When most people think about hip pain, they think about the bones in the hip. Although the hips bones play a big role in supporting the weight of your upper body, bones aren’t the only components of your hips. Your hip is a complex joint that consists of bones, ligaments, and cartilage. Tears and/or damage to any part of your hip can stop you in your tracks.
Here at the International Spine, Pain & Performance Center, our team of orthopedic specialists and sports medicine specialists knows what it takes to get back on your feet. If hip pain is impacting your life, we recommend you visit us so you can get started on the right treatment plan.
In the meantime, keep reading to learn more about a common hip injury — labral tears.
Your labrum is a ring of connective tissue (e.g., fibrocartilage) that surrounds your hip joint and gives it stability. Not only does your labrum give your hip stability, but it also helps to seal the joint and help protect your joints.
A labral tear occurs when this cartilage tears. In this section, we’ll look at the causes, symptoms, and treatments for labral tears.
Labral tears are a common sports injury, especially for athletes who participate in sports that require rotational motion of the hip. This includes soccer, golf, ice hockey, and ballet. Sports injuries aren’t the only cause of tears though.
Other causes include:
Studies show that 22% of athletes and 55% of non-athletes with groin pain later determined that labral tears were the cause of their discomfort.
A tear to the labrum causes pain and can impact your mobility. Common symptoms of labral tears include:
In addition to the above symptoms, you might also hear clicking in your hip too.
There are many causes of hip pain — including bursitis — so it’s important to start with an accurate diagnosis. Imaging tests such as X-rays or MRIs can pinpoint the cause of your pain as well as any other issues with your hard or soft tissues.
After your diagnosis is confirmed, the team at the International Spine Pain & Performance Center customizes your treatment. Depending on specific health needs, treatment may include:
Athletes should return cautiously to their sport to avoid pivoting and twisting motions that may exacerbate the condition. Even if you don’t participate in any organized sports, treatment is essential for getting back to your active lifestyle sans pain.
As orthopedic specialists, we know the ins and outs of hips. Whether you’re dealing with arthritis, bursitis, or labral tears, we’re here to serve you. To schedule an appointment at one of our three locations, visit us online to request your appointment today.
