How is hip impingement treated?

Hip impingement, also called femoroacetabular impingement, can cause pain when the hip is repeatedly flexed or rotated. Assessment looks at hip movement, strength, walking and whether symptoms arise from the joint or another structure. Hip pain, groin pain, or clicking and snapping can have several causes, so symptoms alone do not confirm impingement.

Initial care may reduce deep squats, pivoting or other movements that reproduce symptoms, while maintaining comfortable activity. Physiotherapy can work on hip and trunk strength, movement control and gradual return to sport. A cortisone injection may sometimes help clarify or temporarily settle joint pain. Hip arthroscopy can reshape the impinging area and address associated joint damage when appropriate.

Note which positions trigger pain and change them rather than repeatedly pushing through a pinch. Follow a progressive strengthening plan and build activity gradually. If pain continues despite a well-followed programme, ask whether imaging or a specialist review is needed; hip osteoarthritis may influence both symptoms and treatment choices.

Arrange prompt assessment for sudden severe hip pain, inability to walk, fever with a hot or swollen joint, or pain after a significant fall. Seek review for persistent night pain, worsening mobility, or new weakness or numbness.

Ask what movement is being restricted, whether the labrum or cartilage is involved, how long to trial physiotherapy, and what findings would make hip arthroscopy reasonable.