Hip Conditions
Clearwater, Tampa, St Petersburg, Florida
The hip joint is the largest joint in the human body. The joint allows for a wide range of motion, while still supporting the weight of the body.
The hip is a ball and socket joint, where the thigh bone (femur) ends with a rounded projection or ball (femoral head), which fits into the socket (acetabulum) of the pelvic girdle. Both the ball and socket are lined with cartilage, a cushioning tissue.
The joint is sealed inside a tough synovial capsule, which contains lubricating fluid to further aid smooth motion. The ball is anchored firmly into the socket with tough connective tissue called ligaments. The muscles of the legs overlay these ligaments.
While the hip joint is a strong, stable joint, with years of running, jumping and just living, it can have problems.
Symptoms of a hip problem may include:
- Pain in the hip joint (usually felt in the groin area)
- Referred pain to the thigh and knee
- Limping
- Reduced range of motion
- Muscle stiffness
- Pain when trying to put weight through the leg on the affected side.
Causes of hip problems in adults include:
- Osteoarthritis – the most common form of arthritis to affect the hips
- Other forms of inflammatory arthritis – such as rheumatoid arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis
- Greater trochanteric bursitis
- Bone fracture
- Avascular necrosis or AVN
- Soft tissue pain, such as from bursitis or tendonitis
For children between 5-12 legg-calve-perthes syndrome disease can occur.
If you continue to suffer with a chronic hip problem and your current treatment plan leaves you feeling hopeless, perhaps a fresh set of experienced eyes can change your outlook.
Since 1990, Dennis M. Lox, M.D has applied his personal interests in sports medicine, cutting-edge regenerative medicine and chronic pain management to helping patients increase their quality of life. Contact us for an appointment at 727-462-5582 or by visiting
All statements, information or opinions provided on this website are provided for educational purposes only. We do not diagnose nor treat through this website or by telephone. As you consider any treatment, discuss them with your physician.
