Hip Impingement: Causes, Symptoms, and Private Treatment

Reviewed By:
Dr. Sameer Gohir PhD, MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN
Muhammad Asim Ishaque MSc, PG Cert MSK ultrasound, Dip. MSK Medicine, PG Cert. Non-Medical Prescribing, MCSP, MAPPN

What Is Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement, medically known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when there is an abnormal contact between the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (hip socket). This condition leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility in the hip joint.

Understanding its causes and treatment options is critical for managing symptoms and improving quality of life.

If hip pain or stiffness from hip impingement is affecting your daily activities or exercise routine, you don’t have to manage it alone. With clinics near Kent and Essex, Joint Injection Clinic offers advanced care to help you move comfortably and stay active.

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Hip Pain Treatment Near Kent and Essex

Common Causes of Hip Impingement

Hip impingement arises from structural abnormalities in the hip joint. The two primary types are:

  • Cam Impingement: This occurs when there is an abnormality in the shape of the femoral head, often resulting in extra bone growth. This abnormal shape can cause the femur to jam against the socket during hip movements.
  • Pincer Impingement: In this case, the acetabulum extends too far over the femoral head, leading to pinching during hip flexion and movement. This type is more common in females.

Additionally, some individuals may experience both types simultaneously. Other contributing factors include:

  • Legg-Calve-Perthes Disease: A condition affecting blood supply to the ball portion of the hip joint.
  • Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis: A condition where the head of the femur becomes displaced.
  • Coxa Vara: A growth discrepancy affecting the femur and hip joint alignment.

Symptoms of Hip Impingement

Often, individuals with hip impingement may not experience symptoms initially. When symptoms do develop, they commonly include:

  • Groin pain, particularly when walking or bending the hip.
  • Reduced range of motion in the hip.
  • Pain during activities like cycling or sitting for extended periods.
  • Nighttime discomfort or pain during flat-ground walking, which may indicate cartilage wear and potential osteoarthritis.

How Is Hip Impingement Diagnosed?

Diagnosing hip impingement typically involves a combination of patient history, physical examination, and imaging tests such as:

  • X-rays: To check for deformities in bone structure.
  • MRI: To assess cartilage integrity and identify any tears in the labrum.
  • CT scans: To obtain detailed images of the hip joint.

Treatment Options

Non-Surgical Treatment for Hip Impingement

Initial treatment often focuses on conservative measures:

  • Rest and Activity Modification: Avoiding movements that exacerbate pain.
  • Physiotherapy: Engaging in targeted exercises to strengthen muscles and enhance hip stability.
  • Medications: Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.
  • Steroid Injections: A steroid injection can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation.

Advanced Treatment Options for Hip Impingement

If conservative treatments fail, surgical options may be considered:

  • Arthroscopic Surgery: A minimally invasive procedure that allows surgeons to repair or reshape the joint structures. Most often, this method is employed for repairing joint damage or reshaping the femur or acetabulum.
  • Hip Replacement: In cases of severe cartilage damage, a total hip replacement might be necessary to restore function and relieve pain.

Private Hip Impingement Assessment & Rehabilitation

Groin pain, stiffness or clicking during hip flexion can be associated with femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), but similar symptoms occur with labral, tendon and osteoarthritis-related problems. A private assessment can help determine whether the clinical pattern fits hip impingement syndrome.

Initial management commonly focuses on activity modification and rehabilitation to improve strength, control and tolerance to hip loading. X-ray/MRI or specialist hip review may be appropriate when symptoms remain limiting, mechanical symptoms are significant or surgery is being considered. A joint injection may occasionally be used for selected symptom-management or diagnostic questions, but it does not correct the underlying bone shape.

Hip Impingement Assessment Near You

Dartford Clinic – North Kent & South East London

MSK Physiotherapy in Dartford

Kings Hill Clinic — West Malling & Mid Kent

MSK Physiotherapy in Kings Hill

Canterbury Clinic – East Kent & the Kent Coast

MSK Physiotherapy in Canterbury

Romford Clinic – East London & Essex

MSK Physiotherapy in Romford


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Frequently Asked Questions

No. An intra-articular injection may sometimes help with symptom management or diagnostic clarification, but it does not change the bony morphology associated with FAI.

Not always. Clinical assessment is important first. X-ray and/or MRI may be recommended when the diagnosis is uncertain, symptoms persist or a surgical pathway is being considered.

A structured programme can improve strength, movement strategies and tolerance to activity for many people, although some persistent structural/mechanical presentations need specialist review.

Other Hip & Groin Conditions Conditions We Treat

Not sure whether your symptoms match this condition? Explore the other hip pain conditions assessed and treated at JIC.