Hip Specialty
HIP Labral Tear
Orthopedic Hip Labral Tear Treatment Columbia, SC
What is a Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear affects the ring of cartilage known as the labrum that goes around the outside of the socket of the hip joint. The labrum not only cushions the hip joint, but it also acts like a rubber seal or gasket to help keep the ball at the top of the thighbone in the hip socket.
Hip Labral Tear Symptoms
Many labral tears in the hip don’t show any signs or symptoms. But some people have at least one of the following:
- Hip or groin pain is often made worse by standing, sitting, walking, or doing sports for a long time
- A feeling that the hip joint is locked, clicking, or catching
- Hip joint stiffness or a limited range of motion
What Causes a Hip Labral Tear?
A hip labral tear could be caused by:
- Trauma – A hip labral tear can happen if the hip joint is hurt or moves out of place. This can happen in car accidents or while playing contact sports like football or hockey
- Structural problems – Some people are born with hip problems that can make the joint wear out faster and lead to a hip labral tear in the long run. This can happen if the socket doesn’t cover the ball part of the upper thigh bone completely (called dysplasia) or if the socket is shallow, which can put more stress on the labrum. Extra bone in the hip, called femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), can also pinch the labrum, which can lead to tearing over time
- Repetitive movements – Joint wear and tear from sports and other physical activities, such as long-distance running and the sudden twisting or pivoting that is common in golf and softball, can lead to a hip labral tear
Hip Labral Tear Treatment
Treatment for your labral tear will depend on how bad your symptoms are. Some people can get better in a few weeks with rest and changes to their activities, while others need surgery to fix the torn part of the labrum.
- Medication – Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can relieve pain and reduce inflammation
- Injections – Pain can also be relieved temporarily by putting corticosteroids into the joint through an injection
- Physical therapy – A physical therapist can show you exercises to help you increase flexibility in your hip and build strength and stability. Therapists can also show you how to avoid movements that may hurt your hip
- Hip Surgery – If nonsurgical treatments don’t help your symptoms, your doctor might suggest arthroscopic surgery. In this procedure, small cuts are made in your skin to insert a small camera and surgical tools to view and repair damage
Hip Labral Tear Treatment in South Carolina
The physicians and physical therapy department at Midlands Orthopaedics & Neurosurgery will offer the most comprehensive approach to help find relief for you so you can return to the activities you love. If you are living with a hip labral tear, please call 803-256-4107 to schedule an appointment at any of our locations.
