Hips Hurting? Everything You Need to Know About Labral TearsIf you’ve been experiencing hip pain, your mind may automatically go to your hip bones… the joints, the connection between your legs and your pelvis. But the fact is, your hip is a very complex collection of bones, ligaments and cartilage. Damage to any part of the joint can slow you down, or even stop you in your tracks.Rather than ignore the pain and hoping for the best, a better next step is to visit an orthopaedist to eliminate the possibility of an injury that could continue to worsen over time. One possibility is a labral tear, which can cause pain and impact your mobility.Symptoms of a labral tearThe most common symptoms of labral tears include:• Hip pain (in the front or side of the hip)• Groin pain• Pain that is worse when walking or pivoting• Pain with high-impact activities• A catching sensation in your hipYou may also hear clicking in your hip when you move too.What is your labrum?Your labrum is a ring of connective tissue that surrounds your hip joint and gives it stability. It also helps to seal and protect your joints.What can cause a labral tear?Labral tears are a common injury among people who participate in activities that require rotational motion of the hip, such as soccer, golf, ice hockey, and ballet.These aren’t the only cause of tears, though. 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.Other potential causes include:• Traumatic events such as a motor vehicle accident• Fall or collisions• Overuse• Underlying structural abnormalities, including hip dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)How are labral tears diagnosed and treated?There are many causes of hip pain, so the first step is 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.Why is treatment so important?Hip labral tears don’t typically heal on their own, and the longer they’re present, the more damage you can do inside your hip. One of the primary concerns with an untreated hip labral tear is the increased likelihood of premature osteoarthritis, which can lead you down a road to a possible hip replacement.With early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, you can delay or even avoid joint replacement completely.Get started with DOC OrthopaedicsIf you’ve started noticing minor hip pain – or the pain is already impacting your mobility – it’s important for you to consider talking with an orthopaedist or physical therapist for a diagnosis and possible treatment.Since 1972, the specialists at DOC Orthopaedics have been committed to providing exceptional orthopaedic care through innovative techniques, quality services, patient communication, and education. With specialties ranging from general orthopaedics and physical therapy to sports medicine and more, the doctors at DOC Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine can provide local expert guidance to avoid injury, as well as the necessary care for any orthopaedic disorder or injury. Click here to schedule an appointment with our team today!
