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Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a leading cause of persistent hip pain, especially in younger, active people. This condition happens when the “ball” at the top of your thigh bone (the femoral head) doesn’t glide smoothly in the “socket” of your hip (the acetabulum). Imagine a door hinge that keeps catching or rubbing—a similar misfit occurs inside the hip with FAI. Over time, this abnormal contact damages the joint and leads to pain.
Understanding why and how FAI happens is key to finding the right treatment—often without surgery. In this article, we’ll break down how FAI develops and share non-surgical strategies to ease hip pain and restore movement.
To see what goes wrong in FAI, it helps to know a little about the hip joint. The hip is a classic ball-and-socket: think of the rounded femoral head fitting perfectly into the cup-shaped acetabulum of your pelvis. In a healthy hip, these two structures work together smoothly, letting you move easily and without pain.
FAI happens when there are changes in the shape of the ball, the socket, or both. There are two main types:
Cam impingement is most common in young, athletic males, while pincer impingement often affects middle-aged women. Sometimes, people have elements of both types. These structural changes may be present from birth or develop over time.
When the bones don’t fit together smoothly, they start to rub or pinch, damaging the cartilage and labrum (a ring of cartilage that provides cushioning). Over time, this wear and tear can cause pain, stiffness, and even early-onset arthritis—much like a car tire that’s misaligned and wears out unevenly.
Early recognition is important. If FAI goes untreated, abnormal mechanics can speed up joint degeneration and lead to hip osteoarthritis sooner than expected.
Diagnosis of FAI begins with a thorough look at your symptoms—classic signs include pain at the front of the hip or groin, especially when sitting for long periods, squatting, or being active.
Next, your doctor will examine your hip, checking your range of motion and looking for pain with certain movements.
Imaging tests help confirm the diagnosis:
FAI often appears in young adults, but because hip pain has many causes, getting the right diagnosis (and doing so early) can help prevent further joint damage.
You may be relieved to hear that surgery isn’t the only—or even the first—option for most people with FAI. Many find significant relief through non-surgical treatments focused on managing pain and improving hip movement. Common approaches include:
Many people wonder, “Can hip impingement just go away?” While the shape of the bones remains the same without surgery, symptoms often improve dramatically with these strategies. Healthcare providers, such as those in the NHS, often recommend a combination of education, self-management, and physiotherapy. Activities like swimming or cycling can keep you fit while being gentle on your hips.
Surgery comes into play if non-surgical options don’t give enough relief, or if imaging shows significant joint damage. Procedures like hip arthroscopy allow surgeons to reshape the bones or repair torn soft tissue using small incisions.
While surgery can be very effective, it does come with risks and requires a period of recovery. That’s why conservative treatments are usually recommended first, especially for mild or moderate symptoms. Surgery is reserved for situations where pain persists despite your best efforts.
Scientists and doctors now recognize that both cam and pincer FAI significantly increase the risk of cartilage and labrum damage, leading to early hip degeneration. Studies have shown that the unusual shape of the bones increases pressure in the joint, which gradually erodes its protective tissues. This explains why people with FAI often develop arthritis earlier in life.
Importantly, research also shows that non-surgical treatments—like customized exercise and activity modification—can lead to meaningful improvements in pain and function. Early identification and treatment are key to protecting your hip joint and avoiding or delaying larger problems.
Living with FAI often means making some day-to-day adjustments. For instance, sitting with your hips higher than your knees and avoiding deep flexion can ease discomfort. Avoid exercises or stretches that force your hip into pain or pinching positions.
If you’re searching for “femoroacetabular impingement treatment” or looking into NHS resources, know that comprehensive care is available—from early diagnosis to personalized rehab plans.
Femoroacetabular impingement doesn’t have to dictate your life. By understanding how your hip works and what aggravates it, you and your healthcare team can develop a treatment plan focused on non-surgical options. Early diagnosis, smart changes to your activities, and targeted exercises make a real difference—often helping you avoid or delay surgery.
Ongoing research continues to improve our understanding of FAI and how to treat it. In the meantime, taking an active, informed role in your hip care sets you up for the best possible outcome—less pain, better movement, and more freedom to enjoy an active life.
All our treatments are selected to help patients achieve the best possible outcomes and return to the quality of life they deserve. Get in touch if you have any questions.
At London Cartilage Clinic, we are constantly staying up-to-date on the latest treatment options for knee injuries and ongoing knee health issues. As a result, our patients have access to the best equipment, techniques, and expertise in the field, whether it’s for cartilage repair, regeneration, or replacement.
For the best in patient care and cartilage knowledge, contact London Cartilage Clinic today.
At London Cartilage Clinic, our team has spent years gaining an in-depth understanding of human biology and the skills necessary to provide a wide range of cartilage treatments. It’s our mission to administer comprehensive care through innovative solutions targeted at key areas, including knee cartilage injuries. During an initial consultation, one of our medical professionals will establish which path forward is best for you.
Contact us if you have any questions about the various treatment methods on offer.
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