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.
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
The labrum is a ring of tougher cartilage around the rim of the hip socket that helps deepen it and keep the joint properly seated. A tear or other damage to the labrum is one possible cause of groin pain, particularly in people who are active or who also have hip impingement.
Common symptoms
- Groin pain, sometimes described as deep or hard to pinpoint
- A catching, clicking, or locking sensation in the hip
- Pain with pivoting, twisting, or deep hip-bending movements
- Discomfort after prolonged sitting or activity
What’s commonly linked to it
Labral tears are often associated with hip impingement, repetitive twisting sports, or, less commonly, a specific injury. In some cases, mild wear develops gradually without an obvious single cause.
What commonly helps
Many people are managed initially with activity modification and a physiotherapy programme focused on hip strength and movement control. Whether further assessment or other options are appropriate depends on individual symptoms, examination, and sometimes imaging.
Getting assessed
Because a labral tear can share symptoms with other hip conditions, it generally needs a proper clinical assessment — sometimes including imaging — to understand what’s contributing to your symptoms. See our guide to hip assessments.
One thing to do today
Pick one thing from this page and try it today — small and consistent beats occasional and intense.
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 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.
Next step
Try tonight's 10-minute routine →