What is Hip Impingement?
Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a common condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the hip joint. It occurs when the bones in the hip joint are abnormally shaped, leading to friction and irritation of the soft tissue surrounding the joint.
This condition can have both genetic factors and environmental factors. If you have a close relative with diagnosed hip impingement and are experiencing hip pain, there is a possibility that you also have the same condition.
If left untreated, hip impingement can lead to more serious conditions such as labral tears and osteoarthritis. Fortunately, there are several effective treatments available to help manage the symptoms of hip impingement.
What are the symptoms of FAI?
- Pain in the hip joint: The most common symptom of this condition is pain felt in the groin area, buttocks or outside of the hip.
- Stiffness: People with FAI often experience stiffness in their hip joint. The stiffness might make it difficult to move your hip joint and perform normal daily activities.
- Decreased range of motion: Hip impingement can also decrease the range of motion in your hip joint. This can make it difficult to perform activities that require bending or rotating the hip joint.
- Clicking or popping sounds: Some people with this condition may hear clicking or popping sounds when they move their hip joint. These sounds are caused by the bones rubbing against each other.
- Weakness: FAI can cause weakness in the hip and leg muscles that makes it difficult to walk, run, or perform other physical activities.
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What are the treatments for Hip Impingement?
One of the most common treatments for this condition is physical therapy. A physical therapist can develop an individualized exercise program to help improve range of motion and strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint, which can help alleviate pain and improve function.
Another common treatment option are corticosteroid and platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections into the hip joint to help with pain and discomfort. Dr. Kevin Mangum, a sports medicine physician, does these injections under ultrasound guidance for more accurate and safe injections.
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In some cases, surgery may be necessary to correct the underlying bone deformities causing hip impingement. Two common surgical procedures used to treat this condition are arthroscopic surgery and open surgery:
-Arthroscopic surgery is a minimally invasive procedure that involves using small instruments and a camera to remove or reshape bone and cartilage.
-Open surgery involves a larger incision and is typically used for more severe cases.
If you’re experiencing hip pain or discomfort, it’s important to speak with a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and appropriate treatment plan. With the right treatment, you can manage your symptoms and improve your quality of life. If you’re looking for more information about hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or want to learn about treatment options, Call Dr. Kevin Mangum at (801) 758-8735 for an appointment today. Also, visit our website at www.phcmed.com for more information.
References:
Egger, Anthony C., Salvatore Frangiamore, and James Rosneck. “Femoroacetabular impingement: a review.” Sports medicine and arthroscopy review 24.4 (2016): e53-e58.
Tranovich, Michael J., et al. “A review of femoroacetabular impingement and hip arthroscopy in the athlete.” The Physician and Sportsmedicine 42.1 (2014): 75-87.