Quick Education Links:
|| Back || Neck || Shoulder & Elbow || Knee || Foot & Ankle || Hip & Pelvis ||

QUADRICEPS MUSCLE STRAINS
This injury is commonly the result of quick sprints or quick stops while running. With a muscle strain, there is localized tenderness or a "bulge" in the tender area of the thigh. The pain is aggravated by lifting the thigh (a straight leg raise), ascending/descending stairs, or getting up from a seated position.

QUADRICEPS TENDON RUPTURE
This injury is often the result of forceful kicking or a traumatic impact to the tendon, which may occur with a fall. Signs and symptoms include pain and bruising just above the kneecap, an inability to walk, and severe weakness of the quadriceps (making it impossible to ascend/descend stairs). Surgical repair is necessary.

GROIN STRAIN (Adductor Strain)
This injury usually occurs in sports where cutting, side-stepping, or pivoting are required. Often, there is forceful separation of the legs or twisting of the toe outward. Signs and symptoms include pain and tenderness in the inner thigh region.

HIP POINTER
Hip pointers are the result of a direct blow to the iliac crest in sports such as football, rugby, and soccer. Signs and symptoms include pain, bruising, and tenderness at the bony prominence at the side of the hip. Treatment usually involves rest, ice, and compression.

TRONCHANTERIC BURSITIS
A bursa is a fluid-filled sack that decreases shear forces between tissues of the body. Trochanteric bursitis (inflammation of a bursa) is caused by excessive stress on the bursa between the IT Band and the greater trochanter. Signs and symptoms include pain over the outer aspect of the hipbone, which often is exacerbated when lying on the affected side, standing on the affected leg, or excessive walking. Treatment often includes rest, ice, and compression, physical therapy including stretching and progressive strengthening, and steroid injection may be helpful.

HAMSTRING STRAINS
A strain is a minor tear of a muscle. Quick acceleration while running or cutting is most often the cause of hamstrings strains. A minor pulling or a pop may be noted in the back of the thigh. Pain, swelling, and an inability to run result. Treatment includes rest, ice, compression, elevation, and physical therapy.

FEMORAL NECK FRACTURE
A bad fall or blow to the hip can break (fracture) the thigh bone typically around the femoral neck region. If the broken bone does not heal properly, the joint may slowly wear down. Blood flow through the femoral head may be restricted or cut off leading to the necrosis of the joint.

AVASCULAR NECROSIS of the HIP
Avascular necrosis means bone death due to a lack of blood supply. A disrupted blood supply occurs when there is a fracture, dislocation, or repetitive trauma to the neck of the femur. Signs and symptoms include pain, limitation of movement and pain with walking. X-rays, MRI, or a bone scan may be helpful in diagnosing this disorder. Surgical decompression or total hip replacement may be necessary.

HIP OSTEOARTHRITIS
Osteoarthritis of the hip occurs when the cartilage coverings on ball (the head of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum) wear out. It is worse when you bear weight on the affected limb. Range of motion is often limited especially internal rotation and hip flexion. Recent studies have demonstrated that joint mobilization and stretching can result in significant pain relief.

HIP REPLACEMENT
For some osteoarthritic hip joints and femur fractures, the only option is a total hip replacement. As the image shows, both the ball (the head and neck of the femur) and the socket (the acetabulum) are replaced. You will receive physical therapy in the hospital. Recent research suggests that patients can gain significant strength and improve balance skills with additional
outpatient physical therapy.