The hip is a commonly injured joint because it is one of the most complex joints in your body. The hip is formed by a ball that is attached to the thighbone. The ball sits in the hip socket which is actually formed by a cavity in the pelvic bone. There are ligaments and cartilage that surround the ball and socket in order to cushion and protect the joint. This assures that there is very little friction for the ball of the joint.
If your hip isn’t achieving full range of motion in the socket, that is when you can feel “pinching hip” or femoroacetabular impingement. This is generally caused by a misshapen or overgrown bone that is surrounding the hip joint. If the ball has an extra or misshapen bone, it can hit the outer edges of the hip socket which could cause the cartilage or labrum to fray or tear. This can cause pinching and pain during motion.
Two Types of Femoroacetabular Impingement:
- Pincer-type impingement results from an overgrowth of bone on the socket rim or when the socket is angled in such a way that abnormal impact occurs between the femur and the rim of the socket, causing the cartilage to become worn and form holes.
- Cam-type impingement occurs when the excess bone forms around the head and/or neck of the femur. The misshapen bone rubs against the cartilage lining the hip socket, causing it to peel away or become worn, frayed or torn.
Symptoms of a Pinched Hip:
- The first symptom that you will feel is usually deep groin pain when doing activities that involve hip motion. This can include something as simple as walking for a long period of time. Generally the issue will occur on both sides, but the pain will be felt in just one side. There can be a slight limp because of hip pain as well as pain sitting and standing.
- There can be a sort of popping, cracking, or grinding feeling when moving the hip during activity. If you feel like impingement is occurring symptoms will get worse if there are prolonged period of walking, sitting or standing.
At OSR we are able to evaluate your hip’s range of motion, test the area’s muscle strength, observe how you move and perform tests to ascertain whether the hip joint is your source of pain. We can even analyze those physical movements that contribute to your hip pain and help you change or eliminate them. In an absence of severe symptoms or joint damage, we can design an exercise program that can decrease pain, improve movement, avoid the need for surgery, strengthen your hips and trunk, improve hip muscle flexibility and joint mobility, teach you healthier body postures for your hip, and help you modify your activity.
Similar to other ailments, the gains of starting a physical therapy program for pinched hip early outweigh the pain and discomfort of its being left untreated. Don’t let your hip pinch you—call OSR today 808-488-5555 to schedule an appointment.
Don’t go another day in pain!
