Hip impingement is a condition that can cause pain and stiffness in the hip joint. It occurs when the ball of the femur (thigh bone) does not move smoothly within the acetabulum (socket) of the pelvis. This can cause difficulty moving the hip, and can lead to arthritis over time. In this blog post, we will discuss what causes hip impingement, how you can treat it, and exercises you can do to prevent it from happening again!
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What Is Hip Impingement?
Hip impingement is a condition that occurs when there is too much friction in the hip joint. This can happen from a number of different things, including a bone spur or a deformity in the bones of the hip joint. It can also be caused by a problem with the muscles or tendons around the hip joint.
It is believed that hip impingement is a leading cause of hip pain and early-onset arthritis. This can also lead to other problems, such as limping or difficulty walking. There are two different types of hip impingement: cam and pincer.
Cam impingement happens when there is a deformity on the ball (femoral head) of the hip joint. This deformity causes the ball to not fit properly into the socket ( acetabulum). Pincer impingement happens when there is excess bone growth around the socket of the hip joint. This makes it so that the socket does not cover the ball of the hip joint as it should.
Therefore, if you have hip impingement, it is important to see a doctor so that you can get proper treatment. There are a number of different treatments available for hip impingement, depending on the severity of the condition.
How Does It Feel Like?
It is not easy to identify hip impingement because its symptoms are often associated with other conditions. Because the feeling of pain in the hip can vary, it is important to talk to your doctor about your symptoms. But in general, people with hip impingement feel pain in the groin, hips, or thighs.
The pain may come and go, or it may be constant. It may be worse when you walk, run, or climb stairs. You may also feel pain when you move your hip in certain ways, such as when you twist your torso or lift your leg to the side. It is important to understand that hip impingement is a progressive condition, which means that the symptoms will gradually get worse over time.
In addition, there are some other common symptoms associated with hip impingement, such as:
- Clicking or popping sound when you move your hip
- Stiffness in the hip
- Limited range of motion in the hip
- Weakness in the leg or foot on the affected side
These are some of the more common symptoms, but it is important to note that every individual experiences hip impingement differently. But do not forget that hip impingement is a progressive condition, so the symptoms will gradually get worse over time. Hence, you should not delay in seeking medical attention.
What Causes Hip Impingement?
There are a number of different things that can cause hip impingement. Some common causes include:
- Bones: abnormally shaped bones in the hip can lead to impingement
- Joints: hip joint problems such as arthritis can cause impingement
- Muscles: tight muscles around the hip can contribute to impingement
- Tendonitis: inflammation of the tendons around the hip can also cause impingement
These causes are usually common and treatable. However, in some cases, hip impingement can be caused by a more serious condition, such as cancer or infection. Because of this, it’s important to see a doctor if you think you may have this serious condition.
In addition, there are some risk factors that can increase your chance of developing this condition. These include:
- Age: it is more common in middle-aged adults
- Gender: women are more likely to develop this condition than men
- Sports: activities that require repetitive hip motion, such as baseball or golf, can put you at risk for developing hip impingement
It is often believed that hip impingement is caused by a single event, such as a fall or an injury. However, this is not always the case. Sometimes, hip impingement can develop over time due to wear and tear on the hip joint.
How Does It Impact Life?
If you have hip impingement, it can cause pain and make it difficult to move your hip. The condition is also known as FAI (femoroacetabular impingement) or CAM (cam lesion). It happens when the bones in the hip joint don’t fit together properly. This can lead to a tear in the cartilage or damage to the hip socket.
There are some negative consequences associated with this condition. These include:
- Difficulty walking or participating in other activities
- Groin pain
- Hip pain
- Limited range of motion
These consequences can make it difficult to do everyday activities or participate in sports and other forms of exercise. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to see a doctor so they can diagnose the problem and recommend treatment options.
How To Diagnose Hip Impingement?
It might seem like a no-brainer that if you have pain in your hip, you might have hip impingement. But often, the condition is misdiagnosed because the symptoms can be similar to other conditions, such as a labral tear or arthritis.
