A hip injury may result from a fall, overuse, playing sports, and other physical activities. Some of the most common hip injuries include dislocation, stress fracture, and strain. Other hip injuries may include a hip pointer injury, labral tear of the hip joint, and hip flexor injury. As a result of any of these injuries, hip pain may be one of the most common symptoms.
Hip dislocations are some of the most common hip injuries. When the thighbone slips out of its socket in the hip bone, a dislocation has occurred. Most of the time with this type of hip injury, the thigh bone is forced back from the socket in a backward direction. This is known as a posterior dislocation. An anterior dislocation occurs when the thigh bone is forced out of the socket in a forward direction.
It may become difficult to move the leg if the pain is too severe with a hip dislocation. Feeling in the foot and ankle may be affected if nerve damage takes place. Falls from a height and automobile accidents are some common causes of hip dislocations. One of the most common symptoms of this injury is pain. A proper diagnosis may be made by taking a X-ray.
Stress fractures in the hip are another common hip injury. A hip stress fracture can be a serious injury to the bone resulting from overuse. A fracture generally occurs below the ball section of the ball-and-socket of the hip joint. If not properly treated, this injury may lead to bone weakness and displacement. One common symptom of a stress fracture is an aching groin which is exaggerated with increased activity.
The bones that make up the hip joint support other muscles as well, some of which travel down the thigh into the knee. If repetitious activities result in overuse of these muscles, they may become stretched or have small tears which can cause a hip strain. A fall or direct blow causing a sudden contraction of muscles in the hip may also cause this type of injury.
A hip pointer injury is an acute injury to the iliac crest, which is the thick upper curved portion of the pelvic bone that can be felt along the waist line. This type of hip injury may result in the bruising of the adjoining bones and muscles. Everyday activities such as walking, coughing, or laughing may be painful with a hip pointer injury.
The socket of ball-and-socket joints such as the hip are surrounded by a type of cartilage known as the labrum. This cartilage can be torn, causing a labral tear of the hip joint. A traumatic labral tear in the hip may result from a fall or accident, and is generally an acute injury. Another type of tear may be a degenerative labral tear, which is usually a chronic injury.
The hip flexors are comprised of different muscles that work together to enable the hip to move and flex. Acute trauma to these muscles can cause a hip flexor injury. Pain that travels down the thigh from the front of the hip is a common symptom.
A doctor may need to be consulted for a hip problem that is causing severe pain and difficulty in completing everyday activities. Persistent pain which does not alleviate with rest and which lasts beyond a few days may be a reason to be considered about a hip injury. A professional should be consulted for a proper diagnosis and treatment method.