Hip pain is a frequent injury in athletes who participate in sports requiring running and jumping. The variability of presenting symptoms and pathology make correct diagnosis and treatment a challenge.
The hip joint is a ball and socket joint between the femur (thigh) and the pelvis. The head of the femur articulates with the acetabulum of the pelvis.
The pelvis is made up of three bones: the ilium, ischium and pubis. These bones come together in the acetabulum. A cartilaginous rim around the acetabulum called the labrum holds the femur in place.
A complex network of ligaments, nerves and blood vessels holds this joint together. Injury to any of these structures can result in pain that is often difficult to localize.
Athletes typically suffer from a variety of overuse syndromes of the hip. The pain in these syndromes is the result of inflammation, arthritis and fractures. Hip pain in young athletes is often related to overuse and can lead to lifetime difficulties unless activities are restricted.
Direct trauma to the pelvis can result in hip and pelvic fractures. A “hip pointer injury” is often seen in high-velocity collision sports like football and hockey when a blow to the rim of the pelvis results in hemorrhage.
Hip pain can also be referred to the low back and be mistaken for a spine injury. Only after careful examination by a qualified physician can the differential be clarified.
“The treatment of hip injuries in elite and recreational athletes is finally beginning to catch up to the treatments we know are routinely successful for shoulder and knee injuries,” reports Dr. Michael Joyce, Co-Director Connecticut Sports Medicine Institute. “Minimally invasive arthroscopic procedures allow athletes the potential to come back from injuries that were once considered career-ending.”
Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to resolving hip pain in athletes.
Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu
Be wary of skin conditions during summer sports
Summer sports present new challenges for protection from skin conditions that can potentially affect athletic performance. Specifically, sunburn and skin cancers have become increasingly troublesome.
The human skin constitutes the largest organ in the human body. It is designed to protect the body from harmful microbes. It also has a system of glands, nerves and blood vessels that allow the skin to regulate temperature.
The skin is divided into three levels: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer that provides a barrier against the elements. The dermis contains the sweat glands, hair follicles and connective tissue. The hypodermis consists of adipose tissue that insulates the human body. Blood vessels dilate and constrict to allow for cooling and warmth.
Chronic and acute exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays will result in skin damage. Acute damage typically appears in the form of a burn with reddening of the skin and blistering. This leads to pain and the blisters create the potential for infection.
Chronic exposure can result in skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Basal cell carcinoma and melanoma may be prevented through the use of lotions containing an SPF (skin protection factor) of 30 or greater. Athletic clothing should have a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 or more.
“Most skin conditions that come as a result of summer sports can be prevented if precautions are taken ahead of time,” reports Dr. Jennifer Pennoyer, a board certified dermatologist practicing at Pennoyer Dermatology in Bloomfield. “Anticipating potential exposure as well as regular skin checks can avoid a lot of anguish.”
Athletes rely on skin and sweat glands to regulate large variations in climatic conditions during workouts. Skin care can keep an athlete competing longer.
Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu
The human skin constitutes the largest organ in the human body. It is designed to protect the body from harmful microbes. It also has a system of glands, nerves and blood vessels that allow the skin to regulate temperature.
The skin is divided into three levels: the epidermis, dermis and hypodermis. The epidermis is the outermost layer that provides a barrier against the elements. The dermis contains the sweat glands, hair follicles and connective tissue. The hypodermis consists of adipose tissue that insulates the human body. Blood vessels dilate and constrict to allow for cooling and warmth.
Chronic and acute exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays will result in skin damage. Acute damage typically appears in the form of a burn with reddening of the skin and blistering. This leads to pain and the blisters create the potential for infection.
Chronic exposure can result in skin cancer. Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans according to the American Academy of Dermatology.
Basal cell carcinoma and melanoma may be prevented through the use of lotions containing an SPF (skin protection factor) of 30 or greater. Athletic clothing should have a UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) of 50 or more.
“Most skin conditions that come as a result of summer sports can be prevented if precautions are taken ahead of time,” reports Dr. Jennifer Pennoyer, a board certified dermatologist practicing at Pennoyer Dermatology in Bloomfield. “Anticipating potential exposure as well as regular skin checks can avoid a lot of anguish.”
Athletes rely on skin and sweat glands to regulate large variations in climatic conditions during workouts. Skin care can keep an athlete competing longer.
Dr. Alessi is a neurologist in Norwich and serves as an on-air contributor for ESPN. He is director of UConn NeuroSport and can be reached at agalessi@uchc.edu
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