your doctor before considering any treatment option. Potential alternative treatment options include visiting a chiropractor for a spinal adjustment or manual manipulation. Chiropractic care is a well-known treatment approach which focuses on the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of a variety of injuries and/or conditions associated with the musculoskeletal and nervous system. Chiropractic care can help carefully re-align the spine as well as help reduce pain and discomfort, improve swelling and inflammation and even increase strength, flexibility and mobility on other structures of the human body. Physical therapeutics can also help treat both hip and knee pain.
There are many benefits of physical therapeutics, including increased range of motion, reduction of pain, less inflammation and swelling, as well as an overall improvement of quality of life. The first steps a chiropractor or physical therapist will perform if you have hip pain will consist of tests, such as a gait evaluation, range of motion measurement and intensity measurements. Afterwards, the healthcare professional will create a personalized treatment program. Treatment techniques may also include ultrasound and ice. There will also be specific exercises and stretches to help boost hip strength, mobility and flexibility to decrease pain. For knee pain, tests are also done along with active and passive treatments. Chiropractic care and physical therapeutics can help promote healing without the need for drugs and/or medications, and surgical interventions.
Bursitis, a frequent cause of knee pain, can be treated in the following ways:
Ice the knee for 15 minutes once an hour for three of four hours. Do not apply the ice directly to the knee, instead, cover your knee with a cotton towel. Put ice in a plastic zip-close bag, then place the bag on the towel.
Wear cushioned, flat shoes that support your toes and do not worsen your pain.
Avoid sleeping on your side. Use cushions positioned on both sides of your body to keep you from rolling on your side. When lying on the side, keep a pillow between your knees.
Stay seated when possible. Should you need to stand, prevent hard surfaces and maintain your weight evenly distributed on both legs.
Participate or engage in weight loss programs and strategies to lose weight if you are overweight or obese, to reduce the amount of stress that is placed on the knees.
If you are experiencing hip pain, knee pain or some other type of joint pain, make sure to contact a qualified healthcare professional, in order to receive a proper diagnosis to begin the best treatment approach for your specific health issue. Trained and skilled doctors will take you on the path to better healing. Make sure you prepare a one-on-one consultation to acquire a comprehensive examination and say good-bye to your pain. Healthcare professionals are devoted to providing you with a healthy and wholesome lifestyle.�The scope of our information is limited to chiropractic as well as to spinal injuries and conditions. To discuss the subject matter, please feel free to ask Dr. Jimenez or contact us at�915-850-0900�.
Curated by Dr. Alex Jimenez
Additional Topics: Back Pain
Back pain is one of the most prevalent causes for disability and missed days at work worldwide. As a matter of fact, back pain has been attributed as the second most common reason for doctor office visits, outnumbered only by upper-respiratory infections. Approximately 80 percent of the population will experience some type of back pain at least once throughout their life. The spine is a complex structure made up of bones, joints, ligaments and muscles, among other soft tissues. Because of this, injuries and/or aggravated conditions, such as herniated discs, can eventually lead to symptoms of back pain. Sports injuries or automobile accident injuries are often the most frequent cause of back pain, however, sometimes the simplest of movements can have painful results. Fortunately, alternative treatment options, such as chiropractic care, can help ease back pain through the use of spinal adjustments and manual manipulations, ultimately improving pain relief.
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