Hip Loose Bodies
Description
If you have a strange sensation in your hip joint, it could be a “loose body.” That’s a bit of bone or cartilage that has broken away and moves around in your joint.
Animations
Hip Loose Bodies
Causes & Triggers
It can happen because of a traumatic injury or a severe strain. It can also be linked to arthritis or other diseases that weaken the bone.
- Arthritis or other degenerative diseases
- Severe strain
- Sports injuries
- Trauma
Signs & Symptoms
A loose body can feel like a pebble is caught in your joint. As it moves around, it can cause pain and irritation. It may become stuck between the ball and socket. When that happens, you may feel catching or clicking sensations. Your hip may feel stiff, and you lose some of your range of motion.
- Catching
- Clicking
- Feeling like the hip “gives out”
- Grinding
- Limited range of motion
- Locking
- Pain
- Stiffness
Tips & Treatment
If you have a loose body, medications and physical therapy may help you. You can also have surgery tore move it. Your healthcare provider will create a care plan that’s right for you.
- Loose bodies may or may not migrate within the body, affecting the amount and location of pain.
- Because X-rays may not show a loose body an MRI may be required for proper diagnosis.
- Non-surgical treatment may include anti-inflammatory medication, corticosteroid injections and/or physical therapy.
- Arthroscopic surgical intervention may be required.
