Hip impingement (FAI) leads to osteoarthritis says new research. Agricola et al. (2024)

Research has now shown a strong link between hip impingement and developing osteoarthritis. (Agricola et al., 2024)

Hip impingement is where the rim of the hip joint socket becomes damaged and inflamed from repeated impact or grinding against the femoral neck.

The femoral neck is the narrow slender part of the upper femur or thigh bone that allows the hip joint to perform a wide range of motion without losing the stability that the joint is known for.

It can be caused by genetic factors that influence the shape or angle of the femoral neck and hip socket (acetabulum) or from repetitive stress and strain from playing sports that involve twisting, turning, rapid accelerations and cutting or changing direction like soccer or hockey.

Preventing hip impingement may prevent or delay arthritis from developing. Important factors to consider when preventing hip impingement are the biomechanics of the body, how it moves. Some body postures such as the way we position our joints when performing exercises or sports can be trained and improved with proper coaching and evaluation by an expert such as your physical therapist.

At PT38 Physical Therapy we will evaluate your body mechanics and alignment when stationary and when performing functional movements specific to you. This can help correct abnormal joint mechanics and preserve the hip joints for many years so you can continue to enjoy sport and exercise!