Hip Labral Tears Causes, Symptoms & Treatment Options

Overview

The hip is a classic ball-and-socket joint. The top of the thigh bone (femur) serves as the ball, and the acetabulum of the pelvic bone forms the socket. The hip labrum is a tough, rubber-like ring of cartilage that lines the rim of the socket. It works like a seal to:

• Deepen the socket and stabilize the hip
• Absorb shock and protect the joint
• Allow smooth, pain-free movement

When the labrum becomes damaged, mobility and stability are affected, which can lead to a hip labral tear and ongoing pain.

What causes Hip Labral Tears?

A labral tear can develop for several reasons. Some occur after a single injury, while others form slowly with repeated stress. 

Common causes include:

• Trauma, such as falling on the side of the hip or colliding during sports
• Rotational injuries, especially twisting motions, occur while the hip is bent
• Structural problems, such as hip impingement or abnormal bone shape
• Long-term wear and tear, especially in athletes or individuals with high activity levels

Sports that require intense swinging, pivoting, or rapid rotation, especially while the hip is flexed, place significant stress on the labrum, increasing the risk of a hip labrum tear.

How the Injury Occurs

A hip labral tear occurs during movements that force the hip joint into extreme positions, such as sudden twists, pivots, or deep bending. These motions can pinch or strain the labrum, causing it to fray or tear. Repetitive pressure from long-term athletic training may also gradually wear down the cartilage until a tear develops.

Common Everyday Causes

Hip labral tears do not occur only in sports. They can also develop during routine activities such as sitting for long periods, taking an uneven step, or lifting heavy objects. Individuals with structural hip conditions, including hip impingement, may develop tears with simple movements because the shape of the joint places extra pressure on the labrum.

Sports Where Hip Labral Tears Are Common

These sports place high, repetitive stress on the hip joint, making labral tears more likely:

• Soccer – Frequent twisting and quick direction changes strain the hip.
• Hockey – Skating requires intense rotation and hip flexion.
• Football – High-impact collisions and abrupt pivots put stress on the labrum.
• Golf – Powerful swings involve deep hip rotation.
• Ballet – Extreme leg positions and hyperextension overload the hip joint.
  
• Martial Arts – Kicking and rapid hip movements increase the risk of labrum damage.

Symptoms

 Common signs and symptoms include:

• Pain in the front (groin), side, or deep inside the hip
• Pain that worsens with bending, twisting, walking, or running
• A catching, clicking, or locking sensation inside the hip
• Hip stiffness, especially after sitting or resting
• Limited range of motion
• Feeling of instability, like the hip may “give out.”

Persistent or worsening symptoms should be evaluated by a medical professional.

Non-operative treatment

Many people recover without surgery, especially when symptoms are mild. Non-operative treatment may include:

• Rest – Avoiding movements that stress the hip
• Ice – Reducing pain and inflammation
• Activity modification – Replacing high-impact exercises (like jogging) with low-impact ones (like swimming or cycling)
• NSAIDs – Medications such as ibuprofen to reduce discomfort
• Physical therapy – Strengthening the muscles around the hip joint to improve stability
• Corticosteroid injections – Reducing swelling and providing temporary pain relief

These treatments can help heal the joint and decrease strain on the torn labrum.

Below is a PDF of the Exercise Program: 

Hip Labral Tear

Surgical Treatment

If non-surgical treatments do not provide relief, surgery may be recommended. Hip labral tears are often treated with arthroscopic surgery, a minimally invasive procedure using a small camera and tiny instruments.

Depending on the severity of the tear, your surgeon may:

• Repair the labrum using sutures
• Trim or remove torn pieces that cannot be repaired
• Correct bone abnormalities causing impingement

Most arthroscopic surgeries are performed as an outpatient, allowing you to return home the same day. This type of hip labral surgery aims to restore hip stability and prevent future joint damage.