The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that helps bear the weight of the body and allows for a wide range of motion. However, this joint is also susceptible to injury, particularly in athletes who participate in high-impact sports.
There are three main types of hip injuries that athletes commonly suffer from hip bursitis, hip impingement, and labral tears.
While these injuries can be painful and debilitating, they can be treated with a variety of methods, including rest, ice, and physical therapy. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary.
Keep reading to learn more about the three most common hip injuries in athletes and how they can be treated.
Femoroacetabular impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition that occurs when there is too much friction in the hip joint. This can cause pain and damage to the hip joint over time.
FAI can occur for a number of reasons, including:
- Bone deformities
- Joint problems
- Muscle tightness
- Injury
If you think you may have FAI, it's important to see a doctor for a diagnosis. Treatment for FAI may include:
- Physical therapy
- Corticosteroid injections
- Surgery
FAI is a serious condition that should be treated by a medical professional. If you think you may have FAI, don't delay in seeking treatment.
Labral tears
A hip labral tear is a tear of the labrum, the cartilage that surrounds the hip joint. The labrum provides stability to the hip joint and allows for a wide range of motion. Hip labral tears can be caused by trauma, such as a fall, or by overuse, such as from repetitive motions in sports.
Symptoms of a hip labral tear include pain in the hip, groin, or thigh; clicking, catching, or locking of the hip joint; and decreased range of motion of the hip. If you think you may have a hip labral tear, it is important to see a doctor or orthopaedic surgeon for a diagnosis. Treatment options for a hip labral tear include rest, ice, physical therapy, and surgery.
Osteitis pubis
Osteitis pubis is a condition that can cause pain in the pubic bone and surrounding tissues. The condition is often seen in athletes, especially those who participate in high-impact sports and can be a debilitating injury.
Symptoms of osteitis pubis include pain in the groin, lower abdomen, or upper thighs. The pain is often worse with activity and may be accompanied by swelling or inflammation in the affected area.
Treatment for osteitis pubis typically involves rest, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove damaged tissue or to realign the pubic bones.
Recovery from osteitis pubis can take several weeks or months. Once the pain and inflammation have resolved, a gradual return to activity can begin. Physical therapy may be recommended to help strengthen the muscles and tissues around the
Hip injuries are relatively common in athletes, especially those who participate in high-impact sports. Athletes typically experience pain, swelling, and bruising around the hip. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is important to see a professional to ensure that the injury is not serious.