The Hip
The hips are ball and socket joints made up of the rounded top end of the thigh bone (femur) and the deep socket (acetabulum) with the pelvis bones. They are very stable joints due to the way the bones are formed, with strong ligaments increasing and deep muscles, controlling stability and movement. The hips take a lot of weight when we walk or partake in sports, so it is important that we keep the surrounding muscles strong.
The hip can be affected by osteo-arthritis, when cartilage lining the joint can be damaged, becoming roughened and producing pain, stiffness or inflammation. We have a variety of techniques and treatments to ease symptoms and prevent deterioration of mobility and we encourage specific planned exercise in water as this is especially beneficial for hip problems.
There are a number of 'bursae' around the hip too, which cushion muscles and prevent abrasion. These can become inflamed by over-use of a muscle, by some forms of arthritis or perhaps a fall onto the outside of the hip. We help to spot the cause of this problem and so prevent it from recurring. It can also be treated using local ultrasound, cold therapy and specific exercise.
One of the main bursae to be affected is the 'trochanteric bursa' next to the outside of the hip bone. This bursa separates a long 'tendon' type structure (known as the iliotibial band) from the outside of the hip. This can often be aggravated and is a great source of pain.
The psoas bursa is situated at the front of the hip joint and can often become symptomatic when the hip is held in a bent position for a prolonged period of time. This can happen in some sports, for example cycling, or when sitting in a car driving for long periods. Pain is experienced as a sharp, momentary sensation and can be accompanied with feelings of the hip 'giving way'. Techniques to reduce inflammation and improve hip position can be an effective remedy to this problem.
Fractured neck of the Femur
A clean break across the 'neck of the femur', at the top of the thigh bone, can occur with a fall in the elderly. It is painful, of course, and will often need surgical repair. Recovery after the surgery usually proceeds rapidly and a return to full, normal activity is possible. Strengthening of muscles and the return of confidence are the prime aims of our treatment and can be done with a programme of work on home exercises in the early days of recovery after surgery.
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