Hip Labral Tears
A hip labral tear is an injury to the labrum, the ring of cartilage that lines and cushions the hip socket where the thighbone meets the pelvis. The labrum helps keep the joint stable and functions smoothly. Tears can result from trauma, repetitive motion, or structural differences in the hip and often lead to pain, catching, or stiffness.
What Are the Symptoms of Hip Labral Tears?
- Groin or front-of-hip pain
- A dull ache or sharp pain at the front of the hip or groin that may worsen with pivoting, running, deep bending, or after sitting for a long time.
- Clicking, catching, or locking
- A feeling or sound of the hip clicking or catching during movement, and at times the joint may feel like it briefly locks.
- Stiffness and reduced range of motion
- Difficulty rotating the hip or bringing the knee toward the chest, often with a sensation of tightness.
- Pain with activity or after sitting
- Symptoms may increase with sports, hills, or twisting, and can flare when you stand up after sitting.
- Instability or giving way
- A feeling that the hip is unsteady or might give out under load, especially with quick changes of direction.
- Pain that spreads
- Discomfort may radiate to the outer hip, buttock, or thigh.
- Night pain or sleep disturbance
- Pain that makes it hard to find a comfortable sleeping position or wakes you at night.
What Causes Hip Labral Tears?
- Traumatic injury: A fall, pivot, or direct blow to the hip can tear the labrum.
- Repetitive hip motion: Frequent twisting, cutting, and deep flexion in activities like running, hockey, soccer, or dance can stress the labrum over time.
- Structural differences in hip shape: Conditions such as femoroacetabular impingement or hip dysplasia can increase friction and strain on the labrum.
- Degenerative wear: Age-related cartilage changes can weaken the labrum and make it more prone to tearing.
- Hip instability or ligament laxity: Looser supporting tissues, whether inherited or from prior injury, can overload the labrum.
- Prior hip surgery or injury: Changes in joint mechanics after an injury or procedure may increase labral stress.
How to Prevent Hip Labral Tears
- Warm up and mobility: Start activity with gentle cardio and hip range-of-motion drills to prepare the joint.
- Strengthen glutes and core: Build hip and trunk strength to support alignment and reduce joint stress.
- Progress training gradually: Increase mileage, intensity, and cutting or jumping drills in small steps to avoid overload.
- Refine technique: Use proper form with squats, lunges, and sport-specific movements to minimize excessive hip rotation or deep flexion.
- Cross-train and schedule rest: Mix low-impact activities with higher-impact sports and allow recovery days.
- Maintain flexible but not forced motion: Stretch hips gently and avoid forcing extreme positions that cause pain.
- Use supportive footwear: Choose shoes that fit your activity and replace worn-out pairs to help with overall alignment.
- Address early symptoms: Reduce activity and seek guidance if pain, catching, or stiffness appears rather than pushing through it.
When to Seek Orthopaedic Care for Hip Labral Tears
- Severe or persistent pain: Ongoing hip or groin pain that does not improve with rest or over-the-counter care should be evaluated.
- Mechanical symptoms: Clicking, catching, or locking inside the hip may indicate a labral tear or other internal problem.
- Limits to daily activities: Difficulty with walking, stairs, or getting in and out of a car suggests you should be seen.
- Pain after a fall or twist: A sudden onset of pain following trauma or a forceful pivot warrants prompt assessment.
- Limping or trouble bearing weight: Inability to put weight on the leg or a new limp needs medical attention.
- No improvement over time: Symptoms that persist beyond one to two weeks despite rest and activity modification should be checked.
An orthopedic surgeon is recommended for hip labral tears, as they can assess your hip with a careful exam and appropriate imaging and guide nonsurgical care or discuss surgical options when needed. At OrthoNJ, we will work with you to confirm the diagnosis and create a treatment plan tailored to your goals.
