Hip Treatments in Missoula, Montana

Hip arthritis often causes ongoing hip pain, especially in older adults. The most common type is hip osteoarthritis, which slowly develops as the cartilage in the hip joint wears away. This breakdown causes the bones to rub against each other. Individuals with an arthritic hip typically experience pain, stiffness, and limited mobility. They may also have trouble walking, climbing stairs, or getting restful sleep.

Depending on how much the arthritis affects your daily life, our team may recommend anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy, hip injections, or a total hip replacement.

Hip bursitis occurs when the small, fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion the hip joint become inflamed. This can lead to sharp or aching pain on the outside of the hip, especially when walking or lying on the affected side. Common causes include overuse, injury, or muscle imbalance.

At Northern Rockies Orthopaedics, we treat hip bursitis with conservative treatments such as ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. In some cases, we may recommend corticosteroid injections to provide temporary pain relief.

A hip fracture is a break in the upper part of the thigh bone (femur) near the hip joint, while a dislocated hip occurs when the ball of the femur (femoral head) pops out of its socket. These injuries often result from trauma or falls, especially in older adults with low bone density or hip arthritis. Depending on the severity of the injury, hip joint replacement surgery may be necessary for successful hip fracture treatment.

The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions the hip socket and helps keep the femoral head in place. When the labrum is torn, it can cause sharp or catching pain in the groin or hip, as well as a feeling of instability.

Hip labral tears can affect young athletes or those with structural issues such as hip dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Treatment may include activity modification, physical therapy, or hip arthroscopy to repair the torn cartilage.

The muscles and tendons surrounding the hip help keep the joint stable and allow for smooth movement. However, tendons can become strained or torn due to overuse, sudden movements, or sports injuries. This typically causes pain, swelling, and trouble performing everyday activities.

Most tendon injuries respond well to first-line treatments like rest, ice packs, anti-inflammatory medications, and physical therapy. When the damage is more severe, minimally invasive surgery may be needed to repair the tissue and restore hip mobility.

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition where extra bone grows along one or both parts of the hip joint. Because of these overgrowths, the bones don’t fit together properly. This leads to the bones rubbing together during movement, which can cause damage over time.

FAI may cause hip pain, stiffness, and limited range of motion, especially in younger patients and active individuals. Without treatment, it can lead to labral tears or early hip arthritis. Treatment options include physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medications, and, in some cases, hip arthroscopy to reshape the bone and repair damaged cartilage.

Hip dysplasia refers to a condition in which the hip joint does not form properly, causing the femoral head to become unstable. This condition can be present at birth or develop over time and may lead to an increased risk of hip injuries or hip arthritis. Symptoms include pain, a clicking feeling, or trouble walking.

Treatment depends on the patient’s age and how much the joint is affected. We may recommend hip preservation procedures, hip brace support, or joint replacement surgeries to provide pain relief and improve stability.

Avascular necrosis of the hip happens when blood flow to the femoral head is reduced or completely cut off. Without enough blood, the bone tissue begins to weaken and die. Over time, this can cause the bone to collapse, leading to severe hip arthritis. Avascular necrosis can develop after an injury, fracture, or dislocation, but it is also linked to long-term steroid use, excessive alcohol use, or certain medical conditions that affect circulation.

Treatment options may include pain relief medications, activity modification, physical therapy, or hip preservation surgery. In advanced cases, a total hip replacement may be the best option for restoring function and reducing pain.