From the Guidelines
Hip impingement symptoms typically include pain in the groin, hip, or thigh that worsens with activity or prolonged sitting, as reported in the most recent study by ReimanfiMP et al. 1.
Key Symptoms
- Pain in the groin, hip, or thigh
- Worsening of pain with activity or prolonged sitting
- Dull ache that may progress to sharp pain during certain movements
- Stiffness, limited range of motion, and a catching or locking sensation in the hip joint
- Pain worsening after physical activities like running, jumping, or pivoting
- Discomfort when getting in and out of cars or putting on socks and shoes
- Limping, decreased athletic performance, and pain radiating to the buttocks or outer thigh as the condition progresses
Diagnostic Approach
The diagnostic utility of clinical examination and diagnostic imaging in isolation is limited, and a comprehensive diagnostic approach of patient symptoms, clinical signs, and diagnostic imaging is recommended 1.
Imaging Recommendations
Diagnostic imaging for hip-related pain should at least include AP pelvis and a lateral femoral head–neck view radiographs, with advanced imaging recommended when further assessment of intra-articular structures or morphology is indicated 1.
Importance of Early Diagnosis
Early diagnosis is crucial as continued impingement can lead to labral tears and eventually osteoarthritis of the hip if left untreated, highlighting the need for prompt and accurate diagnosis and treatment 1.
From the Research
Hip Impingement Symptoms
- Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement, is a condition where the acetabular rim and the proximal femur abut, causing hip pain 2.
- Common symptoms of hip impingement include anterolateral hip pain, which can be aggravated by activities such as:
- Prolonged sitting
- Leaning forward
- Getting in or out of a car
- Pivoting in sports
- The use of flexion, adduction, and internal rotation of the supine hip can reproduce the pain 2.
- If left untreated, hip impingement can lead to osteoarthritis of the hip, which can cause chronic hip pain and limited mobility 2, 3.
- Osteoarthritis of the hip can also cause decreased quality of life, and additional comorbidities such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, poor sleep quality, and obesity have been correlated with the condition 3.
Treatment and Management
- Treatment for hip impingement and osteoarthritis of the hip can include physical therapy, exercise, and minimally invasive therapies such as intra-articular injections 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Intra-articular injections can include corticosteroids, hyaluronic acid, and platelet-rich plasma, although evidence suggests that saline injections may be just as effective 4.
- Exercise therapy has been shown to have a beneficial effect on pain and function in patients with hip osteoarthritis, although the effect size is often small and may not be clinically meaningful 5.
- Ibuprofen has been found to be effective in reducing pain and improving function in patients with osteoarthritis of the hip and knee, although it should be used with caution due to potential side effects 6.