Hip Dysplasia: What It Is and How to Treat It

Your hips are critical in almost every movement you do.  When your hips are injured or in chronic pain, it is impossible to ignore the suffering.  Hip dysplasia, which is a common abnormality of the hips, can cause issues that typically begin in infancy.  Suffering from the symptoms of hip dysplasia can make everyday tasks challenging and neglected.  As an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona, Florida Bone and Joint Specialists see many cases of hip dysplasia that we can treat.  It is important to learn the signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia in order to properly assess and seek treatment of the disorder so you or your loved ones can be on a path towards treatment and comfort.

What It Is

Hip dysplasia is an abnormality when the bones in your hip joint do not fit together correctly.  When your hip joint develops in the womb, it is made of soft cartilage that eventually turns to bone.  The hip becomes the biggest ball and socket joint in your body, making its development into bone critical.  When the ball isn't secure in the socket, the socket will not fully form around the ball, which results in hip dysplasia.  Most diagnoses are made before the age of one.  This disorder is genetic and occurs in more girls than boys.  Consider your family history

Signs and Symptoms

Hip dysplasia symptoms vary by age.  Typically, it is detected in infants.  Doctors diagnose infant patients by examining if the child has one leg longer than the other, walks with a limp, or has one hip that is less flexible than the other.  In teens and adults, hip dysplasia can cause painful complications like osteoarthritis or a hip labral tear.  It can cause a limp, debilitating pain, and lack of mobility.  When teens and adults that suffer from hip dysplasia engage in activity, they may notice groin or hip pain or even have a sensation of a loss of balance or instability.  

Seeking Help

Later in life, adults may feel pain as the cartilage in the hip joint continues to rub away as the bones glide for movement.  When this pain becomes noticeable or even chronic, it is time to seek help.  You may need to learn exercises to relieve pain.  In severe cases in older children and adults, surgery may be needed to correct the placement of bones to allow for smoother movement in the hip joint.  In adults, hip replacement is also a popular option to completely remove the hip disorder.

Let our service as an orthopedic surgeon in Deltona help you to regain your health and mobility without pain.  Contact us today to book your appointment and start putting your health first.