That’s why it’s important to see a doctor who specializes in diagnosing and treating hip impingement. They will take a thorough medical history and ask about your symptoms. They will also perform a physical examination, during which they will check for tenderness in the hip area, range of motion, and any signs of deformity.
Imaging tests, such as an MRI or CT scan, can also be helpful in diagnosing this condition. These tests can show the presence of abone spur or other abnormalities in the hip joint.
A diagnosis of hip impingement is made when all of the above criteria are met. And further, a professional can develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific needs.
How Can You Treat It?
There are some things you can do to treat this condition at home. For instance, you can:
Take medications
It is advisable to take over-the-counter nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, to reduce pain and swelling. Your doctor may also prescribe stronger NSAIDs, such as celecoxib if over-the-counter medications don’t work. It is important to note that NSAIDs can have side effects, such as an increased risk of heart attack, stroke, and stomach ulcers. If you have any medical conditions or are taking any other medications, be sure to talk to your doctor before taking NSAIDs.
Apply ice
Applying ice to the affected area can help reduce pain and inflammation. Do this for 15-20 minutes at a time, several times a day. For example, you can ice for 15 minutes in the morning, afternoon, and evening. Ice can work wonders on pain, but it’s important not to overdo it. Don’t put ice directly on your skin as this can cause frostbite. Instead, wrap the ice in a cloth or towel first.
Rest
Resting and avoiding activities that aggravate your symptoms are important. You may need to take a few days off from work or school. Avoiding high-impact activities, such as running or jumping, can also help. Because this condition is often caused by overuse, it’s important to give your hip time to heal.
Stretch and do exercises
This is an important part of treating hip impingement and preventing it from coming back. Stretching the muscles and tendons around your hip can help relieve pain. Exercises that strengthen your hips, thighs, and buttocks can also help by taking pressure off your hip joint. More often this will require the help of a physical therapist to get started.
Surgery
It is possible that you may require surgery to correct hip impingement. This is typically only recommended if other methods of treatment, such as physical therapy, have not been successful in relieving your pain. Surgery for hip impingement typically involves making an incision in the side of your hip and then manipulating or removing the bone or cartilage that is causing the impingement. In some cases, metal implants may be used to hold the bones in place. Recovery from surgery can take several weeks or months.
So these are a few treatment options that you may want to consider if you are suffering from this condition. Be sure to talk to your doctor to find out what is best for you. You don’t have to suffer through the pain – there are options available to help you find relief.
Can Hip Impingement Be Prevented?
While this condition is often the result of an injury, there are some things you can do to help prevent it.
- Warm up before participating in any activity that could lead to hip impingement. This will help increase blood flow to the area and loosen your muscles and tendons.
- Stretch your hips, hamstrings, and groin regularly. This will help keep the muscles and tendons around your hip joint flexible.
- Wear proper footwear when participating in activities that put stress on your hips. This can help protect your joints from impact.
- Build up slowly when starting a new physical activity. This will help your body adjust to the new demands being placed on it and reduce the risk of injury.
If you have any pain in your hip joint, be sure to see a doctor or physical therapist. They can help diagnose the problem and create a treatment plan to relieve your pain and prevent further damage. Prevention can be the key to avoiding hip impingement and the pain that comes with it.
Also, do not forget that you can always get a second opinion before making any decisions about surgery. Because this is not a common condition, there are a limited number of surgeons who are experienced in treating it. You want to be sure that you are getting the best possible care for your condition.
Conclusion
To conclude, hip impingement is a condition that can cause pain and discomfort in the hip joint. There are various treatment options available, depending on the severity of the condition. If you think you may be suffering from this condition, it is important to see a doctor or orthopedic specialist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Hence, it is pertinent to see a doctor if you feel any kind of discomfort in your hip region so as to get an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan. So do not delay and consult a doctor today!
Physical Therapy help patients recover from pain. If you’re experiencing Back pain, Shoulder pain, Knee pain, Neck pain, Elbow pain, Hip pain, or Arthritis pain, a physical therapist at MantraCare can help: Book a physiotherapy session.
