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Hip Impingement

Hip Impingement (FAI) Treatment in Austin, TX

Hip pain can make everyday activities like walking, exercising, sitting for long periods, or participating in sports uncomfortable. Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint do not move smoothly together, causing abnormal contact that can damage the cartilage and labrum over time.

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, our specialists provide comprehensive evaluation and treatment for hip impingement, helping patients reduce pain, improve mobility, and return to an active lifestyle. Whether your symptoms began gradually or developed after increased activity, early evaluation and treatment can help prevent additional joint damage and improve long-term hip health.

Hip Impingement

Meet Our Doctors

Conner Patrick, M.D.

Conner Patrick, M.D.
Physicians

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Medicine and Hip Specialist

When to See a Sports Medicine or Hip Specialist

If hip pain is limiting your ability to stay active or interfering with daily life, it may be time to schedul e an evaluation.
Common symptoms of hip impingement include:

  • Pain in the front of the hip or groin

  • Hip pain during sports or exercise

  • Discomfort with prolonged sitting

  • Pain when squatting, pivoting, or twisting

  • Stiffness or reduced hip mobility

  • Clicking, catching, or locking sensations in the hip

  • Difficulty performing activities that require deep hip flexion

Early diagnosis can help preserve the hip joint and reduce the risk of additional cartilage or labral injury.

What Causes Hip Impingement?

Hip impingement develops when the ball and socket of the hip joint do not fit together normally, causing the bones to rub against one another during movement. Over time, this abnormal contact can injure the labrum and cartilage within the joint.

Factors that may contribute to hip impingement include:

  • Cam impingement (extra bone on the femoral head)

  • Pincer impingement (extra bone along the socket)

  • A combination of cam and pincer impingement

  • Repetitive athletic activities

  • Structural differences in hip anatomy

  • Previous hip injuries

  • High-impact sports involving cutting, pivoting, or deep bending

Our specialists perform a detailed evaluation to determine the source of your symptoms and identify the type of impingement affecting your hip.

Comprehensive, Personalized Hip Impingement Care

At Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin, treatment is designed around your symptoms, activity level, and long-term goals. Whenever appropriate, we begin with conservative treatment to improve function and relieve pain.

Non-surgical treatments may include:

  • Activity modification

  • Physical therapy to improve hip strength and mobility

  • Anti-inflammatory medications

  • Image-guided corticosteroid injections

  • Mobility and flexibility exercises

  • Progressive return-to-activity programs
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When symptoms persist despite conservative care or significant structural abnormalities are contributing to pain, surgery may be recommended.

Surgical options may include:

  • Hip arthroscopy

  • Labral repair or reconstruction

  • Correction of cam and/or pincer impingement

  • Cartilage preservation procedures
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Our surgeons utilize minimally invasive arthroscopic techniques whenever appropriate to improve joint function while preserving healthy tissue.

What to Expect at Your Appointment

Your appointment begins with a comprehensive evaluation of your hip pain, movement, and activity limitations.

You can expect:​​​
  • A discussion of your symptoms, medical history, and activity goals

  • A physical examination of the hip

  • Assessment of hip motion, strength, flexibility, and joint stability

  • X-rays and MRI when appropriate

  • A customized treatment plan based on your diagnosis and lifestyle

Our goal is to help you understand your condition and provide the guidance needed to make informed treatment decisions.

Advanced Hip Care Close to Home

Orthopaedic Specialists of Austin offers specialized care for athletes and active individuals experiencing hip pain. Our team combines advanced diagnostics, individualized treatment, and coordinated rehabilitation to help patients recover safely and return to the activities they enjoy.

Patients benefit from:

  • Fellowship-trained sports medicine and hip specialists

  • Advanced imaging and diagnostic expertise

  • Treatment plans tailored to your activity level and goals

  • Minimally invasive hip arthroscopy when indicated

  • Collaborative care with experienced physical therapists and, when appropriate, athletic trainers to support a successful return to activity

  • Comprehensive care throughout every stage of recovery

Our focus is on relieving pain, restoring healthy hip movement, and helping patients return to sports, work, and everyday life with confidence.

Take the First Step Toward Hip Pain Relief

You do not have to let hip pain keep you from doing the things you enjoy. With an accurate diagnosis and the right treatment plan, many patients can return to an active lifestyle while protecting the long-term health of their hip.

Connect with our sports medicine specialist today to get started.

What is hip impingement?

Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the bones of the hip joint rub together abnormally, causing pain and potentially damaging the labrum and cartilage over time.

Can hip impingement get better without surgery?

Yes. Many patients improve with activity modification, physical therapy, medications, and injections. Surgery is typically considered when symptoms continue despite conservative treatment or when structural problems continue to cause pain.

How is hip impingement diagnosed?

Diagnosis includes a physical examination, review of your symptoms, and imaging studies such as X-rays and MRI to evaluate the bones, labrum, and cartilage of the hip joint.

Will physical therapy help hip impingement?

For many patients, physical therapy plays an important role by improving hip strength, flexibility, movement patterns, and overall joint function while reducing pain.

When is surgery recommended for hip impingement?

Hip arthroscopy may be recommended if non-surgical treatments have not relieved symptoms or imaging shows structural abnormalities that are contributing to ongoing pain and joint damage.

Do you offer same-day appointments?

Same-day appointments may be available depending on provider availability. Our team works to accommodate patients with new or worsening hip pain as quickly as possible.

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