Hip Impingement
By
Author: Tim Burkart, PT
What is a Hip Impingement
A hip impingement is also known as a femoroacetabular impingement. It is a painful condition caused by a bone abnormality in the hip joint, which causes the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint to rub or pinch up against the cup (acetabulum) of the hip joint. If left untreated, hip impingements can cause damage to the labrum (cartilage around the acetabulum). This causes pain and may lead to arthritis.
Hip Impingement and Hip Anatomy
There are two types of Hip Impingements:
- Cam Impingement: The head of the femur is more oval-shaped than round, which affects its ability to move smoothly in the joint.
- Pincer Impingement: The acetabulum has excessive bone growth around the rim leading to too much coverage of the femoral head, causing the two bones to rub and result in hip impingement.
These two conditions can happen alone or in combination.
If you would like to learn more about the Anatomy of the Hip, this VIDEO may help.
Signs and Symptoms of Hip Impingements:
- Stiffness in the hip joint (groin/thigh).
- Limited motion particularly hip flexion and internal rotation.
- Pain in the groin and thigh particularly during activities that require a lot of hip flexion (running, prolonged sitting.
Diagnosis of Hip Impingement:
- Subjective history.
- Physical examination by your doctor.
- X-rays to evaluate the condition of the bones.
- MRI to assess the cartilage of the hip and surrounding muscles.
Physician diagnosing a case of hip impingement
Treatment of Hip Impingement:
There are two types of treatments for hip impingement: non-surgical and surgical.
- Non-surgical treatment for hip impingement may include:
- Rest and/or modification of painful activities.
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or injections.
- Non-surgical treatment for hip impingement may include:
- Rest and/or modification of painful activities.
- Physical therapy to improve range of motion and strength.
- Anti-inflammatory medications or injections.
- Surgical treatment for hip impingement may include:
- Correcting the shape of the acetabulum and femoral head.
- Trimming or repairing the labrum or articular cartilage.
- Following a surgical intervention the patient would be referred to physical therapy for progressive weight-bearing, range of motion, strength, balance and pain control
To schedule a physical therapy appointment for your hip impingement , please call 904-858-7045.
Related Articles: Hip Exercises for Home, JOI Rehab Hip Exercises Video and Patrick Heinold Video
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