HIP PATHOLOGY

The hip is one of the body’s most important joints, as it bears a significant portion of our weight and enables mobility. However, various conditions can cause pain and limit quality of life. At our clinic, we offer a specialized approach and personalized treatments based on the specific condition.

Hip pathologies in young people and athletes

Femoroacetabular syndrome and labral lesions

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is one of the most common causes of hip pain in young people and athletes. It occurs when there is abnormal contact between the femur and the hip socket (acetabulum), which can lead to labral tears, a cartilaginous structure that stabilizes the joint.

Symptoms:

  • Groin pain that increases with physical activity.
  • A clicking or locking sensation in the hip.
  • Stiffness and loss of mobility.

Diagnosis:

The diagnosis is made through clinical examination, imaging tests such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging, and in some cases arthro-MRI to assess the condition of the labrum.

Treatment:

Conservative options:

  • Specific physiotherapy to improve mobility and reduce overload.
  • Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) injections to stimulate tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
  • Modification of sports activity to avoid movements that aggravate the injury.

Surgical treatment (in advanced cases):

  • Arthroscopic hip surgery to reshape the femoral head and repair the labrum, allowing a safe return to physical activity.

Degenerative pathology of the hip

Hip osteoarthritis

Hip osteoarthritis is a degenerative disease characterized by the progressive wear and tear of articular cartilage, leading to pain and loss of mobility. It can affect both older adults and individuals with a history of joint injury or overuse.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the groin, thigh, or buttock that worsens with activity.
  • Morning stiffness that improves with movement.
  • Progressive limitation of mobility.
  • Difficulty walking or performing daily activities.

Stages and recommended treatment:

Initial phase (first symptoms, without severe cartilage involvement):

  • Controlled exercise and physiotherapy to strengthen the hip muscles.
  • Hyaluronic acid and collagen supplementation to nourish the cartilage.
  • Plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF): injections that can slow joint degeneration and reduce inflammation.

Intermediate phase (frequent pain, cartilage wear):

  • Regenerative treatment with PRGF and hyaluronic acid to improve lubrication and reduce pain.
  • Postural re-education and unloading therapies to prevent the disease from progressing.
  • Corticosteroid or anesthetic injections in cases of severe pain.

Advanced phase (severe wear and tear, bone deformity, debilitating pain):

  • Total hip replacementA definitive solution when pain and functional limitations affect quality of life. Today, state-of-the-art prostheses allow for rapid recovery and excellent functionality.

Trochanteric Pain Syndrome and Hip Muscle Pathology

Trochanteric Pain Syndrome (Bursitis and Gluteal Injuries)

Trochanteric pain syndrome is a common cause of lateral hip pain, especially in middle-aged women and physically active individuals. It results from inflammation of the trochanteric bursa (bursitis) or from involvement of the gluteal tendons, which are essential for hip stability.

Symptoms:

  • Pain in the lateral side of the hip, which may radiate to the thigh.
  • Pain when standing for long periods or walking long distances.
  • Discomfort when sleeping on the affected side.
  • Feeling of weakness in the leg.

Treatment:

Conservative management:

  • Specialized physiotherapy to strengthen the gluteal muscles and correct biomechanical imbalances.
  • Manual therapies and mobility exercises to relieve pressure on the bursa.
  • PRGF (Plasma Rich in Growth Factors) infiltrations to regenerate damaged tissues and reduce inflammation.

Interventional treatment (in advanced cases):

  • Shock waves to stimulate tissue regeneration.
  • Minimally invasive surgery to repair the gluteal tendons in severe cases.

Pathology of the Psoas-Iliac Muscle

The iliopsoas muscle is essential for hip mobility and stability. Overload or inflammation at its insertion can cause pain and functional limitations, particularly affecting athletes and people with prolonged sedentary lifestyles.

Symptoms:

  • Deep pain in the groin or front of the hip.
  • Feeling of stiffness and difficulty lifting the leg.
  • Discomfort when sitting for long periods or climbing stairs.

Treatment:

Non-invasive options:

  • Stretching and strengthening exercises to improve the mobility of the psoas muscle.
  • Massage and manual therapy to relieve muscle tension.
  • PRGF infiltrations to reduce inflammation and promote tissue recovery.

Advanced options:

  • Ultrasound-guided anesthetic blocks in cases of persistent pain.
  • Surgery (in severe cases or chronic tears).

Request a specialist consultation

If you experience hip pain, limited mobility, or discomfort that doesn’t improve with rest, don’t ignore it.. An accurate diagnosis and timely treatment can prevent major complications.