Tailored exercises to strengthen the hip muscles, improve flexibility, and restore range of motion.
Hip Tendinopathy Specialist In Singapore
Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon
- Internationally recognised, more than 1500 surgeries performed
What is Hip Tendinopathy?
Hip tendinopathy is a condition marked by pain and discomfort in the tendons around the hip, typically arising from overuse or injury. These tendons facilitate hip movement by connecting muscle to bone.
Overloading these tendons can lead to inflammation, causing symptoms that progressively worsen without intervention. It is particularly common among athletes and people engaging in repetitive hip activities.
Causes and Risk Factors
Several factors contribute to the development of hip tendinopathy, which can typically include:
Overuse and repetitive stress injuries
Which are common among athletes and people participating in activities with high levels of hip motion or resistance.
Age-related tendon degeneration
Occurs as tendons naturally weaken over time, making older adults more susceptible.
Biomechanical issues
Such as imbalances and misalignments in the hip or lower extremity, place uneven stress on certain tendons.
Systemic diseases
Like rheumatoid arthritis and metabolic conditions can weaken tendons and increase the risk of tendinopathy.
Symptoms
Identifying the signs makes for effective management and recovery. Key aspects include:
- Pain and tenderness in the hip or groin area, worsening with activity.
- Morning stiffness or after periods of inactivity.
- Reduced range of motion in the hip, impacting daily functions.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis of hip tendinopathy starts with a review of the patient’s medical history and a physical examination to assess hip mobility and pinpoint areas of tenderness. Imaging tests, including ultrasounds or MRI scans, are often used to visualise the tendons’ condition and exclude other potential causes of hip pain.
Are Your Symptoms Affecting Your
Quality Of Life?
Quality Of Life?
Consult our double fellowship-trained orthopaedic surgeon for an accurate diagnosis and personalised treatment plan.
Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical approaches are the first line of treatment for hip tendinopathy.
These treatments include:
Physical Therapy
Pain Management
Use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) to reduce pain and inflammation.
Activity Modification
Adjusting daily activities and sports involvement to avoid movements that exacerbate symptoms.
Assistive Devices
Crutches or a cane can be used to reduce the load on the hip during acute phases.
Corticosteroid Injections
Administered under ultrasound guidance to reduce inflammation in severe cases.
Surgical Treatments
Surgical options are considered for patients who do not respond to non-surgical treatments or have significant tendon damage.
The procedures include:
Tendon repair
Directly repairing the torn or damaged tendon tissue.
Tendinopathy debridement
Removing damaged tissue from the tendon.
Tendon release
Cutting a small part of the tendon to relieve tension.
Reconstruction
Using grafts to reconstruct severely damaged tendons.
Rehabilitation and Physical Therapy
Rehabilitation and physical therapy focus on restoring hip function, strength, and flexibility. Key components include:
Personalised exercise programs
Designed to gradually rebuild strength in the hip muscles and improve flexibility without overloading the tendons.
Manual therapy
Techniques such as massage and mobilisation to increase joint mobility and reduce pain.
Education on activity modification
Guidance on altering activities and adopting ergonomic practices to prevent further strain on the hip.
Pain management strategies
Include applying heat or cold to manage symptoms and techniques for pain relief.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing hip tendinopathy aims at minimising risk factors and maintaining healthy tendon function:
- Regular exercise: Engaging in a balanced exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles around the hip and improves flexibility.
- Proper technique: Ensuring correct form and technique during physical activities to reduce undue stress on the hip tendons.
- Gradual increase in activity: Avoid sudden increases in the intensity or volume of activities to prevent overloading the tendons.
- Ergonomic adjustments: Making modifications in the workplace and daily activities to support optimal hip function and reduce strain.
Can I Use Medisave For My Treatment?
Yes, you can use funds from your Medisave account to offset the cost of your treatment.
Reach out to us today to learn more about payment options.
Dr Wang Lushun
Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon
MBBS (Singapore)
MRCS (Edin)
MMed (Ortho)
FRCS (Ortho) (Edin)
Internationally Recognised & Double Fellowship-Trained Surgeon With Over 18 Years of Experience
- Bachelor of Medicine & Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS),
National University of Singapore - Member of The Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS),
Edinburgh, United Kingdom - Master of Medicine in Orthopaedic Surgery (MMed),
National University of Singapore - Fellow of The Royal College of Surgeons in Orthopaedics and Traumatology (FRCS), Edinburgh, United Kingdom
As a Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon and former Head of the Hip and Knee Division in Ng Teng Fong Hospital, he has won awards for superior patient outcomes (value driven), service quality and enhanced recovery programmes. His patients include current and former national athletes and sporting professionals.
Why Choose
Dr Wang Lushun?
Trusted
Leadership on Orthopaedic Advisory Boards
Skillful
Double Fellowships at Centres of Excellence
Experienced
Senior Consultant with Over 18 Years of Experience
Patient-Centred Orthopaedic Care
We are dedicated to your recovery and well-being. Every patient deserves the freedom that comes with active living. Whether you're an athlete sidelined by an injury or a weekend hobbyist desperate to return to your passion, our mission is to help you regain your mobility and independence.
Personalised Approach For Positive Outcomes
Our clinic prioritizes time dedicated to understanding each patient’s injuries and needs. Dr Wang strongly believes that personalised care & patient management will lead to better outcomes & positive experiences.
Minimally Invasive Techniques For Faster Recovery
Dr Wang’s extensive experience with minimally invasive procedures allows for less scarring, lower risk of complications and faster recovery compared to traditional surgical methods.
Aftercare Focused On Restoring Mobility & Well-Being
As an avid sportsperson, Dr Wang understands the time and patience required to regain mobility and return to active living. After your procedure is completed, Dr Wang will make sure your recovery is smooth and comfortable.
Insurance
We accept all patients, with or without insurance plans. Additionally, we are on the specialist panels of these Health Networks/Insurance Plans. Please contact us if you have any queries and we will be happy to assist you in checking with your insurance provider.
Our Clinic Locations
3 Mount Elizabeth, #13-14
Mount Elizabeth Medical Centre
Singapore 228510
820 Thomson Road, Mount Alvernia Hospital, #05-51, Medical Centre D, Singapore 574623
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does it typically take to recover from hip tendinopathy with conservative treatment?
The recovery time from hip tendinopathy varies widely among people. It depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the specific tendons involved, and the patient’s adherence to their treatment plan. Generally, patients may start to see improvement within a few weeks of consistent conservative treatment, but full recovery can take several months.
Can hip tendinopathy affect sleep quality, and if so, what are the best practices for managing discomfort at night?
Yes, hip tendinopathy can affect sleep quality due to discomfort and pain, especially when lying in certain positions. Managing discomfort at night involves using pillows for support to maintain a neutral hip position, avoiding sleeping on the affected side, and applying heat or cold therapy before bed to reduce pain.
How can hip tendinopathy be differentiated from other causes of hip pain, such as bursitis or arthritis, without imaging?
Differentiating hip tendinopathy from conditions like bursitis or arthritis without imaging can be challenging. However, a detailed clinical examination focusing on specific movements that worsen the patient’s pain, the location of the pain, and the absence of systemic symptoms (such as fever or weight loss) can help make a preliminary distinction. Imaging tests are often necessary for a definitive diagnosis.