Hip & Upper Leg
The hip is one of the main weight-bearing joints in the body. Together with the upper leg, it plays a major role in supporting your core and torso. Therefore, injuries to your hip or upper leg can be debilitating! Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center is specialized in diagnosing and treating hip and upper leg issues so you can lead an active lifestyle.
Expert Support Where You Need It Most
The hip and upper leg are made up of a complex mix of components including bones, muscles, tendons, ligaments, and other soft tissues. Damage to any of these can cause pain or mobility issues — with potential long-term disability if left untreated. It is critical to be examined by an experienced orthopedic specialist immediately after trauma or early signs of discomfort.
The upper leg contains several muscles and tendons that cross the hip. These structures must function properly to keep the hip stable and able to support our entire body through standing, walking, and athletic activities. When an injury occurs, these structures often require treatment and rehabilitation to restore proper function.
The good news is you can stay ahead of these issues. Orthopaedics East & Sports Medicine Center specializes in treatments designed to keep you doing what you love. We have significant experience and expertise in treating hip and leg pain and injuries and can provide both non-surgical and surgical options tailored to your needs.
You may have a hip or upper leg injury if:
- Your hip or upper leg is stiff and doesn’t allow full movement
- Your hip or upper leg lacks strength to perform your daily activities
- You are unable to walk or perform normal functions
- You regularly experience severe pain
Arthritis of the hip joint is quite common. The hip joint consists of a ball-like structure (the femoral head) at the top of the thighbone that fits into a rounded socket in the pelvis. As the cartilage covering the ball and socket wears away, bone becomes exposed. This results in significant pain and stiffness. People experiencing hip arthritis often feel pain in their groin area or report pain during prolonged standing or walking, going up and down stairs, and bending down. There are three main types of arthritis that affect the hip: osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Tendonitis in the hip and upper leg is common in athletes who require repetitive motion of the leg muscles (runners, swimmers, etc.). It can also occur when the leg is repeatedly lifted high (for example, kicking a soccer ball or doing a ballet extension). The muscles of the leg pull on the tendons attached to the bone, causing pain or irritation. What may start as a small, dull ache may turn into significant pain or activity limitations. Other symptoms include stiffness or pain in the mornings, after prolonged sitting or after activity, or tenderness over the hip or upper leg.
Osteonecrosis
Osteonecrosis (also called avascular necrosis (AVN) or aseptic necrosis) is a painful condition that occurs when the blood supply to the head of the femur (thighbone) is disrupted, causing the articular cartilage covering the hip bones to collapse, potentially leading to destruction of the joint and disabling arthritis.
Labral Tear
The hip is shaped like a ball and socket. The socket is called the acetabulum, and the ball is the femoral head, located at the top of the femur (leg bone). A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the soft tissue that covers the acetabulum, which helps the femoral head move smoothly and without pain in the socket.
COMMON ISSUE
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition in which one or both of the bones of the hip joint are irregularly shaped and do not fit together perfectly. This can lead to excessive bone growth, causing the bones to rub against each other during movement. Over time, this friction can damage the joint, causing pain and limiting activity.
- Adolescent and Developmental Dysplasia
- Burning Thigh Pain
- Bursa/Bursitis
- Sports Hernia
- Prosthesis Removal
- Snapping Hip
- Sprains and Fractures
- Growth Plate
- Pelvis
- Femur
Schedule an appointment today with one of Eastern North Carolina’s leading orthopedic and sports medicine physicians!
