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Conditions

Hip Articles

Select a condition to read the overview, the treatments we use, the goals of care and further resources.

In this section

Quadriceps Muscle Strains

This injury is commonly the result of quick sprints or quick stops while running. With a muscle strain, there is localized tenderness or a “bulge” in the tender area of the thigh. The pain is aggravated by lifting the thigh (a straight leg raise), ascending/descending stairs, or getting up from a seated position.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Improve ability to bear weight/stand on the leg(s)
    • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities

Additional Resources

Quadriceps Tendon Rupture

This injury is often the result of forceful kicking or a traumatic impact to the tendon, which may occur with a fall. Signs and symptoms include pain and bruising just above the kneecap, an inability to walk, and severe weakness of the quadriceps (making it impossible to ascend/descend stairs). Surgical repair is necessary.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities
    • Improve Wound Healing

Additional Resources

Groin Strain (Adductor Strain)

This injury usually occurs in sports where cutting, side-stepping, or pivoting are required. Often, there is forceful separation of the legs or twisting of the toe outward. Signs and symptoms include pain and tenderness in the inner thigh region.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities

Additional Resources

Hip Pointer

Hip pointers are the result of a direct blow to the iliac crest in sports such as football, rugby, and soccer. Signs and symptoms include pain, bruising, and tenderness at the bony prominence at the side of the hip. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, and compression.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms

Additional Resources

Trochanteric Bursitis

A bursa is a fluid-filled sack that decreases shear forces between tissues of the body. Trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of a bursa) is caused by excessive stress on the bursa between the IT Band and the greater trochanter. Signs and symptoms include pain over the outer aspect of the hipbone, which often is exacerbated when lying on the affected side, standing on the affected leg, or excessive walking. Treatment often includes rest, ice, and compression, physical therapy including stretching and progressive strengthening, and steroid injection may be helpful.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities

Additional Resources

Hamstring Strains

A strain is a minor tear of a muscle. Quick acceleration while running or cutting is most often the cause of hamstrings strains. A minor pulling or a pop may be noted in the back of the thigh. Pain, swelling, and an inability to run result. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities

Additional Resources

Femoral Neck Fracture

A bad fall or blow to the hip can break (fracture) the thigh bone typically around the femoral neck region. If the broken bone does not heal properly, the joint may slowly wear down. Blood flow through the femoral head may be restricted or cut off leading to the necrosis of the joint.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Improve ability to bear weight/stand on the leg(s)
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Decrease Postoperative Complications
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Safety
    • Improve Wound Healing

Additional Resources

Avascular Necrosis of the Hip

Avascular necrosis means bone death due to a lack of blood supply. A disrupted blood supply occurs when there is a fracture, dislocation, or repetitive trauma to the neck of the femur. Signs and symptoms include pain, limitation of movement and pain with walking. X-rays, MRI, or a bone scan may be helpful in diagnosing this disorder. Surgical decompression or total hip replacement may be necessary.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Decrease Risk of Reoccurrence
    • Improve Function
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Decrease Postoperative Complications
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Safety

Additional Resources

Hip Osteoarthritis

Osteoarthritis of the hip occurs when the cartilage coverings on ball (the head of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum) wear out. It is worse when you bear weight on the affected limb. Range of motion is often limited especially internal rotation and hip flexion. Recent studies have demonstrated that joint mobilization and stretching can result in significant pain relief.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Improve ability to bear weight/stand on the leg(s)
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Optimize Joint Alignment
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Increase Oxygen to Tissues
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Improve Relaxation
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Safety
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities

Additional Resources

Hip Replacement

For some osteoarthritic hip joints and femur fractures, the only option is a total hip replacement. As the image shows, both the ball (the head and neck of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum) are replaced. You will receive physical therapy in the hospital. Recent research suggests that patients can gain significant strength and improve balance skills with additional outpatient physical therapy.

Possible Treatments

Possible Treatment Goals

    • Improve Balance
    • Improve ability to bear weight/stand on the leg(s)
    • Improve Fitness
    • Improve Function
    • Optimize Joint Alignment
    • Improve Muscle Strength and Power
    • Improve Proprioception
    • Decrease Postoperative Complications
    • Improve Range of Motion
    • Improve Relaxation
    • Self-care of Symptoms
    • Improve Safety
    • Improve Tolerance for Prolonged Activities
    • Improve Wound Healing

Additional Resources

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