Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI): What is it?
Do you experience sharp or dull pain in your groin, thigh, or hip area after sitting or walking for a while? Are you losing range of motion in your hip? If so, you might have a condition called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI).
FAI happens when there is abnormal contact between the bones in your hip joint. It comes in two forms:
- CAM Impingement: This occurs when the ball of your hip joint (the femoral head) is not perfectly round. Extra bone growth causes it to rub against the socket, leading to pain.
- PINCER Impingement: This form occurs when the rim of the hip socket is too large, causing it to cover too much of the femoral head. The result is pinching and damage to the cartilage.
Symptoms: What Does Femoroacetabular Impingement Feel Like?
FAI symptoms usually develop slowly and can get worse over time. Common signs include:
- Groin pain during or after hip activity
- Pain in the front, side, or buttocks
- Dull, aching pain or sharp, stabbing sensations
- Locking, catching, or giving way of the hip
- Pain radiating to the front or inner thigh
- Pain that worsens with sitting, squatting, or walking uphill or downhill
- Decreased range of motion in the hip
If you notice these symptoms, it is a good idea to consult an orthopedic specialist at Orthopedic Institute. They are experts in diagnosing and treating hip problems like FAI.
Causes: What Leads to Femoroacetabular Impingement?
FAI occurs when your hip bones are not shaped properly. Over time, this irregular shape causes the bones to rub together, leading to joint damage. This damage often starts at a young age, but symptoms may not appear until later in life.
Risk factors for FAI include:
- Genetics: Some people are born with hip bones that are more likely to develop FAI.
- Repetitive movements: Athletes who repeatedly move their hips (like soccer players or dancers) may be more likely to develop FAI.
- Injuries: Previous hip injuries can lead to FAI over time.
At Orthopedic Institute, our team can help you understand why FAI has developed and what treatments will work best for you.
Evaluation: How Is Femoroacetabular Impingement Diagnosed?
If your doctor suspects FAI, they will likely order X-rays or MRIs. These imaging tests help reveal the shape of your hip bones and any cartilage damage that might have occurred.
In addition to imaging, your doctor will consider factors like your age, activity level, and the overall health of your hip joint. All this information helps the doctors at Orthopedic Institute decide on the best course of action to relieve your pain and restore hip mobility.
Treatment: How is Femoroacetabular Impingement Treated?
There are several options for treating FAI, depending on the severity of your condition.
Nonsurgical Treatments
Most doctors start with non-surgical treatments, which may include:
- Rest and avoiding activities that trigger pain
- Physical therapy to improve hip mobility and strength
- Anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling
- Injections to confirm that the pain is coming from your hip joint
These treatments can be very effective in managing symptoms, especially when combined with expert care from Orthopedic Institute.
Feeling anxious about an injection?
Getting the care you need should not be stressful. Orthopedic Institute now offers nitrous oxide to help you relax during your procedure. Ask your provider today if nitrous oxide could be right for you.
Surgical Options
If nonsurgical methods do not provide relief, your doctor may recommend hip arthroscopy. During this procedure, the surgeon makes small incisions around your hip to access the joint. The surgeon then removes excess bone and repairs any damaged cartilage.
Patients at Orthopedic Institute who undergo hip arthroscopy often experience significant relief and improved range of motion.
Recovery: What to Expect After Treatment?
If you have hip arthroscopy, it is typically an outpatient procedure, meaning you can go home the same day. You will likely need crutches for about 2-4 weeks to protect your hip. Physical therapy starts around a week after surgery to help you regain strength and flexibility. Most people can return to normal activities within 4-6 weeks, with full recovery taking 3-4 months.
The team at Orthopedic Institute will guide you through every step of recovery to ensure the best possible outcome.