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Hip Pain Treatment in Decatur and Hartselle, Alabama

Hip joint pain can make it difficult to sit, stand, or walk comfortably. While hip pain can have many different causes, it can often be treated non-operatively, meaning surgery is not required. The medical team at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine offers cutting-edge, minimally invasive procedures to treat hip pain. DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine serves patients throughout Decatur and Hartselle, Alabama, and the surrounding areas.

Woman and man with bicycle walking through park

Conditions Treated

DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine treats a range of hip conditions. Causes of hip pain may include:

Arthritis

This condition is an inflammation of the joints that leads to pain, stiffness, and swelling. Many patients develop osteoarthritis as they age and the tissues that cushion the joints begin to break down. If a person has osteoarthritis in their hip joint, they may experience joint pain or weakness, as well as a clicking sound when the joint moves.

The risk of osteoarthritis increases with age. While joint damage caused by arthritis can’t be reversed, exercise, medication, and other treatments can help minimize symptoms.

Bursitis

Bursae are sacs of fluid that cushion the bones and tendons in the hips and other joints. Repetitive motion and joint damage can cause these sacs to become inflamed, a condition known as bursitis. This can make the hip joint stiff, achy, or swollen.

Fortunately, bursitis will often go away after resting the joint and applying ice. However, some patients with bursitis will need additional treatment, such as medication or joint injections.

Strains and Sprains

A hip injury can cause the muscles and tendons to stretch or even tear. Hip strain can be caused by an acute injury, such as falling while exercising, or it may be caused by a repetitive stress injury that weakens the joint over time. A sprain or strain can lead to pain and swelling in the hip joint. Mild strains can be treated with the RICE protocol:

  • Rest
  • Ice
  • Compression
  • Elevation

Tendinitis

Overuse of the hip joint can lead to tendinitis, a chronic condition in which the hip flexors become inflamed. Hip tendinitis often affects runners, cyclers, or other athletes who put excessive strain on their hip joints. Symptoms can include pain and stiffness that are often worse first thing in the morning. Conservative treatments like rest, medication, and physical therapy are often sufficient to alleviate tendinitis.

Fractures

Hip fractures often happen because of an accident like a car crash or a severe fall. Older adults are at higher risk of hip fracture, especially if they have osteoporosis. But unlike a broken arm or leg, the upper femur near the hip cannot be immobilized with a cast – a hip fracture nearly always requires surgery. An X-ray or other imaging test can confirm the presence of a fracture.

Avascular Necrosis

This condition develops when the body’s blood supply to the bone is temporarily or permanently cut off. Avascular necrosis can develop as a result of injury, chronic medical conditions, or long-term use of certain medications or alcohol. A patient with avascular necrosis may not notice any symptoms at first, but as bone tissue dies, the hip joint can begin to collapse.

Hip Pain Treatment

The physicians at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine have the expertise to diagnose hip pain causes and determine the appropriate treatment plan. Treatment options may include:

Injections

This non-surgical treatment injects medication into the hip joint to reduce swelling and relieve pain. Injections take just a few minutes to complete and patients can typically resume normal activities right afterward. While it can take a few days for patients to notice the effect, injection treatments can provide symptom relief for weeks or even months.

Physical Therapy

If a patient is recovering from a hip injury or has a chronic condition like arthritis, physical therapy (PT) may be recommended. A physical therapist can help a patient through a structured routine of exercises and stretches. PT can help strengthen the muscles and tendons around the hip joint, increase flexibility, and improve the patient’s range of motion.

Hip Replacement Surgery

In some cases, a patient may be a candidate for hip replacement surgery, also known as total hip replacement. The damaged bone and cartilage are replaced with a prosthetic joint that will last for many years. At DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, orthopedic surgeons use Mako robotic technology to create more accurate surgical plans and minimize trauma to the surrounding tissues. The surgical team can perform hip replacement from either an anterior or posterior approach.

Choose DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine

Hip pain can make it difficult to walk, run, or just manage daily routines. At DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine, the healthcare team is dedicated to providing advanced orthopedic care that helps manage pain and improve quality of life. And with locations in Decatur and Hartselle, AL, patients can receive care close to home. To learn more about treatment options for hip pain, schedule an appointment today.


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