Treatment for Hip Conditions in Northern New Jersey
If you struggle with hip pain or a related condition that limits your lifestyle, Bergen Pain Management is here to help. Dr. Thomas Ragukonis is a board-certified NJ Top Doc with extensive experience in minimally invasive treatments for hip pain. Schedule an appointment to get on the road to relief at one of our New Jersey locations in Paramus, West New York, and Union.
Hip Conditions We Treat
Because of their role in the way our bodies move, hips are highly prone to use-related conditions accompanied by pain, swelling, and other symptoms. At Bergen Pain Management, Dr. Ragukonis frequently assists patients with a wide variety of hip conditions, including:
Arthritis
Osteoarthritis is a common hip condition that arises as joint cartilage deteriorates over time, losing its durability and flexibility. When this happens, the cartilage cannot cushion the hip(s) effectively, resulting in groin pain, stiffness, a locking sensation, and reduced range of motion. Rheumatoid arthritis can also affect the hips, which is an autoimmune disorder that results in joint pain and damage throughout the body.
Bursitis
Hip bones and tissues are surrounded by bursae, or fluid-filled sacs, which act as cushions and shock absorbers for the joint. Due to overuse, these bursae may become painfully inflamed in a condition known as bursitis, which is often recurrent with occasional flare-ups. Luckily, in many cases, it is simple to treat with rest, medication, and injections.
Hip Treatments We Offer
Dr. Ragukonis works closely with each patient to identify the best solution for their discomfort. He then utilizes a range of minimally invasive treatments to achieve long-lasting relief. These may include:
- Epidural steroid injections: The dura is a covering over nerve roots in the spine. Steroid injections into the dura can counteract nerve inflammation, relieving any related hip pain. We offer injections in the caudal, interlaminar, and transforaminal
- Dorsal root ganglion therapy: A dorsal root ganglion (DRG) is a biological switchboard that controls nerve signals as they pass along the spine. By targeting a specific DRG with injections, Dr. Ragukonis can eliminate pain signals from a specific area of the body – such as the hip.
- Intrathecal pump: An intrathecal pump is a device that slowly releases medication over a period of time and at an even rate. Through it, patients can manage pain more effectively while reducing their reliance on oral medications and outpatient procedures.
- Spinal cord stimulators: Pain signals are sent to the brain through electrical impulses. A spinal cord stimulator eliminates discomfort by overriding these signals with its own impulses.
- Trigger point injections: Myofascial pain originates from a trigger point, or a sensitive knot of tissue. By injecting a numbing agent or steroid into the trigger point, Dr. Ragukonis can break the tension to provide relief.