Hip pain is often linked to aging, but it can also affect younger people. One common reason for hip pain in those under 40 is a joint problem called hip impingement. This condition is fairly common and affects up to 15% of people. Does hip impingement go away on its own? Let’s find out:
What Does a Hip Impingement Feel Like?
Hip impingement often feels like a constant, dull ache in the hip that can spread to the groin, buttock, or thigh. Many people describe it as a deep, persistent bruise that feels like it’s being pressed on all the time.
- A sharp or stabbing pain during movements like squatting, lunging, or jumping.
- Stiffness or a “popping,” “clicking,” or “catching” feeling in the hip.
- Pain that gets worse after sitting or walking for a long time.
- Discomfort in the groin, especially when bending or rotating the hip.
In the early stages, hip impingement symptoms can be mild and easy to miss. Over time, the pain often becomes more frequent and severe, making it harder to do daily activities or play sports.
Hip Impingement Test
Doctors use several physical tests to diagnose hip impingement, with the FADIR test and impingement test being the most common.
FADIR Test
- The patient lies on their back with legs straight.
- The doctor lifts the affected leg to a 90-degree angle.
- They gently push the leg across the body’s midline.
- Then, the leg is rotated inward.
- Pain during this test may indicate hip impingement.
Impingement Test
- The doctor brings the knee toward the chest.
- They rotate the knee inward toward the opposite shoulder.
- If this recreates your hip pain, the test is considered positive.
Other Diagnostic Methods
- Injecting a local anesthetic to confirm the diagnosis.
- Imaging tests like X-rays, CT scans, or MRIs.
- Checking hip movement and walking patterns.
Hip Impingement Treatment
Treating hip impingement usually starts with simple, non-surgical methods and may progress to surgery if symptoms don’t improve.
- Non-Surgical Treatments
Non-surgical care focuses on easing symptoms and improving hip function. This includes resting and avoiding activities that worsen the pain, physical therapy to strengthen the hip muscles, and using anti-inflammatory medications or other pain relief techniques. Corticosteroid injections may also be used to reduce inflammation in the joint. - Surgical Options
If non-surgical methods don’t work, surgery may be recommended. Hip arthroscopy, a minimally invasive procedure, can reshape the joint and repair damaged tissue. In more severe cases, open surgery may be necessary. For advanced stages with significant joint damage, a total hip replacement might be the best option.
Hip Impingement Recovery Time Without Surgery
Recovery from hip impingement without surgery usually takes 2 to 6 months, depending on the severity of the condition. Milder cases often improve within 4-8 weeks, while more complex or long-term cases may require 4-6 months of treatment.
The recovery process can vary. Acute cases tend to heal faster, typically within 4-8 weeks, while chronic cases might take 2-6 months to improve. Physical therapy is a key part of treatment, usually recommended three times a week for 6-8 weeks to help strengthen the hip and improve mobility.
Recovery strategies focus on resting and modifying activities to avoid further strain, along with physical therapy and strengthening exercises. Gradually resuming sports and daily activities is also important.
Experts highlight that early treatment and addressing the underlying cause can speed up recovery. With targeted therapy, some patients notice improvement in as little as 1-3 weeks, though others may need more time for full rehabilitation.
Wrapping Up
If you have hip pain, even if it’s mild, you might feel like ignoring it. However, hip impingement (FAI) greatly increases the risk of hip arthritis, which is a leading cause of hip disability. So, does the hip impingement go away? Yes, but not on its own.
Visit our board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Mufaddal Gombera, MD. Our doctor specializes in sports medicine, arthroscopy, and treating injuries to the shoulder, hip, and knee. Call us at (713) 794-3457 to book an appointment.
