Femoral Acetabular Impingement (FAI) is one cause of hip pain, and can cause pain in adolescents, adults and athletes of any age.
FAI occurs when a hip joint is unusually shaped, and this causes pain when the two bones in the hip – the femur (thigh bone) and the acetabulum (part of the pelvis) – rub together due to the deformity.
If FAI goes untreated, it can damage some of the cartilage/labrum in the hip which can lead to arthritis or further joint deterioration. The cause of FAI can either be congenital (born with it) or it can develop later in life.
There are 3 different categories of FAI – Pincer, Cam or combined – But basically the symptoms are similar in all 3 categories, and the only real way to determine the type and give a definitive diagnosis is with imaging.
Conservative management is always the first option – activity changes, medications such as ibuprofen and physiotherapy treatment including the prescription of exercise can make a significant difference in your recovery.
If conservative management is not effective, then surgery is an option and an orthopaedic specialist will advise on this option.
If you have hip pain, your physiotherapist will be able to help with the diagnosis, treatment and further treatment options.
By Kathryn Holzberger
