Hip Impingement

Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), commonly known as hip impingement, is a condition in which extra bone develops along one or both bones of the hip joint, causing abnormal contact during movement. This repeated friction can damage cartilage, irritate surrounding tissues, and lead to pain and stiffness in the hip and groin.

Hip impingement often develops gradually and may not cause symptoms right away. Over time, however, the condition can limit mobility and increase the risk of labral tears and hip arthritis. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, we offer comprehensive evaluation and treatment options to help patients reduce pain, improve function, and return to the activities they enjoy.

What Is Hip Impingement?

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint formed by the femoral head (the ball) and the acetabulum (the socket). In a healthy hip, these structures fit together smoothly and allow a wide range of pain-free motion.

With femoroacetabular impingement, abnormal bone growth changes the shape of the femoral head, the socket, or both. As the hip moves, the bones rub against each other instead of gliding smoothly. This can place excessive stress on the cartilage and labrum, eventually causing pain and joint damage.

What Types of Hip Impingement Are There?

There are three primary types of femoroacetabular impingement.

Cam Impingement

Cam impingement occurs when extra bone develops on the femoral head, creating an irregular shape. Instead of rotating smoothly within the socket, the abnormal bone contacts the edge of the acetabulum during movement.

Cam impingement is more commonly seen in younger athletes and active individuals.

Pincer Impingement

Pincer impingement occurs when excess bone develops along the rim of the hip socket. This causes the socket to cover too much of the femoral head, increasing the likelihood of pinching surrounding soft tissues during movement.

Combined Impingement

Many patients have a combination of both cam and pincer impingement. In these cases, both the femoral head and the socket contribute to abnormal joint mechanics and symptoms.

What Causes Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement often develops as the bones mature and may be influenced by activity levels during adolescence and early adulthood.

Common factors associated with hip impingement include:

• Abnormal hip development
• Repetitive high-impact sports activities
• Athletic participation during adolescence
• Structural abnormalities of the hip joint
• Genetic factors influencing bone growth

Sports that involve frequent twisting, pivoting, squatting, or high levels of hip motion may increase symptoms in individuals with FAI.

What Are Hip Impingement Symptoms?

Symptoms of hip impingement often develop gradually and may worsen with activity.

Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain in the groin area
• Hip pain during exercise or activity
• Stiffness in the hip joint
• Decreased range of motion
• Pain when sitting for extended periods
• Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip
• Discomfort during twisting or pivoting movements
• Pain while squatting or bending

Some patients experience symptoms only during sports or strenuous activities, while others develop persistent discomfort during everyday movement.

How Is Hip Impingement Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hip impingement begins with a detailed evaluation by an orthopedic specialist.

Diagnostic evaluation may include:

• Review of symptoms and medical history
• Physical examination
• Range-of-motion testing
• X-rays to evaluate hip joint anatomy
• MRI scans to assess cartilage and labral damage
• CT imaging when detailed bone evaluation is needed

Imaging studies help identify the type and severity of impingement while determining whether additional hip damage has occurred.

How Is Hip Impingement Treated?

Treatment depends on symptom severity, activity level, and the amount of joint damage present.

Nonsurgical Treatment for Hip Impingement

Many patients experience symptom improvement with conservative treatment options.

Nonsurgical treatments may include:

• Activity modification
• Physical therapy
• Anti-inflammatory medications
• Guided stretching and strengthening exercises
• Injection therapies when appropriate

Physical therapy can help improve hip mechanics, strengthen supporting muscles, and reduce stress on the joint.

Hip Impingement Surgery

When nonsurgical treatment fails to provide relief, surgery may be recommended.

Hip arthroscopy is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used to address femoroacetabular impingement. During surgery, the orthopedic surgeon can:

• Remove excess bone causing impingement
• Repair labral tears
• Address damaged cartilage
• Restore more natural hip joint movement

The goal of surgery is to alleviate pain, improve function, and reduce ongoing damage to the joint.

What is the Hip Impingement Recovery Time?

Recovery timelines vary depending on the severity of the condition and the treatment performed.

Many patients undergoing conservative treatment experience gradual improvement over several weeks or months. Following hip arthroscopy, rehabilitation is an important part of recovery and often includes:

• Progressive weight-bearing activities
• Physical therapy
• Strengthening exercises
• Mobility training
• Gradual return to sports and recreation

Most patients can return to normal daily activities before returning to higher-level athletic participation.

Can Hip Impingement Lead to Arthritis?

If left untreated, femoroacetabular impingement can contribute to progressive cartilage damage within the hip joint.

Over time, repeated friction between the bones may increase the risk of:

• Labral tears
• Cartilage deterioration
• Chronic hip pain
• Early-onset hip arthritis

Early evaluation and treatment can help preserve joint health and potentially slow the progression of degenerative changes.

Get Expert Hip Impingement Care at Fox Valley Orthopedics

Hip pain and stiffness can make it difficult to stay active and enjoy everyday activities. At Fox Valley Orthopedics, our experienced specialists provide personalized treatment plans for patients with femoroacetabular impingement and other hip conditions.

Whether your treatment involves physical therapy, advanced imaging, injection therapies, or minimally invasive surgery, our team is committed to helping you regain comfort, mobility, and confidence. If hip pain is interfering with your daily activities or athletic performance, schedule an appointment with Fox Valley Orthopedics today by calling (855) 386-7846 to discuss your treatment options and take the first step toward lasting relief.