Expert Sports Injury
Care in San Diego

Persistent hip pain isn’t just an inconvenience that active and athletic people deal with; it can be a sign of a more serious issue, such as a hip labral tear. The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds your hip socket, helping to keep the joint stable and allowing for smooth movement. When this cartilage is torn, it can lead to persistent pain, stiffness, or a catching sensation in the hip, a common cartilage damage warning sign often seen in sports-related hip injuries. Interestingly, labral tears are quite common; one study found that 69% of hips in asymptomatic individuals showed labral tears on MRI scans. This means that even without noticeable symptoms, many people may have underlying hip issues. 

Read on to understand the signs of a hip labral tear, explore treatment options, and learn how to decide when it's time to consult the best orthopedic surgeon in San Diego. 

Recognizing the Symptoms of a Hip Labral Tear

Recognizing the symptoms of a hip labral tear is important, as it ensures you get the right treatment at the right time. One of the most common signs is pain in the hip or groin area, especially after prolonged periods of sitting, standing, or physical activity. This discomfort can vary in intensity, sometimes feeling like a dull ache or sharp, stabbing pain. In addition to pain, people with a hip labral tear may notice mechanical sensations, such as clicking, locking, or a catching feeling within the joint, particularly during movement. Reduced mobility is also a common issue, with stiffness or limited range of motion affecting everyday tasks like walking, climbing stairs, or even bending down. 

Causes and Risk Factors for a Hip Labral Tear

Identifying what causes hip labral tears can help in both preventing and treating them effectively. Structural abnormalities in the hip, such as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) or hip dysplasia, can increase the likelihood of developing these tears because these conditions create unusual friction in the joint. 

Athletes face higher risks, especially those who play in sports that require frequent twisting or pivoting movements, such as soccer, hockey, golf, or ballet. These repetitive motions put extra stress on the hip joint over time.

Additionally, women between the ages of 15 and 41 have a greater chance of experiencing labral tears due to differences in their hip anatomy and hormonal factors that can affect joint stability. 

When to Consult a Hip Labral Repair Specialist in San Diego 

You should consult a hip labral repair specialist if you experience hip or groin pain that continues for more than six weeks despite resting and trying basic treatments like anti-inflammatory pain medication or physical therapy. Early consultation with an orthopedic specialist is important because it can prevent additional damage to your joint and lead to better recovery outcomes. You should consider seeing a specialist in San Diego if:

• You have trouble with everyday activities such as walking
• Climbing stairs
• Playing sports

This is especially true if you have previously injured your hip or have been diagnosed with conditions like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), which increases your risk of developing a labral tear.

Non-Surgical Treatment Options for a Hip Labral Tear

Some minor hip labral tears can be successfully managed without surgery, giving patients less invasive options to try first: 

• Physical therapy is often the cornerstone of non-surgical treatment, offering customized exercise programs that strengthen the muscles supporting the hip and improve joint stability, which can significantly reduce pain and improve function. 
• Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or naproxen, work to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain in the affected area. 
• Injectable orthobiologics, such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stem cell therapy, can help promote tissue healing and reduce inflammation in cases of hip labral tears, offering another effective non-surgical option for pain relief and improved joint function in some cases.

Additionally, making thoughtful lifestyle modifications plays an important role in recovery. This might include temporarily avoiding high-impact activities, modifying how you perform certain movements, or using assistive devices to minimize hip strain and prevent further injury. 

What to Expect if You Need Surgical Treatment of a Hip Labrum Tear in San Diego 

When conservative treatments like physical therapy and medication don't relieve symptoms, surgery may become necessary to address a hip labrum tear. Most surgeons perform arthroscopic surgery, which is minimally invasive and involves making small incisions through which a tiny camera and specialized instruments are inserted to either repair the torn labrum or remove damaged tissue. 

After surgery, patients typically face an initial recovery period of approximately six weeks, during which weight-bearing and movement are limited. Complete rehabilitation can take up to nine months before returning to full activity. Post-surgical care centers around physical therapy, which is absolutely essential for restoring hip strength and mobility. This therapy typically begins shortly after surgery with gentle movements and gradually progresses to more challenging exercises as the healing process advances. 

Finding the Best Orthopedic Surgeon for Hip Labrum Repair in San Diego 

Hip labral tears can significantly impact quality of life, but recovery is achievable with timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

If hip pain is holding you back from the activities you love to do, it’s time to see the top orthopedic specialist in San Diego to reclaim your mobility and comfort. At his state-of-the-art clinic in Encinitas, Dr. Samagh brings extensive expertise in hip labral repair to patients in Leucadia, Del Mar, Solana Beach, Cardiff, Carlsbad, Oceanside, Torrey Pines, and North County San Diego, utilizing cutting-edge techniques to deliver precise and effective treatment. 

We understand that every patient’s journey is unique, and Dr. Samagh’s dedication to personalized care means you’ll always feel informed, supported, and confident in your treatment plan.

Ready to see the best orthopedic specialist in San Diego for hip labral repair to explore your options and embark on the path to recovery?