Hip Joint Anatomy


Knee Joint X-ray

Most hip problems seen by chiropractors have developed gradually, over a period of weeks, months, or even years. There is usually an underlying biomechanical imbalance, or possibly some type of overuse syndrome. Common examples include trochanteric bursitis, recurrent muscle strains (hamstrings, abductors), piriformis syndrome, and snapping hip.
Successful treatment often requires the use of custom-made and shock-absorbing flexible orthotics. Our current understanding of hip joint function along with the effects of orthotics on gait aid us in helping our patients with chronic hip complaints.

Orthotic Support

Since the hip joints are so intimately involved in gait, it´s not surprising that orthotic support for the feet is often a necessary treatment component in hip joint dysfunction. There are three distinct effects of orthotics on the hip joints:

• Support for low arches will reduce pronation at the foot and ankle.
• Correction of a functional or an anatomical leg length discrepancy diminishes the ground reaction forces being sent through the joint on the side of the longer leg.
• Shock absorption from vicoelastic materials in the orthotic can ease the musculoskeletal impact at the heel strike. The additional padding I particularly necessary when there is instability, chronic degeneration, or even an inflammatory arthritis in the hip joints.
  
  With custom-made Stabilizers we can help our patients deal with the effects of musculoskeletal shock and prevent many of the muscle and joint degenerative problems that are improperly called "normal aging". Once the lower extremities are properly aligned, muscles are strengthened and lengthened, and hip joints will work smoothly and patients will be able to enjoy the benefits of independent mobility well into their elder years.