Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) Treatment
Also known as femoroacetabular or FA impingement, hip impingement is an abnormality in the way the ball of the femur (thighbone) and the acetabulum (hip socket) fit together. It is a fairly common condition that affects more men than women. An improper shape of both the ball and the socket creates excess friction in the joint and may cause the hip to "jam" in front when bending forward. Over the years, hip impingement can tear or wear down hip cartilage (osteoarthritis), causing pain, swelling, stiffness and loss of mobility. The condition may be present at birth but cause no symptoms until later in life. Athletic activity-particularly soccer, football, hockey and running-may exacerbate the problem. If left untreated, the person may require total hip replacement.
Hip Bursitis Treatment
Bursitis is the painful swelling of the bursae, fluid filled sacs on the cushion areas where tendons and muscles slide across bone. Specific to the hip is trochanteric bursitis (also known as greater trochanteric pain syndrome or GTPS), which refers to the bursa by the head of the femur. This shock absorbing sac can become agitated and swollen for unknown reasons or as a symptom of other issues such as gluteal tendon infections, uneven leg length or Iliotibial Band Syndrome. Steps can be taken to prevent bursitis by strengthening the core and hips through a moderate training program. Orthotic inserts for people with flat feet can also help. The condition can be treated by:
- Rest
- NSAIDs or steroids to reduce swelling
- Physical therapy
- Surgical removal of the bursa (bursectomy)
Hip Osteoarthritis Treatment
The most common type of arthritis of the hip is osteoarthritis. In this disease, the cartilage in the hip, especially the acetabular labrum, gradually wears away with use and time. Treatments for osteoarthritis include:
- Medication to reduce pain, such as aspirin and acetaminophen
- Medication to reduce swelling and inflammation, such as ibuprofen and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Exercises to improve flexibility and strength
- Maintaining healthy body weight
Hip Replacement
The hip is a "ball-and-socket"" joint where the "ball" at the top of the thigh bone (femur) fits inside the "socket" in the pelvis (acetabulum). A natural substance in the body called cartilage lubricates the joint. When the bone and/or cartilage of the hip becomes diseased or damaged from arthritis, hip fractures, bone death or other causes, the joint can stiffen and be very painful. A total hip replacement may be recommended for patients who experience severe, chronic hip pain and can't do what they want or need to do in daily life.
Labral Tears
The hip socket, or acetabulum, is covered with a layer of cartilage called the labrum that cushions and deepens the socket to help stabilize the joint. The labrum may tear due to a traumatic injury (e.g. hip dislocation), repetitive movement (e.g. twisting or pivoting, such as in golf) or tissue degeneration (e.g. osteoarthritis or hip impingement). Sometimes, a labral tear causes no symptoms and doesn't require treatment. However, tears may cause pain in the hip as well as stiffness, limited motion, and a sense that the joint is locking, clicking or catching.