Do you ever get a pinching sensation in the front of your hip or groin when sitting, squatting, or crossing your legs? This can be caused by a condition known as hip impingement. Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a condition where the bones in the hip joint (femur and acetabulum) do not fit together properly, causing them to rub against each other often causing a pinching or stabbing pain.
Causes:
- Repetitive stress: Activities that involve frequent hip flexion and rotation, such as running, squatting, kicking, and dancing.
- Overuse: Prolonged sitting or standing in a flexed hip position.
- Developmental abnormalities: Misalignment of the hip bones during early development.
- Trauma: Injury to the hip joint, such as a fracture or dislocation.
Symptoms:
- Pain in the groin, front of the hip, or outer thigh
- Pain that worsens with certain activities, such as squatting, bending, or sitting for long periods
- Clicking or popping sounds in the hip
- Stiffness in the hip joint
- Difficulty with hip flexion and internal rotation
Types:
- Cam impingement: The femoral head (ball of the hip) is misshapen and rubs against the acetabulum (socket of the hip).
- Pincer impingement: The acetabulum is too deep and overlaps the femoral head.
- Combined impingement: Both cam and pincer impingement are present.
Diagnosis:
Physical examination, X-rays, and MRI scan.
Treatment:
- Physical Therapy: joint capsule mobilizations, glute/hip/core strengthening, proprioceptive training, and range of motion exercises
- Conservative treatment: Activity modification, pain relievers, and injections
- Surgery: In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to reshape the bones or repair the labrum (cartilage ring around the hip joint).
- Prognosis:
With appropriate treatment, most people with hip impingement can improve their symptoms and maintain an active lifestyle. However, if left untreated, the condition can lead to labral tears, osteoarthritis, and other long-term complications.
We have treated hundreds of these types of cases and can help you get back on your feet and performing the things you love, pain free. Give us a ring today!
