June 20, 2012
Hip Pain Causes, Risks & Treatments
Dr. Jeffrey Cummings, Tahoe Fracture and Orthopedic Medical Clinic
Dr. Jeffrey Cummings with Tahoe Fracture and Orthopedic Medical Clinic specializes in arthroscopy and sports medicine. He took some time to answer questions about common causes of hip pain, diagnosis and treatment options.
What are some of the common causes of hip pain?
Some of the most common causes of hip pain that I see are bursitis, femoral acetabular impingement and arthritis.
Who is at risk of developing hip pain?
Unfortunately, we all have a risk of developing pain in our joins and this can occur without any specific injury or incident. It may present very gradually with symptoms of pain localized in the groin area, people sometime experience pain in the buttock area and occasionally pain may radiate down the thigh. Symptoms typically are made worse with prolonged walking or hiking or flexing and rotating the hip. Some may also experience a loss of range of motion or painful range of motion. If the pain is localized laterally on the hip and it is sore to press the bony prominence (the greater trochanter) it is most like bursitis. The other symptoms may be concerning for arthritis or impingement.
When is it appropriate to see a physician for hip pain?
If the hip pain has been constant and consistent it should not be ignored. The hip joint is made up of a round ball and socket. Hip impingement occurs when people lose the spherical shape of the hip and the ball becomes more egg shaped. The egg shaped bone does not move in the round socket as well and can cause damage to the cartilage of the hip and well as the labrum. Over time, if left uncorrected, it may lead to hip arthritis. Arthritis is the loss of the cartilage covering of the bones in the joint, so when the hip joint is trying to move, instead of a nice smooth surface of cartilage to glide against it becomes bone rubbing against bone. Diagnosis is made with physical exam, X-rays and MRI.
What are treatment options available for hip pain?
Usually, bursitis can be relieved with activity modification, physical therapy, stretching and occasional cortisone injections – surgery is rarely required.
Hip impingement also starts with activity modification, physical therapy and cortisone injections. If these fail and pain persists, one of the techniques available to treat hip pain is hip arthroscopy. A hip arthroscopy is an out-patient procedure where a small video camera attached to a fiber optic lens is inserted into the hip joint to allow a surgeon to see without making a large incision. While not as common as arthroscopy of the knee and shoulder, hip arthroscopy is now used to evaluate and treat orthopedic problems in the hip joint and the space outside the hip joint known as the greater trochanteric bursa. The goal of the surgery it to correct the egg shaped ball and make it round again and to remove any other bony prominences that may impinge the motion of the hip.
For advanced arthritis (bone on bone), treatment starts with activity modification, medications, cortisone injections and sometimes the use of a cane or walker. When these conservative treatments fail, and the hip has interfered with the patient lifestyle a total hip replacement maybe the best option.
If you are experiencing constant hip pain, it is best that you call your physician or schedule an appointment with Dr. Cummings.
Dr. Cummings is Board Certified with the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.
September 15, 2010
Mayor Bob Crowell’s Battle with Cancer
“Over the years, I’ve taken on quite a few challenges – the Carson City Chamber of Commerce, the Carson City School District Board, Rotary Clubs, public service, you name it. I’ve even competed in a few marathons in my day. But when I was diagnosed with prostate cancer last year after a routine check up, I was suddenly faced with a new kind of challenge. At first, I had no idea who to turn to. I talked to friends, family members and my primary care physician who initially raised the red flag. I consulted out-of-state specialists. I researched cancer clinics across the entire country. Eventually, I came to the realization that the care I needed wasn’t found halfway around the globe – it was right here in my own backyard. At Carson Tahoe Regional Healthcare, I discovered some of the finest specialty physicians and healthcare professionals in the country.
Their state-of-the-art facilities – including Nevada’s ONLY ACoS Accredited Cancer Center with Commendation – allowed for complete diagnosis, treatment, support and after-care. Through both the Sierra Surgery Center and the Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, they helped me make the right decisions for my health. And thanks to a successful surgery and seven weeks of radiation therapy, I’m proud to say that I’m on the road to full recovery. In fact, two weeks after my final treatment, I competed in a 13-mile half marathon. Life is about challenges. I’m eternally grateful to have a first-rate medical center like Carson Tahoe there to help me – and our entire region – to not only face those challenges, but also rise above them.”
For more stories from cancer survivors or to share your own story please visit carsontahoecancer.com
Here's to Your Health 