Labral Tears
A labral tear is an injury to the ring of cartilage called the labrum that helps stabilize and cushion a ball-and-socket joint. The labrum deepens the socket and provides attachment points for ligaments and the joint capsule. Tears most often affect the shoulder or the hip and can result from trauma, repetitive motion, or gradual wear over time.
When the labrum is damaged, the joint may become painful, stiff, or feel unstable. Surrounding structures like tendons, ligaments, and the joint lining can also be irritated. Early evaluation can help you understand the cause of your symptoms and choose treatment that protects your long-term joint health.
What Are the Symptoms of Labral Tears?
- Deep joint pain
- Pain is often felt deep in the shoulder or in the groin for hip tears, and may worsen with overhead reaching, rotation, pivoting, or prolonged sitting.
- Clicking, catching, or locking
- You may notice a click, pop, or the sensation that something is catching inside the joint during movement.
- Instability or giving way
- The joint can feel loose or like it might slip out of place, especially in certain positions or with sudden movements.
- Limited range of motion
- Stiffness or loss of motion can make reaching, lifting, turning, or putting on shoes difficult.
- Weakness or decreased performance
- You may feel weaker with everyday tasks or sports that require overhead activity, throwing, twisting, or cutting.
- Night pain or pain after sitting
- Discomfort may disrupt sleep, especially when lying on the affected side, or increase after long periods of sitting.
What Causes Labral Tears?
- Trauma or impact: Falls, collisions, or a dislocation can abruptly tear the labrum.
- Repetitive overhead or twisting motions: Activities like throwing, swimming, racket sports, golf, or repeated pivoting can stress the labrum over time.
- Structural alignment factors: Variations in bone shape or joint alignment can increase contact at the labrum and contribute to tearing.
- Age-related wear: Gradual fraying and degeneration of cartilage can lead to tears without a single injury.
- Prior injury: A history of joint injuries can change mechanics and raise the risk for future labral problems.
- Work and training load: Heavy lifting, repetitive tasks, or rapid spikes in activity can overload the joint.
- Muscle imbalance or poor mechanics: Weak stabilizers and limited flexibility can increase strain on the labrum.
How to Prevent Labral Tears
- Strength and stability: Build balanced strength in the rotator cuff and shoulder blade muscles, or the hip abductors and core, to support the joint.
- Flexibility and mobility: Gentle stretching and mobility work help reduce excess strain on the labrum during daily tasks and sports.
- Gradual training: Increase intensity, volume, and complexity slowly to give cartilage and soft tissues time to adapt.
- Technique and posture: Good form during lifting, throwing, and running reduces harmful joint stress.
- Cross-training and rest: Rotate activities and schedule recovery days to avoid overuse.
- Protective strategies: Use proper gear, avoid risky falls, and clear tripping hazards to lower the chance of traumatic injury.
- Early attention to symptoms: Do not push through persistent pain, clicking, or instability; modify activity and seek guidance.
When to Seek Orthopaedic Care for Labral Tears
- Persistent or worsening pain: Pain that lasts more than a few days, interferes with sleep, or limits daily activities should be evaluated.
- Mechanical symptoms: Recurrent clicking, catching, or locking can indicate a labral injury that needs assessment.
- Feeling of instability: A sense that the joint is slipping, giving way, or dislocating deserves prompt attention.
- Loss of motion or strength: Difficulty lifting, reaching, turning, or returning to sport or work tasks is a reason to see a specialist.
- Pain after trauma: Symptoms following a fall, collision, or dislocation should be checked.
- Impact on work or sport: If you are unsure how to safely continue activity, an evaluation can guide your plan.
An orthopedic surgeon is recommended for labral tears. They can perform a detailed exam, use imaging when appropriate, and tailor treatment that may include activity changes, physical therapy, injections, or surgical options when needed. At OrthoNJ, we help you understand your diagnosis and create a clear path back to comfortable movement.
Find An OrthoNJ Location
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Why Choose an OrthoNJ Doctor for Your Care?
OrthoNJ is different from your typical medical provider. Unlike many in the industry, we prioritize patient care over profits. Our six divisions work collaboratively to ensure the best outcomes for our patients. We believe in the "Power to Put Patients First," and our doctors and divisional partners strive to uphold this commitment in every aspect of our care.
- With over 120 fantastic physicians, all board-certified, board-qualified, or fellowship-trained, OrthoNJ offers top-tier expertise across a wide range of specialties.
- We serve over 250 communities throughout New Jersey, providing treatment and continuing care for various orthopedic needs.
- With more than 30 statewide offices, our reach extends across the entire state. Whether in North Jersey, South Jersey, or anywhere between, OrthoNJ proudly serves you.
This treatment info is for informational purposes only. Treatment and recovery vary person to person, and you should consult with your treating physician and team for details on your treatment and recovery process.
