The hip joint is the largest weight-bearing joint in the human body. It is a ball and socket joint formed by the articulation of the thigh bone or femur and the acetabulum of the pelvis bone. The joint is supported by many soft tissues including the articular cartilage, ligaments, muscles, tendons, nerves and blood vessels, that assist in the smooth movement of the joint. Any injury or disease of the hip will adversely affect the joint's range of motion and ability to bear weight.
The common injuries to the hip include:
- Strains: Stretching or tearing of ligaments
- Fractures: Break in the bone
- Dislocations: Bone ends move out of alignment
- Bursitis: Inflammation of a small fluid-filled sac called bursa
Fractures of the femur bone, labral tears and hip dislocations are some of the common sports injuries of the hip.
Hip injuries can occur while running, playing sports, overuse or from a fall. Certain diseases can also lead to hip injuries. Osteoporosis leads to weak bones that can break easily. Osteoarthritis leads to pain and limits your movement and daily activities.
The common symptoms of hip injuries include pain and reduced range of motion.
Hip injuries require immediate medical intervention to avoid further complications. Treatment may include conservative treatments such as rest and medicines, or surgery, including hip replacement. Rehabilitation programs and physical therapy are often recommended following medical intervention, where you need to perform certain exercises to strengthen your muscles and improve movements.