Hip and leg pain can interfere with nearly every part of your life, from walking and standing to sleeping and enjoying your favorite activities. At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hip and leg conditions to help you move more freely and comfortably. Whether your discomfort stems from an injury, overuse, or a chronic condition, our team is here to help you get back to doing what you love.
Diagnosing Hip and Leg Problems
Because the hip and leg work together to support movement and stability, diagnosing the source of pain or dysfunction requires a comprehensive evaluation. Our team begins with a detailed medical history and physical exam, followed by advanced imaging such as X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans when needed. This allows us to accurately identify the root cause of your symptoms and develop a personalized treatment plan that fits your lifestyle and goals.
Comprehensive Hip and Leg Care in Charlottesville
At Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center, we provide thorough care for a variety of hip and leg issues, from common overuse injuries to complex joint disorders. Below are some of the most common conditions we treat:
Hip Bursitis
Hip bursitis occurs when the small fluid-filled sacs (bursae) that cushion your hip joints become inflamed. This condition often causes sharp or burning pain on the outside of the hip, especially after long periods of activity or lying on the affected side.
Hip Labral Tear
The labrum is a ring of cartilage that lines the hip socket, helping to stabilize the joint. A tear in this cartilage can cause pain, stiffness, or a locking sensation in the hip. Labral tears may result from injury, repetitive motion, or structural abnormalities.
Osteoarthritis of the Hip
As we age, the cartilage in our joints can wear down, leading to osteoarthritis. In the hip, this causes pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion. Our team offers both non-surgical and surgical treatments to help manage symptoms and preserve joint function.
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)
FAI occurs when abnormal bone growth in the hip joint causes the bones to rub against each other, leading to joint damage. This condition can affect younger and active individuals and may lead to labral tears or early arthritis if left untreated.
Iliotibial (IT) Band Syndrome
Common in runners and cyclists, IT band syndrome causes pain along the outside of the thigh, often near the knee or hip. It results from inflammation of the IT band, a thick band of tissue that helps stabilize the leg.
Hip Fractures
Hip fractures are serious injuries, especially in older adults, and typically require surgical intervention. Our orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Nielsen, provides prompt, compassionate care to restore mobility and minimize complications.
Leg Fractures
From stress fractures to complete breaks, leg fractures can vary in severity and location. We use state-of-the-art techniques to align and stabilize the bone for optimal healing and recovery.
Hamstring Strain
A pulled or torn hamstring can occur during sports or activities that involve sudden starts and stops. Treatment depends on the severity of the strain and may include rest, physical therapy, or, in rare cases, surgery.
Quadriceps Tendonitis
This condition involves inflammation of the tendon that connects the quadriceps muscle to the kneecap. It’s often caused by overuse and is commonly seen in athletes. Symptoms include pain above the kneecap and stiffness during movement.
Sciatica
Sciatica is nerve pain that travels from the lower back down the leg, often due to compression of the sciatic nerve. It can cause sharp, burning pain, numbness, or weakness and is sometimes mistaken for a hip or leg issue.
Request an Appointment Today
If you’re experiencing persistent hip or leg pain, don’t wait to seek expert care. The team at Charlottesville Orthopedic Center is here to help you find relief and get back to living an active, pain-free life. From diagnosis to treatment and recovery, we’re with you every step of the way. Call us today or request an appointment online to schedule your consultation with us.
Our Providers
The providers at Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center are highly skilled and experienced in their respective specialties.
Patient Resources
Explore our Patient Resource center for helpful information about our expert team, comprehensive services, informative blog, and how to easily connect with us.
Complimentary Movement Screening
Charlottesville Orthopaedic Center offers complimentary movement screenings to assess your movement, identify imbalances, and help prevent injuries. Whether you’re active, recovering, or want to move better, our expert phsycial therapists provide personalized recommendations for your long-term mobility and wellness.
Contact UsWhat Our Patients Say
I was able to get a same day appointment after every other place I called turned me away. In the end, I was glad I got turned away elsewhere because I can’t imagine any other practice being more caring and understanding.
Dr. Nielsen and his team are great! I’m relatively new to the Charlottesville area and have been very frustrated by the long wait times for medical appointments and then the brevity of those appointments once they finally arrive. Dr. Nielsen and his team are the opposite. They go above and beyond spending more than ample time with you, clearly explaining their diagnosis and answering any questions you may have. I highly recommend them.
The best ortho in the state. Got my son in right away and is a very caring crew. Professional and clean atmosphere. Would recommend to anyone.
