What is the first treatment tried for hip impingement?

Hip impingement occurs when the bones or surrounding tissues contact during certain hip movements. Pain may be felt in the groin and can be aggravated by deep bending, pivoting or prolonged sitting. Initial care aims to reduce the movements that provoke contact while preserving comfortable activity. A physiotherapist may work on hip and trunk strength, movement technique and gradual return to sport or daily tasks.

A Cortisone Injection may sometimes be used to reduce inflammation or help clarify whether the hip joint is the main pain source. It does not remove a structural shape that causes impingement. If symptoms remain limiting despite an appropriate non-surgical plan, Hip Arthroscopy may be discussed to inspect and treat the joint.

Record which positions cause pain, clicking or a blocked feeling, then reduce those positions temporarily. Choose comfortable low-impact movement and avoid forcing the hip into painful end ranges. Have a clinician assess strength, range of motion and other possible causes of groin pain before beginning a demanding programme.

Use prescribed exercises consistently and judge progress by easier walking, sitting or activity rather than by pushing through sharp pain. Further information is available on [Physiotherapy](/treatments/physiotherapy-and-rehabilitation/physiotherapy/) and [Cortisone Injection](/treatments/non-surgical-orthopedics/cortisone-injection/).

Seek urgent care for sudden severe hip pain after an injury, inability to bear weight, a visibly deformed leg, fever with a hot swollen joint, or new numbness and weakness. Arrange review when pain steadily worsens, sleep is repeatedly disturbed, or the hip catches and prevents normal movement.

Ask which movements are irritating the hip, whether imaging is needed, and what exercise range is appropriate. Ask when an injection or Hip Arthroscopy would be considered and what recovery would involve.