Introduction

Our hips are strong and stable when healthy, but injury and certain conditions, like osteoarthritis and osteoporosis, both common in older adults, may affect the health of the hips.

Conditions 

Hip Pointer

A hip pointer is one sports injury in which you, the athlete, can probably make a diagnosis as quickly and accurately as a physician. You know it has happened when you get hit or fall on your side, and the first thing that absorbs the blow is the outer part of what most people would call the hip bone, which is a misnomer. Actually, a hip pointer is a deep bruise, or contusion, on the top portion of the pelvis that can be felt on either side of the waistline. The distinguishing characteristic is hip pain, plain and simple.

Hip Flexor Strain

Hip flexor strains can range from mild to severe, or in medical terms, from first to third degree. A first degree hip flexor strain means one of the hip flexor muscles has been stretched or slightly torn.

Second degree strains refers to a partial tear of the muscle or tendon, and in a third degree sprain, the muscle or tendon is completely severeda rare event. When a tendon is pulled off the bone at the place where it is attached, it is called an avulsion fracture. Depending on the severity of the injury, recovery time ranges from a few days to months.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

FAI is a condition in which abnormal bone growth on both the femur and the acetabulum (the socket part of the pelvis) repetitively contact each other.

How it Happens

Hip Pointer

A hip pointer is caused by a direct blow to the top portion of the pelvis, which is called the iliac crest. It could happen with a direct blow taken in a contact sport or when an athlete falls and hits the surface hard. 

Hip Flexor Strain

There are as many as six muscles involved with flexion of the hip, and any of them can be strained. But the one that gets the most attention is the iliopsoas, a hip flexor that can be strained when it contracts forcefully, especially when the leg is fully extended or prevented from moving. Kicking and sprinting are the most common movements that cause strained hip flexors, but bending at the waist will be difficult after the injury has occurred. Hip flexors can be overused, and overuse can lead to strains. Tight hip flexors may make an athlete more vulnerable to hamstring strains. 

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

The hip is a ball and socket joint.  Some people develop excessive bone tissue at the top of the femur and around the edge of the hip socket. These people are not born with FAI.  It appears to develop early in life as the person grows.

The movement that aggravates FAI is a forceful rotation of the core, including the hips. The longer that repetitive rotational movement occurs over a period of years, the more irritated the area becomes, the more pain can be felt because of bone to bone contact, and the more likely osteoarthritis will develop. When enough cartilage has been worn away from the top of the femur, the athlete will feel the pain.

FAI comes in two forms, cam and pincer. Mospatients have a combination of the two. Cam impingement results from excess bone located at the neck of the femur. Pincer impingement is caused by excessive bone tissue on the acetabulum/socket of the pelvis.

Treatment

Hip Pointer

Initial Treatment 

• Rest 24-48 hours to prevent further damage.
• A hip pointer needs time to heal itself.Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day for the first 24-72 hours, but don't apply ice directly to the skin. 

Long Term Treatment

• Come and see a chiropractor to help relieve the the long term pain.

Hip Flexor Strain

Initial Treatment

• Rest 24-48 hours to prevent further damage. A hip pointer needs time to heal itself.
• Apply ice packs for 15-20 minutes, 3-4 times a day for the first 24-72 hours, but don't apply ice directly to the skin.
• Aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen may relieve pain.
• Compression shorts or a wrap bandage may be helpful.
  

Long Term Treatment

• For second and third degree sprains, rest the leg that has been injured, use ice applications, and see a chiropractor.

Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Initial Treatment

• The only thing an athlete can do for short-term relief is to rest, avoid excessive hip rotation movements and use over-the-counter medications, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen or naproxen to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. 

Long Term Treatment

• Come in a see a chiropractor to individually approach your injury. 

Make an Appointment

By Phone

Call us at (858) 452-3734 and our helpful front office staff will be happy to assist you in making an appointment with Doctor Todd Plutchok, D.C.

E-mail Us With Your Appointment Request

You can email us with your appointment request here by emailing  DrTodd@TheSportsAndWellnessDC.com.  Just send us your Name, Email Address, and Phone Number, with your desired time.  Initial Visits normally last 45-55 minutes.  For normal clinic hours, click here.

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