back
Injury to the lower back or hip can be the cause of significant pain in the pelvis, or extreme tenderness on the outer part of the joint.
Dr. Singla opines to counsel, court and jury about:
- Diagnosis, Diagnostic Tests and the role of Imaging in hip, back, spine and nerve damage
- Treatment Recommendations Made by Treaters
- Recovery Assessment and Prognosis
- Pain Management: Appropriate and Monitored Treatment
Hip pain can indicate an injury or treatment problems. Inappropriate treatment can make hip pain worse or slow recovery.
Dr. Singla assesses hip pain or conditions in legal matters as both an evaluator and expert witness, experienced in treating hip or pelvis injuries, and associated pain.
What can cause hip pain?
Hip pain might be a result of a trauma that dislocates the joint, fractures the bones, or tears the cartilage, tendons, or ligaments:
- Motor vehicle accident
- Sports injury
- Work or occupational injury or fall
- Fall
- Impact of a heavy object on the vulnerable part of the body
Other risk factors include:
- Overuse. Repetitive motion or sports can cause an injury to develop or worsen.
- Poor posture.
- Different leg lengths
- Having previous hip surgery
Being overweight or obese can also put a strain on joints and lead to hip pain or worsen pain from an injury.
What medical conditions cause chronic hip pain?
Osteoarthritis
Osteoarthritis (age-related wear and tear of the joints) causes joint pain that’s worse when standing or walking and eases off when sitting or resting. Hip osteoarthritis presents with pain at the front of the hip and groin and sometimes the side of the hip and buttock area.
Trochanteric bursitis
Trochanteric bursitis affects the bursa (fluid-filled protective sac) on top of the bony part of the femur (thigh bone), where it forms the hip joint. The bursa becomes inflamed, which causes pain on the outside of the hip and thigh or buttock.
Osteoporosis
If a person has osteoporosis, which weakens the bones, they are more likely to fracture a hip in a minor fall. This is a problem that causes a lot of hip pain in older people.
To determine the cause of hip pain, the treating doctor might
- Conduct a physical examination
- Review the person’s symptoms and medical history
- Order and/or review hip X-rays to look for signs of osteoarthritis, bone spurs, and reduced joint space
- Request an MRI to check for problems in the soft tissues
The Role of Medical Records
Medical records of a Plaintiff who has suffered hip pain may include notes regarding injections or other pain-relief treatment.
How is hip pain treated?
Physical Therapy
Treatments for hip pain typically begin with noninvasive options like physical therapy. A physical therapist may design specific rehabilitation plans to ease pain and improve joint function.
Physical therapies can correct poor posture and address muscle imbalances that are contributing to hip pain. Stretching and strengthening exercises also help by building up the muscles and keeping connective tissues flexible.
Other approaches that could be of benefit include:
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Modification of activity ice packs to reduce inflammation
- Weight loss
- Wearing well-cushioned shoes or orthotics
- Regenerative medicine
Injections and Procedures
If hip pain fails to improve, corticosteroid injections into the joint may be necessary. Image guidance technologies like fluoroscopy (a type of X-ray) provides necessary visual “directions” to deliver joint injections, ensuring optimal accuracy and minimal tissue damage.
Surgery
Orthopedic experts may recommend surgery to repair the hip or recommend hip replacement.
