Hip - Hip Instability - AOA Orthopedic Specialists (2024)

FAQs

Hip - Hip Instability - AOA Orthopedic Specialists? ›

Hip instability is usually a feeling of looseness in the hip causing a wobbling sensation due to loose connective tissue failing to hold the joint tightly. Often the tendons of the hip have become loosened by over stretching. Sometimes this instability can be from congenital conditions such as hip dysplasia.

Treatments for hip instability & hip dislocation

Our doctors may suggest hip dislocation treatments such as: Rest or moderate exercise. Physical therapy to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve mobility. Minimally invasive surgery – like arthroscopic hip surgery – to tighten the ligaments in the hip.

Capsular Plication

This procedure is performed to tighten the set of ligaments surrounding the hip joint, known collectively as the capsule. Capsular plication can be performed as a standalone procedure or in conjunction with other treatments, such as hip arthroscopy.

Begin by lying on your back with your arms by your sides. Your knees should point towards the ceiling. Using your arms for support, slowly push your hips up towards the ceiling. Hold for a few seconds and then slowly bring your hips back down to the floor.

Usually, a hip that feels like it needs to pop is a sign of tension or tightness in the surrounding area. Your hip joint may be strong and durable, but unfortunately, it is not invincible. With poor posture and sudden jerky movements, you can offset the alignment within your body, leading to excruciating pain.

Hip Instability Prevention and Prognosis

If you suffer from hip instability, your prognosis is good with exercise and physical therapy. Some medications may offer relief from pain and reduced inflammation, which are conducive to participating in these physical regimens.

You will probably need about 6 weeks to recover. If your doctor repaired damaged tissue, recovery will take longer. You may have to limit your activity until your hip strength and movement are back to normal. You may also be in a physical rehabilitation (rehab) program.

Doctors at NYU Langone also offer stem cell injections, an experimental new technique. Stem cells are unique in that they can develop into any type of cell—for example, cells that help repair damaged tissue. When injected into an arthritic hip, stem cells may encourage the damaged cartilage to regrow and heal.

The prone instability test is performed with the patient in the prone position. The hip is externally rotated while the examiner places anterior force on the posterior aspect of the greater trochanter. Reproduction of the anterior hip pain constitutes a positive test.

Pain. Laxity. Sensation of the hip “coming out” of the socket. Producing a clicking sound.

Does walking loosen tight hips? ›

Walking helps keep your hip flexors loose. In fact, one of the best things you can do to keep them from tightening up is to get up and walk around every 30-45 minutes during the day. This is especially helpful if you spend a lot of time sitting down.

Things like going on a daily walk or going swimming will help to improve your general health and take the strain off your hip, by strengthening other muscles in the body. Sometimes people stop exercising once their pain clears up, but when they do it's common for them to start having problems again quite quickly.

In the early stages of FAI, you may be able to continue walking, running, or cycling with proper rest, stretching, and anti-inflammatories. But if the impingement progresses, cut back on these types of exercise or allow longer periods for rest and rehab.

Instead of laying on your side, try to sleep on your back instead for a few nights. It may seem weird at first, but you will adjust after a night or two. If sleeping on your back is not an option, sleep on the side that does not hurt and place a pillow between your knees to keep your hips aligned.

Where you feel the pain depends on which part of your hip joint is damaged. You might feel hip pain: Close to the surface above or around your hip (usually an issue with your muscles, tendons or ligaments). Deeper inside your hip joint (pain that comes from your bones or cartilage).

We always remind our patients that misaligned hips can take several months to years before returning to normal.

EXERCISES FOR UNEVEN HIPS

Single leg exercises are going to be your best friend when it comes to correcting imbalances in the hips. Step ups on a box, single leg lunges, single leg RDLs, and single leg balancing movements will help create more strength and stability in the hip joint.

Realign your hips at home with some simple lower body exercises, like the 90/90 hip stretch. Note that at-home exercises can help alleviate pain symptoms for certain types of misalignment, but visiting your doctor is still the best path forward.