Chronic hip pain is caused by a variety of factors and may not be linked to arthritis. Hip impingement, also referred to as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), causes a tremendous amount of groin pain that typically appears during physical activity, as well as when following through with basic actions such as putting clothes on, walking up stairs, or even sitting down.
Hip Impingement
Young adults, particularly athletes, experience higher rates of hip impingement than those that lead sedentary lifestyles. Unfortunately for patients who are affected by this condition, it often goes undetected for some time and involves micro tears that exist within the labrum. Patients may experience hip impingement based on how their bones develop during puberty and if their body produces bone spurs that affect the labrum and the surrounding cartilage.
Symptoms Associated with Hip Impingement
When patients first develop this condition, they may not notice any symptoms or their symptoms may be too mild to attribute to a chronic condition. Some of the most common symptoms connected to hip impingement include:
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- Loss of flexibility in the thigh, hip, or groin
- Inability to extend the hip without experiencing pain
- Sharp pain located near the groin, especially when engaging in physical activity
- Hip or lower back pain
Diagnostic Services
If ignored or left untreated, hip impingement can cause serious damage to the cartilage that surrounds both hips and osteoarthritis. AICA Orthopedics provides comprehensive diagnostic services for identifying hip impingement, which starts with a complete review of each patient’s medical history and an examination of their current health. During particular points of the examination, our Atlanta orthopedic doctors evaluate the patient’s hip joint and measure their complete range of motion.
Other methods for diagnosing hip impingement include:
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- X-ray scans of the hip joint
- MRI scans to review cartilage and labrum
- CT Scans to review micro aspects of the affected joints
Orthopedic Treatment For Hip Impingement
Historically, orthopedic doctors heavily relied on surgical intervention to address hip impingement. As our resources and technology have improved, we are now able to treat this condition using hip arthroscopy. Using two small incisions and a camera, we can obtain a complete view of the hip ball and socket area to identify the exact location of the impingement. With this type of visibility, our team of orthopedists are able to repair the labral damage and help the hip joint experience a healthy recovery.
Contact AICA Orthopedics For Immediate Support and Pain Relief
If you notice lingering pain near your groin and are interested in receiving treatment, contact our team to schedule a consultation or a complete examination. Just dial (404) 855-2141 to speak with one of our staff members about your availability.
