Hip Care
Wisconsin Bone & Joint hip care experts offer comprehensive
services to individuals with a wide range of hip pain issues.
Osteoporosis of the Hip
Hip Specialists At Wisconsin Bone & Joint
The physicians at Wisconsin Bone & Joint utilize cutting-edge technology to assess, diagnose and work with patients to develop innovative treatment plans for a variety of hip conditions and injuries. Our team of physicians are committed to providing you with the best treatment options to alleviate your hip pain.
Providing trusted Orthopedic care in the community for over 40+ years
At Wisconsin Bone and Joint, we pride ourselves with providing you highly personalized and comprehensive orthopedic care. Our philosophy of direct physician-to-patient care means your physician will be an intrical part of every stage of your care. This commitment to a dedicated continuum-of-care model has made us one of the most trusted and respected practices in Southeast Wisconsin and greater Milwaukee area.
Osteoporosis of the Hip
What Is Osteoporosis of the Hip?
Transient osteoporosis of the hip is an uncommon condition that causes temporary bone loss in the upper portion of the thighbone (femur).
People with transient osteoporosis of the hip will experience a sudden onset of pain that intensifies with walking or other weight-bearing activities. In many cases, the pain increases over time and may become disabling.
Painful symptoms gradually subside and usually end within 6 to 12 months. Bone strength in the hip also returns to normal in the majority of people.
Despite the name, transient osteoporosis of the hip is very different from the more common age-related osteoporosis. Age-related osteoporosis is a painless, progressive condition that leads to a weakening of the bones throughout the body.
Unlike transient osteoporosis, it can put people at greater long-term risk for fractures in different areas of the body.
What Causes Osteoporosis of the Hip?
Currently, there is no clear explanation for what causes this condition. Researchers are studying this disease and several theories have been proposed, although none are proven.
Some of the causes that have been suggested include:
- Obstruction of some of the small blood vessels that surround the hip
- Hormonal changes
- Abnormal mechanical stresses on the bone
What Are The Symptoms of Osteoporosis of the Hip?
- Sudden onset of pain, typically in the front of the thigh, the groin, the side of the hip, or the buttocks.
- Pain that intensifies with weight bearing and may lessen with rest.
- No previous accident or injury to the joint that would trigger pain.
- Slightly limited motion: gentle hip motion is usually painless, but pain may intensify with extreme motions of the hip.
- Pain that gradually increases over a period of weeks or months and may be so intense that it is disabling.
- A noticeable limp as the patient tries to protect the joint and ease the pain.
What Are The Treatment Options For Osteoporosis of the Hip?
Because transient osteoporosis resolves on its own, treatment focuses on minimizing symptoms and preventing any damage to the bones while they are weakened by the disorder.
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (NSAIDs). Drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen may relieve pain and inflammation.
Weight bearing restrictions. Your doctor may advise you to temporarily limit or completely eliminate weight-bearing activities.
Using crutches, a cane, a walker, or other walking aid, will help relieve the stress of weight bearing on the hip, and may prevent a fracture through the temporarily weakened bone.
Physical therapy. To help maintain strength and flexibility in the muscles supporting your hip, your doctor may also recommend a series of exercises that you can do as the pain subsides. Water exercises may be helpful not only because they ease movement, but also because they relieve weight bearing.
Nutrition. Proper nutrition, including Vitamin D and calcium, may help promote the healing process and rebuilding of bone.
Our team is here for you
When conservative care and treatment is appropriate, we offer the best, least invasive, least aggressive treatment options to relieve your pain and discomfort. When an injury is more serious and conservative care is not an option, our orthopedic surgeons provide the latest in innovative surgical interventions available with the goal of getting you back to the life you love. Wisconsin Bone & Joint physicians offer orthopedic services at three convenient locations in Mayfair, Glendale and Cedarburg.