What Causes Hip Impingement and How It’s Treated in New York, NY

If you have hip pain that worsens when you sit, walk, or bend, it might not be a pulled muscle. Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), is a common condition that affects active adults and can lead to long-term joint damage if untreated. 

Dr. Alexander S. McLawhorn, an orthopedic surgeon in New York, New York, and Stamford, Connecticut, specializes in advanced treatments for hip conditions, including minimally invasive and robot-assisted surgery.

What Is Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement happens when the ball and socket of your hip joint don’t move smoothly together. This irregular motion causes the bones to rub against each other, which can damage cartilage and cause pain or stiffness. 

You might feel discomfort in the front of your hip or groin, especially when bending or twisting. Many people notice their mobility slowly decreases before they start to really feel the pain.

What Causes Hip Impingement?

The cause of hip impingement usually comes down to how your bones are shaped. Some people are born with slight irregularities that make the ball or socket fit less naturally. Others develop extra bone growth over time from sports, repetitive motion, or past injuries.

There are three main types:

• Cam impingement: Extra bone forms on the ball of the hip joint.
• Pincer impingement: Extra bone develops along the rim of the hip socket.
• Combined impingement: Both the ball and socket have extra bone growth.

These changes make the hip joint less flexible and cause friction with movement. If left untreated, hip impingement can lead to early arthritis. 

How We Treat Hip Impingement

Treatment depends on how severe your symptoms are. Many patients start with physical therapy, anti-inflammatory medication, and activity modification. If your pain continues, surgery may be the best option to correct the bone shape and protect your joint.

Dr. McLawhorn is nationally recognized for his expertise in robot-assisted and direct anterior hip replacement procedures. He performs over 600 joint replacements each year, helping patients return to the activities they love with less pain and faster recovery.

Schedule a Consultation

You don’t have to live with hip pain. Call Dr. McLawhorn’s office in New York, NY, at 212-606-1065 or Stamford, CT, at 203-705-2113 to schedule your consultation today.