When the head of your thigh bone (femoral head) experiences friction against your hip socket (acetabulum), it leads to a condition known as hip impingement or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI). Over time, this can result in damage to the adjacent cartilage, known as the labrum, causing stiffness and discomfort in the hip and potentially leading to arthritis.
Symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingement
- Experiencing pain or stiffness in the regions of the hip, groin, or thigh.
Diagnostic Procedures for Hip Impingement
Initially, a physical examination is generally conducted. Subsequent diagnostic steps often include X-rays and MRI scans to ascertain the condition of the hip impingement as well as to assess the soft tissue within the hip area.
Treatment Options for Femoroacetabular Impingement
To start with, conservative treatment measures may include:
- Rest
- Modifying your activities
- Anti-inflammatory medications
- Physical therapy sessions
If these initial treatments don't alleviate the discomfort, surgical intervention might be necessary to either mend the damaged part of the hip joint or correct its irregular shape.
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