Hip Joint & Conditions Overview
Your hips play a crucial role in everyday movement and function as one of the body’s largest weight-bearing joints. Whether you are standing, walking or even sitting, your hips are continuously engaged, supporting your body’s weight and allowing for smooth movement.
While the hip joint is designed for durability, it is still susceptible to wear and tear, injuries and degenerative conditions over time. If you experience pain or mobility issues affecting the hips, the expert providers at Northeast Georgia Physicians Group Orthopedic Surgery can help you find relief and restore function with our leading joint treatment options.
Common Hip Conditions
The hip joint consists of bones, ligaments, synovium (lubricating fluid) and bursae (fluid-filled sacs) that cushion movement. Surrounding muscles such as the glutes, hamstrings and quadriceps provide additional support. However, various conditions can affect these structures, leading to discomfort and impaired mobility. These conditions include:
- Arthritis
- Bursitis
- Hip dislocation
- Hip dysplasia
- Hip fractures
- Osteoporosis of the hip
- Snapping hip syndrome
Causes & Symptoms of Hip Issues
Hip conditions may result from aging, injuries or repetitive stress. Acute injuries such as falls or car accidents can lead to fractures and dislocations, while chronic conditions like arthritis develop over time. Hip pain, swelling, stiffness and reduced range of motion are common symptoms that may indicate an underlying issue.
Diagnosis and Treatment of Hip Conditions
To determine the cause of hip discomfort, an orthopedic surgeon may conduct a physical examination and use diagnostic tools such as X-rays, MRIs, ultrasound imaging, blood tests and bone density testing. Treatment varies depending on the condition and severity, ranging from conservative management to surgical intervention.
Common treatment options include:
- Medications
Pain relievers and anti-inflammatory drugs - Physical Therapy
Strengthening exercises to improve mobility and support the joint - Injections
Corticosteroid or hyaluronic acid injections for pain relief - Hip Surgery
When conservative treatments fail, surgical options like hip replacement may become the best next step.
Hip Replacement Surgery
When hip pain becomes persistent and disrupts daily activities, hip replacement surgery may be the best solution. This procedure involves removing damaged portions of the hip joint and replacing them with prosthetic components, which include:
- A new ball (femoral head)
- A new socket (acetabular component)
- A spacer that allows smooth movement between the new components
Types of Hip Replacement Surgery
NGPG Orthopedic Surgery offers two primary types of hip replacement:
- Anterior Approach Hip Replacement
The hip joint is accessed from the front, reducing muscle damage and speeding up recovery. - Posterior Approach Hip Replacement
Accessing the hip from the back, a traditional method that may be necessary for patients with certain types of anatomy.
While both approaches provide long-lasting relief, anterior hip replacement often results in quicker recovery, reduced pain and a lower risk of dislocation. Your orthopedic surgeon will help you determine which hip replacement surgery is a good option for you based on your anatomy and your surgical goals.
What should I expect from hip replacement surgery?
Hip replacement surgery typically lasts 1-2 hours. Following surgery, patients are monitored in a recovery room and are encouraged to begin moving with assistance within hours of the procedure. Most patients can return home the same day or within 24 hours.
Many patients experience a quick recovery, with pain significantly reduced or even eliminated within a few weeks. This is often followed by a gradual and successful return to activities like walking, biking, swimming, and other low-impact exercises.
Choose NGPG for Hip Replacement & Care
If hip pain is interfering with your daily life, don’t wait to seek care. Contact NGPG Orthopedic Surgery today to schedule a consultation and explore your treatment options, including hip replacement surgery. With decades of experience in hip replacement surgery and advanced surgical suites through NGMC and the Braselton Surgery Center, NGPG Orthopedic Surgery offers leading care throughout the region.
Don’t wait to address your pain—book an appointment online or go straight to one of our Orthopedic Walk-In Clinics today.