Hip Impingement (Femoroacetabular Impingement)
A pattern where the ball and socket of the hip don't glide past each other quite as smoothly as expected, which can cause pinching pain with certain movements.
See a doctor now if you have:
- Sudden severe pain
- Inability to bear weight
- Fever with joint pain
- Numbness
- Loss of bladder or bowel control
- Recent trauma
Hip impingement, often called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), describes extra contact or friction between the femoral head and the socket during certain hip movements, often due to subtle differences in bone shape. It’s frequently discussed in relation to younger, active adults, though it can affect a wider range of people.
Common symptoms
- A pinching or sharp pain in the groin, particularly with deep hip bending, such as squatting or sitting for long periods
- Pain with pivoting movements, like getting out of a car
- A feeling of catching, clicking, or reduced range of motion in the hip
- Discomfort that builds with sport or repetitive hip flexion
What contributes to it
Impingement is generally related to the shape of the femoral head, the socket, or both. Activity level and hip mechanics can influence how noticeable symptoms are, but bone shape itself isn’t something exercise changes.
What commonly helps
Activity modification and a targeted strengthening and movement programme, guided by a physiotherapist, is a common starting point for many people. Whether further options are appropriate depends on individual assessment, including imaging in some cases.
Getting assessed
Because impingement can look similar to other causes of groin pain, a clinical assessment — sometimes with imaging — is generally needed to understand what’s going on. See our guide to hip assessments for what that typically involves.
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Sources
- Placeholder — full citation pending clinical review — To be replaced with a peer-reviewed source before this page leaves draft status.
Related reading
Hip Anatomy Explained
A closer look at the bones, cartilage, muscles, and tendons that make up the hip joint, and how they work together.
Hip Bursitis
Irritation of one of the small, fluid-filled sacs that help reduce friction near the hip. Pain may be more noticeable when lying on the affected side.
Hip Fractures
A break in the upper part of the thigh bone, most often linked to a fall, that needs prompt medical attention — general education on what to know.
Hip Labral Injuries
Damage to the ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the hip socket, which can cause catching, clicking, or groin pain.
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