Advanced Hip Treatment in Greater Philadelphia

The hip is one of the largest weight-bearing joints in the body. Because of its central role in movement, the hip endures a significant amount of strain and stress throughout our lives. Over time, this constant pressure can lead to complications, including persistent pain. Fortunately, our hip pain specialists in Greater Philadelphia can help ease discomfort and prevent conditions from progressing with timely intervention, including physical therapy, medication, and surgery.

With over 35 convenient locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia area, it’s easy to find a Premier Orthopaedics specialist who can provide the expert care your aching bones and muscles crave. Contact us today for solutions that will restore your mobility and improve your quality of life.

Common Causes of Hip Pain

The hip is a stable ball-and-socket joint that consists of the femoral head (or ball) at the top of the femur that fits into the socket (or cavity) in the pelvis. Ligaments connect the ball to the socket and stabilize the bones. The labrum, a rim of cartilage, then helps provide stability to the hip. Over time or through injury, the hip joints can deteriorate, and the labrum can tear. When this happens, you may hear or feel clicking and popping or have pain radiating to the groin and thighs. As soon as you detect this change in your body’s functionality, you immediately begin to worry about what’s wrong.

The good news is that our orthopedic hip specialists are dedicated to helping people just like you discover why their hips suddenly ache and it’s become increasingly more challenging to bend over, twist, or reach. In many cases, hip pain can be traced back to one of the following conditions:

Osteoarthritis

This degenerative joint disease is one of the most prevalent causes of chronic hip pain. As the cartilage that cushions the hip joint wears away over time, bones begin to rub against each other. This friction leads to inflammation, stiffness, and decreased range of motion. Osteoarthritis typically develops gradually and is more common in older adults, though it can affect younger individuals with joint abnormalities or prior injuries. While there’s no cure for osteoarthritis, there are non-operative orthopaedic hip treatment options available that can reduce pain.

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Unlike osteoarthritis, which is caused by wear and tear, rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition. It causes the immune system to mistakenly attack the synovial lining of the joints, including the hip. The resulting inflammation can damage cartilage and bone over time, leading to pain, swelling, and long-term joint deformity if left untreated.

Fractures

A fall, direct blow, or other traumatic event can lead to a hip fracture, especially in older adults. These breaks are not only painful but also severely limit mobility. Prompt medical attention is crucial to avoid complications like blood clots or permanent loss of function. In many cases, surgical intervention is necessary to realign and stabilize the broken bone. Be sure to work with an orthopedic surgeon that specializes in fracture care.

Osteoporosis

This condition weakens the bones, making them more brittle and susceptible to fractures. In individuals with osteoporosis, even minor slips or stress can result in a hip fracture. Fortunately, this condition can be treated with lifestyle changes, medication, and walking aids. In some cases, patients can benefit from hip replacement surgery.

Sprains & Strains

Overstretching or tearing the ligaments (sprains) or muscles and tendons (strains) around the hip joint can occur from overuse, improper lifting, or sudden movements. These injuries often cause localized pain, swelling, and difficulty with movement. The good news is that they can typically be treated without surgery.

Labral Tears

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket, providing stability and cushioning. A tear in this cartilage can result from repetitive motion, trauma, or structural abnormalities and often causes a sharp or catching pain in the groin or hip area. Patients with this condition may also experience stiffness or a limited range of motion.

Many tears can be managed conservatively, but if non-operative care fails, or if the patient is an athlete, hip arthroscopy can be performed to repair or remove the torn hip labrum.

Non-Operative Treatment Solutions for Hip Pain

When is surgery necessary? In many cases, it isn’t. In fact, we prioritize non-operative treatments as the first line of defense against hip pain. Our specialists will begin your evaluation with a detailed assessment to determine the root cause of your symptoms. In this way, we can develop a personalized care plan that helps you achieve your health goals without extensive procedures.

Some of our non-surgical hip treatment options include:

• Physical Therapy: Strengthening the muscles around the hip, improving flexibility, and correcting posture and gait mechanics can significantly reduce pain and improve joint function. Our skilled physical therapists work closely with patients to implement exercises that promote healing and mobility.
• Medication: In conjunction with therapy, medication may be prescribed to manage inflammation and discomfort. For example, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), corticosteroid injections, or topical pain relievers can all play a role in providing relief.
• Lifestyle Modifications: We provide guidance on how to adapt your daily routine to protect your hips and enhance your recovery. In some cases, we may recommend losing excess weight to reduce pressure on the hip joint. In others, we may suggest ergonomic adjustments at home or work to minimize strain.
• Regenerative Medicine: For patients with chronic conditions like arthritis, regenerative medicine options such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections or stem cell therapy may offer promising results. These innovative treatments aim to stimulate the body’s natural healing processes and repair damaged tissues.

Hip Replacement Options

There comes a point when conservative treatments no longer offer the relief you need. For individuals dealing with severe arthritis or irreversible joint damage, hip replacement may be the most effective option. At Premier Orthopaedics, our hip pain specialists in Greater Philadelphia are highly experienced in performing a range of replacement surgeries, including total and partial hip replacement.

Total hip replacement is one of the most common and successful orthopaedic procedures. It involves removing the damaged ball-and-socket components of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic materials designed to replicate natural movement. This procedure can significantly reduce pain, restore function, and improve overall quality of life.

For some patients, a partial hip replacement, also known as a hemiarthroplasty, may be sufficient. This procedure involves replacing only the femoral head (the ball part of the joint) and is often used in cases of femoral fractures.

Our surgeons will walk you through your hip replacement options and help determine the best path forward based on your condition, health status, and lifestyle.

Other Surgical Procedures for Hip Conditions

Surgery isn’t limited to joint replacement. Many patients benefit from procedures that address specific structural issues within the hip joint. These procedures may include:

• Hip Arthroscopy: This is a minimally invasive technique used to diagnose and treat problems like labral tears, loose cartilage, and impingement. Through small incisions, our surgeons insert a camera and specialized tools to repair or remove damaged tissue. This approach often results in less pain and a faster recovery compared to traditional open surgery.
• Osteotomies: Osteotomies, which involve cutting and repositioning bones to improve joint alignment, are sometimes used in younger patients with developmental hip dysplasia or deformities that contribute to pain and wear over time. By correcting these structural issues early, we can delay or even prevent the need for joint replacement.
• Hip Revisions: In some cases, patients with infections or complications from previous surgeries may require hip revision surgery. These procedures are more complex but can be critical in preserving joint function and alleviating persistent symptoms.

No matter the procedure, our hip pain specialists utilize the latest techniques and technologies to ensure safe, effective outcomes.

Contact Us About Orthopaedic Hip Treatment

Are you experiencing pain in your hip, upper thigh, or groin area? You don’t have to suffer in silence. The team at Premier Orthopaedics is here to diagnose and treat any ailments that may make it hard to sit for long periods, walk upstairs, or sleep on one side.

With several locations throughout the Greater Philadelphia region, we make it easy to receive quality orthopaedic hip treatment without going far from home. Connect with our team today about an appointment and take the first step toward lasting relief.

Have aches and pains elsewhere in your body? Our orthopedic specialists are ready to treat any conditions or concerns related to your feet, ankles, knees, hands, wrists, shoulders, and elbows.