Hip Strains

What is a Hip Strain?

The hip is one of the body’s largest joints. It is a “ball-and-socket” joint. The socket is formed by the acetabulum, which is part of the large pelvis bone. The ball is the femoral head, which is the upper end of the femur (thighbone). A hip strain occurs when one of the muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn. Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the injury. A severe strain can limit your ability to move your hip.

Common Causes:

• • Prior injury in the same area
  • Muscle tightness
  • Failure to warm up properly before exercising
  • Attempting to do too much, too quickly, when you exercise

Symptoms of a Hip Strain may include:

• • Increased pain when you use the muscle
  • Swelling
  • Limited range of motion
  • Muscle weakness

When you arrive for your initial consultation, Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of hip specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

When diagnosing a Hip Strain, the OPA specialist will provide:

• • A medical, injury, and symptom history review
  • A physical examination
  • Multiple view x-rays ( to rule out a fracture) or MRI

Once an official diagnosis is made, a customized treatment plan is prescribed. Treatment plans decrease symptoms as quickly as possible.

Common Treatments:

You may not need to see a doctor if your hip pain is minor. Try these self-care tips:

If self-care treatments does not help, make an appointment with Orthopedic Physicians Alaska (OPA) team of hip specialists will evaluate your areas of concern, discuss your symptoms, and develop a customized and comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs. This evaluation is a necessary part of diagnosing your condition and providing the best possible care.

At OPA, our board-certified and fellowship-trained team of hip specialists are experts in treating hip pain.

If you are experiencing hip pain and would like a treatment solution you should contact OPA to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations in Anchorage and Wasilla.

Severe injuries in which the muscle fibers are completely torn may require surgery in order to return to normal function and movement. Surgery typically involves stitching the torn pieces back together. Many severe hip strains are successfully treated without surgery.

At OPA, our board-certified and fellowship-trained team of hip specialists are experts in diagnosing and treating hip strains.

If you are experiencing hip pain and would like a treatment solution you should contact OPA to schedule an appointment at any of our convenient locations in Anchorage and Wasilla.