Hips
Fortunately, it takes a considerable amount of force to seriously damage a healthy hip. The large muscles of the thighs, lower back, and buttocks all help protect the hip from injuries. So, when a hip injury does occur, it is more likely to be caused by chronic overuse of the joint and its associated muscles rather than a direct, traumatic injury.
Hip inflammation and injury is very common in athletes such as cyclists, runners, swimmers, baseball players, and golfers. High-performance athletes, especially those who compete in professional and college sports, must take extra precaution to avoid injuries. In the most severe instances, a hip injury can lead to debilitating pain, loss of hip function, and—for athletes, in particular—the end of an athletic career.
A sprain is a stretching or a tear in ligaments. By contrast, a strain is a stretching or a tear in muscles. Sprains and strains are classified into three grades depending on their severity:
- Grade I – Mild stretching or microscopic tears accompanied by mild pain. The joint functions normally.
- Grade II – Moderate stretching or tears accompanied by pain. The hip may periodically give out while standing or walking.
- Grade III – The ligament, muscle, or tendon is completely torn. The hip can no longer bear weight.
Signs and symptoms of a hip sprain or strain include:
- Hip pain, tenderness, and weakness, especially when walking or climbing stairs
- Hip swelling, inflammation, and bruising
- Muscle spasms in the hip
- A limp while walking
- A visible muscle deformity (in severe sprains or strains)
The symptoms of hip sprains and strains will vary based on their severity.
The majority of sprains and strains start as microscopic tears. Chronic overuse of the hip causes these tears to gradually increase in size until the ligament, muscle, or tendon ruptures, or completely tears from the bone. Hip sprains and strains are common in sports that require repetitive use of the lower body, such as cycling, running, swimming, baseball, and golf.
Low-grade sprains and strains are often so mild that they don’t require treatment from an orthopaedist. In these instances, simply taking a break from activities that stress your hips for a few weeks may be all you need. Cold therapy can also help relieve symptoms and speed up the recovery process. However, if your pain and swelling doesn’t subside after a few
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Fortunately, many hip injuries can be prevented by simply reducing the amount of stress placed on the joint. Strengthening the muscles surrounding your hips, adequately stretching before exercise, and maintaining proper body mechanics both during your workouts and on the field can also help reduce your risk of an injury.
Hip Services
- Total Hip Replacement
- Hip Dislocations
- Acetabular Fractures
- Hip Fractures
- Bursitis of the Hip
- Hamstring Muscle Injuries
Your Hip Procedure
Our Joint Replacement program brings together skilled surgeons and specially trained nurses, therapists, and technicians to provide seamless, coordinated care. An orthopedic care coordinator oversees the program and patient outcomes. Each patient receives a comprehensive binder explaining their upcoming surgery. Pre-operative classes prepare you for your surgery and your recovery process. Patients designate a “coach” to be an active part of their care. Daily newsletters alert patients on their schedule for the day. We monitor your recovery through each step and help you continually improve so you can get back to what’s important.
We Look Forward to Serving You
Please contact us for more information and to schedule your visit
901 E. 18th Street
Tifton, GA 31794
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