Hip Impingement

Understanding Hip Conditions and Available Treatments

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Hip Impingement Treatment Near You in Hoover and Birmingham, Serving Central Alabama

Hip pain can limit how you move, exercise, and sit comfortably. It may start with a mild ache, then gradually interfere with daily activities. One common cause of this type of discomfort is hip impingement.

At Southlake Orthopaedics in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, Alabama, patients receive expert orthopedics care for many conditions, including hip impingement and other joint issues. If your hip pain isn’t improving, it’s time to get some answers. Learn more about hip impingement treatment near you in central Alabama.

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Key Takeaways

  • Hip impingement occurs when the bones of the hip joint don’t fit together properly, which causes pain and limits your range of motion.
  • Pain is often felt in the front of the hip or groin.
  • It’s common in young, active adults and athletes, but it can affect anyone.

What Is Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is when there’s abnormal contact between the ball and socket of the hip joint. Normally, the femoral head (ball) moves smoothly within the acetabulum (socket). With impingement, irregular bone shapes cause the joint to rub instead of glide. Over time, this repeated friction can damage the cartilage and the labrum, which helps stabilize the joint. This can lead to pain, stiffness, and reduced range of motion.

There are two main types of hip impingement:

  • Cam impingement occurs when the ball isn’t perfectly round, which prevents smooth rotation.
  • Pincer impingement happens when the socket covers too much of the ball, leading to pinching during movement.
 

Some patients have a combination of both. Unlike general hip strain or muscle soreness, hip impingement is a structural issue. That means proper diagnosis is essential for effective treatment. At Southlake Orthopaedics, we use advanced diagnostics to help identify the underlying cause of your pain, so you can feel better.

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Skeleton illustration with highlighted area of pain around hip joint

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Impingement?

You tend to develop the symptoms of hip impingement gradually. At first, you may notice mild discomfort with certain movements. Over time, the pain can become more consistent and limit your activity. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain in the front of the hip or groin
  • Discomfort that worsens when sitting for extended periods
  • Pain during activities like squatting, bending, or running
  • Stiffness or reduced range of motion
  • A clicking, catching, or locking sensation in the hip

Some people also experience pain that radiates to the outer hip or thigh. These symptoms may come and go, but they often become more persistent without treatment. When you get treated early, you can help prevent further joint damage.

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What Are the Causes and Risk Factors of Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement is typically caused by differences in the shape of the hip joint that develop over time. These structural changes may be present from adolescence, especially in active individuals. Several factors can increase the risk of developing symptoms:

  • Repetitive hip motions, especially in sports like soccer, hockey, or dancing
  • High-impact activities that place stress on the hip joint
  • Limited hip flexibility or muscle imbalances
  • Prolonged sitting or positions that place the hip in deep flexion
 

In many cases, your symptoms may appear when you increase your activity levels or do activities that place your hips under repeated stress, such as running or jumping. While doctors can’t change the underlying shape of your hip without surgery, you can manage some of your symptoms with the right care. Our board-certified professionals at Southlake Orthopaedics can help.

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Football player being tackled on field
Young athlete with hip pain grabbing onto metal bar

How Is Hip Impingement Diagnosed?

Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward feeling better. At Southlake Orthopaedics, we start the process with a detailed discussion of your symptoms and activity level. Your doctor will perform a physical exam to assess:

  • Range of motion in the hip
  • Pain with specific movements
  • Joint stability and strength
 

If your doctor notices certain movements cause pain, it can help confirm hip impingement. Your doctor may use imaging to confirm the diagnosis. X-rays can show the shape of the hip joint and identify structural abnormalities, while magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans can help evaluate soft tissue damage, including damage to the labrum and cartilage. By combining imaging with a physical exam, your doctor can provide you with a clear diagnosis, so you can receive the proper treatment.

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What Are the Treatment Options for Hip Impingement?

Treatment for hip impingement focuses on relieving pain and preventing further joint damage, so you can move better. Many patients improve with conservative care.

When you come to us for hip pain, we start with activity modification. This means that we recommend you avoid or adjust movements that cause pain, such as deep squatting or sitting for too long. By reducing stress on your joint, the inflammation can settle.

Then, we move to physical therapy and rehabilitation. We create a tailored program that helps:

  • Improve your hip strength and stability
  • Increase your flexibility and range of motion
  • Correct the ways you move that contribute to impingement
 

By teaching you to move correctly, you can reduce pressure on your hip. We may also prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling or discuss injections. Steroid injections can provide temporary relief.

If your symptoms don’t improve, we’ll consider hip arthroscopy surgery. This minimally invasive procedure can reshape the joint and repair damaged tissue, which can help restore your normal movement.

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Physical therapist treating patient with hip impingement

Meet Our Team

Hip pain can be complex and caused by numerous conditions. Southlake Orthopaedics is proud to provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for hip conditions, including impingement and labral injuries. Our experienced orthopedic specialists and sports medicine professionals are experts in hip conditions, and our collaborative approach means each patient receives personalized care plans tailored to their needs.

If you want to restore your movement, reduce pain, and return to your daily routine, we can help. Meet our team below:

Michael Blum F., M.D.

George Robert Booker, M.D.

Michael T. Ellerbusch, M.D.

Richard L. “Beau” Grantier, M.D

Jonathan Isbell, M.D.

Dewey H. Jones, M.D.

Find Treatment for Hip Impingement Near You in Alabama

Hip impingement doesn’t have to limit your life. With the right diagnosis and treatment plan, you can improve your mobility and reduce your pain. Southlake Orthopaedics can help. Our clinics in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview make it easy for patients across central Alabama to receive expert, patient-focused care. Contact us today to schedule an appointment near you in Alabama

FAQs About Hip Impingement

Can hip impingement go away on its own?

Mild symptoms of hip impingement may improve with rest and activity changes. However, the underlying structural issue often requires treatment.

How long does recovery take after treatment for hip impingement?

Your recovery time varies depending on severity. Many patients improve within weeks to months with non-surgical care.

Is surgery always required for hip impingement?

No. Most patients respond well to conservative treatment. We only consider surgery if your symptoms are severe or persist despite treatment.

When should I see a doctor about hip impingement?

Hip pain can be caused by several conditions. Schedule an appointment with Southlake Orthopaedics if your pain is persistent, worsening, or limiting your activity.

Meet Our Team

Surgical and non-surgical treatments at Southlake Orthopaedics are provided by our multi-specialty team of board-certified physicians. We are home to orthopedic physicians, surgeons, physical therapists, and other professionals who combine their expertise to provide comprehensive treatment for sports injuries and conditions. Meet our orthopedics and sports medicine doctors below:
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Find Treatment for Hip Pain Near You in Alabama

Severe hip pain should not keep you from the activities you love. If you are struggling with pain or loss of mobility, seek treatment at Southlake Orthopaedics. Our multi-specialty team serves patients at offices in Hoover and Birmingham-Grandview, AL, providing comprehensive orthopedic care at every stage from diagnosis to rehabilitation. Our expert care can help you find less pain, more living. To learn more about hip impingement or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
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