Diseases of the hip

Basic information on diseases of the hip for patients in our osteopathic practice

Hip arthritis

Hip arthritis is one of the most common degenerative joint conditions seen in clinical practice. Hip arthritis witnesses the gradual degeneration of articular cartilage of the hip.  During the initial stages of hip arthritis, symptoms are mild with pain at end range hip movement. If not adressed, joint pain increases with progressive joint stiffening.  At end stage hip arthritis, hip range of motion is greatly limited accompanied with painful inflammation.

According to studies, early stage hip arthritis can be treated effectively with reported pain reduction through the use of manual therapy and specifically targeted exercises (1).

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or hip arthritis, please feel free to call us.

(1) Sampath K, Mani R, Miyamori, Tumilty S. (2016) The effects of manual therapy or exercise therapy or both in people with hip osteoarthritis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil. 30(12):1141-1155

Inguinal hernia

An inguinal hernia occurs when tissue protrudes from the abdominal area through a weakened area of abdominal muscle tissue in the inguinal ligament. Men are affected more often than women. Hernias can be triggered by general tissue weakness, chronic coughing and sneezing, or physical exertion. The protrusion of the tissue is usually visible and palpable, especially when standing. Patients have pain most commonly when coughing, bending or lifting.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or inguinal hernia, please feel free to call us.

Labrum tear of the hip

The labrum lies within the hip joint socket and surrounds the femoral head like a ring. Functionally, the labrum has a shock absorbing function and increases congruency of the hip joint. The labrum can tear, for example, due to car accidents or secondary to sports involving constantly repetitive rotational hip movements. Labrum lesions can also occur as a result of hip dysplasia.

Many patients do not notice a labral tear. However, some feel pain in the hip, especially after standing, sitting or walking for long periods of time. This pain can be sharp or pinching and radiate throughout the groin area. Untreated labral lesions can lead to hip arthritis. 

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or labral tear of the hip, please feel free to call us.

Impingement Syndrome of the hip (Femoroacetabular Impingement)

Impingement syndrome of the hip or femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (FAI) occurs when the morphology of the hip changes pathologically leading to incongruent contact between the femoral head and the acetabular socket of the pelvis during movement. Either the pathological change is in the femur, as a result of pathological alteration to the round form of the femoral head (CAM impingement) or in the acetabulum thereby leading to increased coverage of the femoral head (pincer impingement). Often there is a combination of both.

The origin of a mechanically unfavourable hip shape is often unclear. Most often affected are sporting populations involved in sports that involve quick changes of direction under load or patients who played sports intensively during their youth. 

Pain is felt especially in the anterior lower groin area. It often intensifies after sporting activities. Hip mobility is limited, especially during internal rotation. Sometimes the pain radiates into the buttocks. 

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or impingement syndrome of your hip, please feel free to call us.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia describes a phenomenon in which the ball of the hip head is not adequately covered by the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis, thus promoting dislocation of the hip joint.  Hip dysplasia occurs when soft hip joint cartilage fails to transform into solid bone over time, causing the acetabulum and femoral head of the hip to develop incongruently. 

The cause of hip dysplasia is unclear. Risk factors are, for example, the position of the foetus in the womb (hip dysplasia is more common in breech births), cramped conditions in the womb, e.g. in multiple pregnancies, or hormonal factors.  

The major symptom of hip dysplasia in babies is the prescence of a leg length difference. This then leads to a limp when the child starts to walk. In adolescents and adults, hip dysplasia is usually accompanied by pain, especially during intense hip movement.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or hip dysplasia of the hip, please feel free to call us.

Tendinopathy

Tendinopathy is a chronic injury of the tendons leading to pain and alterations in the tendon architecture.  It is often caused by repetitive microtrauma resulting from sport. The risk of tendinopathy increases with age, when the tendons lose flexibility. Patients with tendinopathy usually feel a dull ache in the affected area, and swelling is sometimes visible.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or tendinopathy of the hip, please feel free to call us.

Bursitis of the hip (Trochanteric bursitis)

Bursa are fluid filled sacks that generally lie in areas of high frictional stress, most typically between bones and tendons.  One-sided posture, certain types of sport or a recurring stressful postural pattern can trigger inflammation of these sacks thereby leading to bursitis. Bursitis is often very acute and painful thereby limiting movement of the affected joint.

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or trochanteric bursitis, please feel free to call us.

Meralgia paraesthetica

Meralgia pareasthetica refers to a nerve impingement under the inguinal ligament leading to pain and altered sensation of the outer thigh. The often burning pain is particularly noticeable when the hip joint is bent.

Excess weight, pregnancy or excessively tight clothing can cause meralgia paraesthetica. 

This information has been provided to you as a general source of background information only, as in accordance with german law as Heilpraktikers, we are forbidden to list conditions or diseases we potentially treat, as this is considered a promise of cure.  If you would like to know whether osteopathy is an option for your hip pain or meralgia paraesthetica, please feel free to call us.