Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

Hip

Hip problems are common

Every year, more than 300,000 people across the U.S. undergo hip replacement surgery, making it one of the most commonly performed elective surgeries. The number of hip replacements done annually in the U.S. is increasing for a number of reasons:

  • Baby boomers are moving into the age in which hip problems become more common, thus driving up the overall incidence
  • Younger people, who have been athletic or active since childhood and adolescence, are beginning to experience the effects of injuries and wear and tear caused by their active lifestyles
  • More people are overweight, which causes extra stress on the hip joint

What's causing the pain

The hip is a ball and socket joint that attaches the leg to the torso of the body. Hip pain can have several causes including arthritis, injuries and compressed nerves. The pain of hip problems may be experienced in the hip itself, or it may radiate to other parts of the body. When describing hip pain, it's important to try to pinpoint the exact location in which the pain is felt as this can provide clues that will help in diagnosing the cause.

Our team uses the latest technology - X-ray, MRI and CT - to diagnose the cause of your pain and to treat it.

Symptoms of hip problems can include:

  • Pain in the hip area itself
  • Groin pain, tightening or throbbing in the inner thigh
  • Lower back pain
  • Leg pain

Additional signs that should be brought to the attention of a physician include:

  • Pain that persists more than a few days
  • Pain that occurs at night or while resting
  • Not being able to stand in one place for too long
  • Swelling of the hip or the thigh area

Common causes of hip pain

Osteoarthritis of the hip: Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of hip pain, especially in those 65 years or older. Osteoarthritis causes inflammation, which can cause gradual deterioration of the cartilage that cushions the ends of the bones where they enter the joint. Osteoarthritis worsens over time. There is no cure for osteoarthritis, but treatment may include exercise, physical therapy and anti-inflammatory medications.

Hip fracture: A hip fracture can be life-threatening and therefore requires immediate attention. actures require immediate surgery and can be life-threatening. The risk of hip fracture increases with age as a result of age-associated thinning and weakening of bone. Women, in particular, are at risk for hip fracture. Therefore, it's recommended that they speak with their primary care physician about osteoporosis and screening tests that can measure bone density.

Bursitis: Bursitis is inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs that cushion bones, muscles, and tendons near joints.

Tendonitis: Tendonitis is characterized by inflammation of a tendon, the tissue that attaches muscles to bones. Tendonitis can affect any tendon in the body, but it most commonly occurs around shoulders, elbows, wrists, knees, and hips. It is a common sport, hobby, and occupational injury.

Hip replacement surgery

King's Daughters orthopedic surgeons are skilled in performing hip replacement surgery using the most advanced technology and techniques available today. An important component of joint replacement surgery at King's Daughters is our Rapid Recovery program.

Our Rapid Recovery program helps patients recover from hip replacement surgery more quickly, with less pain and more complete restoration of function. The Rapid Recovery team includes the patient, patient's coach, orthopedic surgeon, nurses, physical therapists and an orthopaedic nurse navigator.

Patients who choose to participate in the Rapid Recovery program can expect

  • Less pain
  • Walking hours after surgery
  • Go home sooner
  • Coach to help before and after surgery
  • Patient navigator to help through surgery process

Rapid Recovery participants credit much of their success to their personal coach, whose job it is to motivate the patient to reach goals quickly, safely and with less stress.

The coach (spouse, family member or friend):

  • Attends Joint School education class with the patient
  • Attends appointments with the patient before surgery
  • Attends therapy sessions during the hospital stay
  • Is available for discharge instructions and medication review in the hospital
  • Accompanies the patient to therapy and office visits or helps arrange transportation

Our team is near you

Our orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine physicians, nurse practitioners and physician assistants see patients in:

  • Ashland, Ky.
  • Grayson, Ky.
  • Prestonsburg, Ky.
  • Russell, Ky.
  • Portsmouth, Ohio
  • Jackson, Ohio
Related Locations