What is impingement syndrome of the hip?

Hip impingement occurs when the ball and socket of the hip joint don’t fit together properly. The restricted motion damages cartilage and can cause pain and arthritis in young adults. In some cases, the ball is too misshapen to fit properly into the socket.

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What are the three types of FAI?

There are three types of FAI: pincer, cam, and combined impingement.

What are the signs and symptoms of hip impingement?

What are the signs and symptoms of hip impingement? Most patients with FAI experience pain or stiffness in the groin or front of the thigh. This often occurs or is made worse with bending up of the hip or at the waist, such as when riding a bike, tying shoes or sitting for long periods of time.

What are the symptoms of FAI?

Symptoms of FAI

There may be no pain or symptoms.
Pain or aching (usually located at the inner hip, or groin area), usually after walking, or prolonged sitting (such as in a car)
A locking, clicking or catching sensation within the joint.
Pain sitting for long periods of time, like in a car.

What causes hip impingement syndrome?

Hip impingement may be caused by a misshapen femoral head, deformed femoral neck, or a hip socket that covers too much of the femoral head. Over time, repetitive “bumping” or impingement of the femur on the rim of the acetabulum leads to cartilage and labral damage.

How is FAI diagnosed?

To confirm a diagnosis of FAI, your doctor may use:

Imaging tests: Tests such as X-rays and MRIs help doctors identify abnormalities and signs of damage in the hip joint.
Impingement test: Your doctor brings your knee up to your chest and rotates it toward the opposite shoulder.

How do you fix hip impingement?

Hip Impingement Treatments

Resting the affected hip.
Modifying your activities to avoid moving the joint in a way that causes pain.
Exercising as recommended by your doctor or physical therapist to strengthen the muscles that support the hip.

What does FAI pain feel like?

What does FAI feel like? FAI usually feels like a sharp pain deep in the groin area or in the front of the hip. It worsens with athletic activities, or with prolonged sitting. As symptoms progress, the muscles surrounding the hip will fatigue and become very sore.