Stiff Hips

Live Without Limits Today! If you’re suffering from hip pain or a hip injury, learn how JIS Orthopedics can help you get back to living your life without limits. To schedule a consultation, click the button below!

What Our Patients Say

“As a new patient, I fortunately got a next day appointment. Was thorough and professional during the visit. I am confident that my hip surgery will be successful based on my experience.” — Keith L.

Experiencing stiffness in your hips can be more than just a minor inconvenience. It can interfere with your daily activities, making it difficult to walk, bend, or even sit comfortably.

At JIS Orthopedics, we understand how debilitating hip stiffness can be and are here to help you find relief. Located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, Ohio, our experienced team is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for all your hip concerns. Contact us today!

Anatomy of the Hip

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint that connects the thigh bone (femur) to the pelvis. This design allows for a wide range of motion, making it one of the most flexible and stable joints in the body. The hip joint is surrounded by muscles, ligaments, and tendons that provide support and facilitate movement.

Articular cartilage covers the surfaces of the bones, reducing friction and allowing smooth movement. The hip socket is ringed by strong fibrocartilage called the labrum. The labrum creates a tight seal on the hip joint, providing stability.

Causes of Hip Stiffness

Several factors can contribute to hip stiffness, including:

  • Osteoarthritis: This is the most common cause, where the cartilage wears down over time.
  • Hip labral tear: A tear in the ring of cartilage (labrum) that follows the outside rim of the socket of your hip joint.
  • Hip impingement: Abnormal contact between the hip bones that causes pain and limits movement.
  • Inflammatory conditions: Such as tendinitis, rheumatoid arthritis, or psoriatic arthritis.
  • Tight hip flexors: After exercise, your flexor muscles may feel stiff. This is a temporary cause of hip stiffness.

Symptoms Accompanying Hip Stiffness

Hip stiffness is often accompanied by other symptoms, including:

  • Mild to severe hip pain
  • Pain in the groin area
  • Reduced range of motion
  • Swelling or tenderness around the hip
  • Difficulty walking or standing
  • Clicking or popping sounds during movement

How is Hip Stiffness Identified?

Diagnosing hip stiffness involves a combination of taking your medical history, performing a physical examination, and conducting imaging tests. During the physical exam, your doctor will assess your hip’s range of motion and look for areas of tenderness or swelling.

Imaging tests, such as X-rays, MRI, or ultrasound, may be used to identify underlying conditions like arthritis, bursitis, or structural abnormalities.

Treatment We Offer for Stiff Hips

At JIS Orthopedics, we offer a range of treatments to address hip stiffness, tailored to your specific condition and needs. Treatment options include:

  • Physical therapy: Exercises are given to improve flexibility, strength, and range of motion.
  • Medications: Anti-inflammatory drugs or pain relievers help reduce hip joint pain and inflammation.
  • Injections: Corticosteroid injections help alleviate inflammation and severe pain.
  • Surgery: In severe cases of hip arthritis, hip replacement may be necessary. Hip arthroscopy may be necessary for some cases of hip impingement or labrum tears.

Can Stiff Hips Be Prevented?

While not all causes of hip stiffness can be prevented, you can reduce your risk by:

  • Maintaining a healthy weight to reduce stress on the hip joints
  • Engaging in regular exercise to stretch the hip muscles and improve flexibility
  • Practicing good posture and ergonomic techniques
  • Avoiding repetitive hip movements and overuse

Take the Next Step Towards Pain-Free Hips

If you’re experiencing stiff hips, don’t let it hinder your quality of life. At JIS Orthopedics, we’re here to provide expert care and personalized treatment plans to help you get back to your daily activities. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and start your journey toward pain-free living.

See a Hip Arthritis Specialist Today!

If you are experiencing pain in your hip, schedule an appointment with JIS Orthopedics today. We have offices conveniently located in New Albany and St. Clairsville, OH. Our hip specialists look forward to helping you relieve your pain and get back to doing what you love!

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