Hip Impingement

What is it?

Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAI) is caused by structural differences of the femur (ball) and/or acetabulum (socket) of the hip joint.

Types include: – Cam; the “ball” part of the hip is not perfectly round. – Pincer; the “socket” part of the hip covers too much of the “ball”

More commonly seen in sports where the hip is flexed and internally rotated e.g. hockey, tennis, football and horse riding.

Typical Symptoms/features:

  • Gradual onset
  • Deep aching in the groin
  • Pain gradually worsens after activity
  • Pain with movements where the hip is maximally flexed and/or internally rotated

Management:

  • Activity modification
    • When you first start noticing hip pain, it may help to reduce your activity for a short amount of time to allow the pain to settle
    • However, there is strong evidence that says keeping active and slowly returning to your normal levels of activity can actually help the pain to settle quicker
  • Ice or heat
  • Pain relief
  • Physiotherapy including range of movement exercises and a graded strengthening programme.

Do I need imaging?

An X-ray should show any bony deformity; however, imaging is not needed to begin physiotherapy treatment as it will likely not change the initial management strategy.

An MRI may be useful if symptoms are not improving with conservative measures beyond 3-6 months.

For exercises, click the link below.