Healthy Habits: Hip Injuries

When we think of hip injuries, we often think that those who are elderly suffer from them.  Hip disorders and injuries can be devastating and affect people of all ages. Often times, people are confused about where their hip really is and where the pain of a hip injury or issue can be felt.
Dr. Derek Ochiai, a leading board certified orthoscopic hip surgeon and sports medicine expert in Arlington, VA, participated in an interview to help share more information.

What are some hip disorders and injuries that can affect younger people?

Young people do get hip pain. In the past decade, our understanding of why young people/athletes get hip pain has rapidly advanced. In the past, if a patient had hip pain (like groin pain with prolonged sitting, pain with squatting and twisting, pain getting in and out of cars), the cause of this condition was unclear.  Now, many more patients and athletes know that the cause may be a hip labral tear. The labrum is a rim of cartilage that surrounds the socket of the hip joint. In some patients, during their early teenage years, the hip joint develops "out of round" in certain positions (this is caused "femoroacetabularimpingement, or "FAI"). This out of round conflict can cause abnormal pressure on the labrum, causing it to tear. This can affect athletes even in their early teenage years, depending on their activity level.

What are some causes of hip pain besides falls?

Labral tears from FAI are usually not caused by falls, but symptoms gradually increase over time, based on activity. Sports that involve twisting and bending (ballet, soccer, basketball) can accentuate pressure on the hip.

When should a person consult with a physician?

If a person has persistent pain (lasting more than a week), especially in the front of the hip (where a front pocket sits in pants), and it is not improving. If someone is limping significantly from the pain. See a physician immediately if you cannot put any weight on the affected leg.

Besides surgery, what options can help treat or prevent injuries?

Physical therapy can be very helpful for a variety of hip conditions. Cortisone injections can be helpful. Depending on the condition, newer injections such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can be used as well.