10 Telltale Signs and Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia

Did you know the most common cause of hip osteoarthritis in younger (under 50) people is a condition called hip dysplasia? This degenerative condition is behind up to 10% of all hip replacements in America, and though it’s generally present from birth, some people don’t know they have it.

Board-certified orthopedic surgeon Kevin Park, MD, specializes in diagnosing and treating hip dysplasia at his private practice in Houston, Texas. Dr. Park also wants to help patients recognize the signs of a hip issue before serious complications set in.

Here’s a closer look at hip dysplasia, the telltale signs and symptoms you might have this condition, and how we can help.

Understanding hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia occurs when your hip socket isn’t big enough to fully hold the top, ball-like part of your upper thigh bone (femoral head). This causes the hip joint to dislocate, either fully or partially. 

While most people have congenital hip dysplasia, meaning they are born with the condition, you might not develop symptoms until you get older. If this happens, you might find it challenging to participate in physical activities you once enjoyed. 

The condition also increases your risk of osteoarthritis, because the joint’s cushioning wears away faster than in joints with a normal shape. Since your body can’t regrow cartilage, arthritis can develop. 

10 signs and symptoms of hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia triggers several painful and/or uncomfortable signs and symptoms. Some of the telltale signs and symptoms that could mean you have this degenerative condition include: 

• Suffering hip or groin pain after long periods of sitting or standing
• Suffering hip or groin pain when you flex, stretch, or rotate your hips
• Having legs that are different lengths
• Feeling like you need to change positions frequently when sitting or standing
• Experiencing hip pain or fatigue during physical activity
• Limping when you walk (without a known other cause)
• Snapping, clicking, or popping in the front of the hip joint
• Experiencing hip pain that radiates to your buttocks or thighs
• Having a stiff hip that gets better when you move
• Feeling like your hip is about to give out (hip instability) 

Other musculoskeletal conditions can cause similar symptoms. For this reason, if you’re experiencing any of the above signs of hip dysplasia, schedule an appointment with a hip specialist, like Dr. Park. 

To diagnose hip dysplasia, Dr. Park reviews your medical history and asks you about your symptoms. He then performs a thorough physical exam and orders imaging studies, which let him look at the hip joint to identify structural abnormalities and check for signs of bone damage.

Treatments available for hip dysplasia

The right treatment for your hip dysplasia depends on your age and the severity of your condition. The goal of any treatment plan is to protect your hip joint from further damage while managing your pain and discomfort. 

For some patients, the condition may be managed using braces and physical therapy to strengthen the hip joint and improve your hip flexibility. But most patients with hip dysplasia benefit from hip dysplasia surgery to address the underlying joint issue.

Depending on your symptoms and the severity of degeneration, Dr. Park may recommend:

• Minimally invasive arthroscopy to repair torn cartilage
• Total hip replacement to restore hip functionality with a prosthetic joint
• Periacetabular osteotomy to reposition the femoral head into the hip socket 

To learn more about hip dysplasia and which treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with Dr. Park in Houston, Texas.