2023-04-20 15:28:16
A stress fracture in the hip is rare. You can find out here how it makes itself felt and what else can be behind hip problems.
The hip consists of two hip joints, one right and one left, each forming the transition between a femur and the corresponding pelvic bone. The upper end of the thigh bone is called the femoral neck. This is connected to the hip socket of the pelvic bone via the so-called femoral head.
Fatigue fractures in the hip are rare – fractures of this kind occur far more frequently in the foot and calf, for example. When a stress fracture occurs in the hip, the femoral neck bone is usually affected. A typical sign is pain, which usually occurs during activity and subsides with rest.
How exercise can lead to stress fractures in the hip
A stress fracture in the hip usually occurs as a result of permanent overloading of the bone through intensive training or physical work. There is a risk above all in sports in which strong forces are repeatedly exerted on the hips – for example in long-distance running.
Microscopically fine cracks form in the bones, which are not a problem at first: if the body is given enough time to regenerate, it can repair the cracks so that the stability of the bone is maintained. However, if the athlete continues to overload the bones during this time, the repair cannot be completed. The cracks get bigger and more appear, making the bone more and more unstable – until it finally breaks.
In addition to overload, certain influences can increase the risk of a fatigue fracture. These include in particular eating disorders and underweight as well as a lack of vitamin D.
Stress fracture in the hip as a result of an illness
When bones are unstable due to osteoporosis or other diseases, normal stresses can lead to stress fractures in the hip. In this case, experts also speak of an insufficiency fracture (insufficient means insufficient). This makes it clear that the bones are not strong enough to withstand everyday wear and tear.
Older women are particularly prone to osteoporosis. The reason for this is that during menopause the body produces less of the hormone estrogen, which is important for bone metabolism, among other things.
Stress fracture in the hip – what to do?
Anyone experiencing hip or groin pain should make an appointment at an orthopedic practice. An orthopedist can determine whether it is actually a stress fracture or rather another type of injury or disease that also manifests itself as hip problems – such as osteoarthritis (joint wear) or gout.
Pain can only be treated in a targeted and effective manner once the cause has been determined. If the doctor actually finds a stress fracture, the therapy often consists only of consistent rest: the bone grows back together by itself if it is given enough time. Surgery is rarely necessary.
If the stress fracture can be traced back to certain risk factors or a disease, the treatment must – if possible – also counteract these.
Hip stress fracture – how long break?
After the examination, the doctor will be able to estimate how long the break should last. It usually takes several weeks to heal. Once the pain has completely subsided, there is usually nothing wrong with putting weight on the bone again – but carefully and gradually. Athletes should be careful not to overdo it when they start training again, otherwise there is a risk of renewed fatigue fractures.
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