Why Am I Experiencing Clicking, Catching, or Locking in My Hip?
Experiencing a clicking, catching, or locking sensation in your hip can be alarming—especially if it's persistent or worsens with movement. These symptoms are often associated with a condition known as Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), a common but underdiagnosed cause of hip pain in young adults, athletes, and even sedentary individuals.
What is Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)?
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a condition where abnormal contact occurs between the femoral head (ball) and the acetabulum (socket) of the hip joint. This repetitive contact leads to wear and tear of the cartilage and labrum, which can cause pain, stiffness, and mechanical symptoms such as clicking, locking, or catching.
Types of FAI:
Cam Type: A bony bump on the femoral head grinds against the socket.
Pincer Type: Extra bone extends over the rim of the socket.
Combined Type: A mix of both cam and pincer deformities.
Why Does FAI Cause Clicking, Catching, or Locking?
These mechanical symptoms occur due to:
Labral tears: The labrum is a ring of cartilage that cushions the hip joint. If it's torn due to impingement, it can cause a clicking or catching feeling.
Loose cartilage or bone fragments: These may get caught during movement.
Joint stiffness: Repetitive abnormal contact restricts smooth movement of the hip joint, leading to locking or clunking sensations.
Common Signs and Symptoms
If you have FAI, you may experience:
A deep ache in the front of the hip or groin
Sharp pain with hip flexion, twisting, or prolonged sitting
A clicking or popping sound
A feeling of catching or locking when moving the leg
Reduced range of motion, especially in internal rotation
Pain during or after sports or physical activity
Who is at Risk?
You might be more prone to developing FAI if you:
Are physically active, especially in sports involving hip rotation (e.g., football, hockey, martial arts, dance)
Have a family history of hip problems
Had hip abnormalities at birth (developmental dysplasia)
Experience repetitive hip flexion in daily activities or work
Are in your teens to early 40s
Diagnosis of FAI
If you’re experiencing persistent hip symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider, such as an orthopedic specialist or a physical therapist.
Diagnosis may include:
Clinical examination: To assess hip mobility, pain, and strength.
Imaging:
X-rays to detect bone abnormalities
MRI or MR arthrogram to assess soft tissue damage like labral tears
Functional tests to check for impingement signs (e.g., FADIR test)
When Should You See a Specialist?
If your hip pain:
Persists for more than 2–4 weeks
Is accompanied by locking or catching
Worsens with activity or limits your mobility
Treatment Options for FAI
Treatment depends on the severity of the condition:
Conservative Management
Physiotherapy: Focuses on improving hip mobility, correcting muscle imbalances, and reducing impingement during movement.
Activity modification: Avoid deep squats, lunges, or prolonged sitting.
Anti-inflammatory medications: To reduce pain and swelling.
Injections: Corticosteroids or hyaluronic acid for symptom relief.
Surgical Intervention
If conservative treatment fails:
Hip arthroscopy is often performed to reshape bone, repair the labrum, and restore hip mechanics.
Can Physiotherapy Help with FAI?
Yes. A skilled physiotherapist can:
Design a customized rehab plan
Address muscle tightness and weakness (often in glutes, hip flexors, or core)
Improve posture and movement patterns to reduce joint stress
Use manual therapy, dry needling, or modalities to ease symptoms
Conclusion:
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), once a lesser-known cause of hip discomfort, is now recognized as a key factor in early joint degeneration when left untreated. However, research and clinical experience show that early identification and tailored management—particularly through physiotherapy—can significantly reduce symptoms and improve joint function.
With appropriate care, including activity modifications, targeted strengthening, and movement re-education, individuals with FAI can remain active without worsening their condition. These strategies help preserve the integrity of the hip joint, prevent further injury, and delay or avoid the need for surgical intervention.
By understanding FAI and working closely with healthcare professionals, individuals can make informed decisions, regain control over their hip health, and maintain an active, pain-free lifestyle for the long term.
References:
Griffin, D. R., Dickenson, E. J., Wall, P. D. H., Achana, F. A., Donovan, J. L., Griffin, J., ... & Foster, N. E. (2020). Surgery for hip impingement versus best conservative care for the treatment of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome (UK FASHIoN): A multicentre randomised controlled trial. The Lancet, 391(10136), 2225–2235.
Reiman, M. P., Thorborg, K., & Hölmich, P. (2022). Clinical examination tests for hip-related groin pain: A systematic review with meta-analysis of diagnostic accuracy studies. British Journal of Sports Medicine, 56(7), 375–385.
Agricola, R., Bessems, J. H. J. M., Schotanus, M. G. M., Weinans, H., & Reijman, M. (2021). The natural course of femoroacetabular impingement: A systematic review of the longitudinal studies. Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical Therapy, 51(4), 200–209.
Bedi, A., Lynch, E. B., Robertson, W., & Kelly, B. T. (2020). Current concepts reviewing the pathophysiology and treatment of femoroacetabular impingement. Current Reviews in Musculoskeletal Medicine, 13, 349–358.
Lewis, C. L., & Sahrmann, S. A. (2021). Physiotherapy management of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome: An evidence-based review. Physical Therapy in Sport, 52, 180–187.
