Your hips play an important role in your overall mobility. Hip problems caused by injuries or chronic conditions can impact your ability to move and perform daily living activities. If you have a hip problem that causes pain or impacts your mobility, you know that it can be hard to do simple things. Walking, getting out of bed, sitting and standing for long periods of time, or doing household chores can be difficult or impossible. Several different conditions can impact hip mobility. The good news is there are surgical and nonsurgical treatments that can help reduce pain and improve mobility in your hips.
Hip anatomy
The hip is one of the body’s largest joints. It’s a “ball-and-socket” joint formed by part of the pelvis (the acetabulum) and the thighbone (femur). The surface of the bones is covered in cartilage to cushion the bone. The surface of the joint is covered in a lining called synovium. If any of these parts of the hip become damaged from injury, overuse, or chronic conditions, it can reduce hip mobility.
Conditions that affect hip mobility
Conditions that can make it harder for you to move your hip include:
- Hip bursitis
- Hip arthritis
- Hip tendonitis
Hip bursitis
Hip bursitis is a painful inflammation of the bursae around your hip and it can cause hip mobility issues. It’s most commonly caused by repetitive use and over-stressing the areas around your hip joints — but it can also be caused by direct trauma or infection.
Bursitis can often go away on its own with rest and physical therapy. If your hip pain or immobility from bursitis is severe or persistent, doctors may recommend surgery.
Hip arthritis
Hip arthritis is the inflammation of the joints in your hip, which causes pain and stiffness. Hip arthritis can affect hip mobility, making it more difficult to move your hip. Severe hip arthritis can make it difficult to move your arms, sit comfortably, or do other daily tasks.
While medication or surgery may be necessary for some people with arthritis, physical therapy is an important step. Physical therapy for hip arthritis can help you improve your hip mobility if you have hip arthritis.
Hip tendonitis
Hip tendonitis, also known as hip flexor tendonitis, happens when a tendon that attaches the iliopsoas muscles, which flex the hip, gets irritated or inflamed. This causes pain and mobility issues. Tendonitis is usually caused by repetitive motions in your hip that put excessive stress on a tendon, such as playing sports, like running, swimming, or hockey, or participating in spin (cycling) classes and high impact workouts.
Hip tendonitis is often treated with rest, physical therapy, and pain relieving medications. In severe cases, your doctor may recommend surgery.
Beaumont can treat hip mobility problems
If you’re experiencing a hip mobility problem, Beaumont can help. We offer treatment for a variety of hip conditions that can cause pain or limited mobility. Our orthopedic hip surgeons and specialists can help you determine the cause of your hip problem. Once a cause is determined, we offer several different treatment options, and we will help you develop a personal treatment plan.
Beaumont’s orthopedic program is available throughout Metro Detroit. No matter which type of hip condition you may have, we have a team of specialists ready to determine the best treatment option for you.
Call 800-633-7377 to make an appointment.