Hip Impingement (FAI) Diagnosis & Treatment | Alton Pain Clinic, Hampshire

FEMOROACETABULAR HIP IMPINGEMENT INJECTION

Understanding Femoroacetabular Hip Impingement

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when extra bone growth causes the hip bones to rub abnormally, damaging the joint over time. Femoroacetabular hip impingement (FAI) is a condition where abnormal contact between the hip bones leads to pain, limited range of motion, and joint damage. It occurs due to irregular bone growth either in the femur (thigh bone) or the acetabulum (hip socket), resulting in friction during hip movements. Over time, this friction can cause cartilage damage and lead to the development of osteoarthritis.

Common Symptoms

Groin pain, often triggered by prolonged sitting, deep squatting, or twisting movements
Stiffness and reduced range of motion in the hip
A clicking, catching, or locking sensation in the joint
Pain that develops gradually, often in active or sporting individuals

Treatment We Offer

Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide cortisone injections for femoroacetabular hip impingement (FAI). Cortisone injections can help reduce inflammation and ease pain within the hip joint, which may improve mobility and make everyday activities more comfortable. Where appropriate, our clinicians use ultrasound guidance to support accurate and targeted delivery of the injection to the affected area.

Pain Relief Mechanism of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

Inflammation Reduction: Cortisone is a potent anti-inflammatory agent that reduces swelling and irritation in the hip joint. By decreasing inflammation at the site of impingement, the injection helps relieve pressure on surrounding tissues, leading to pain reduction.
Targeted Medication Delivery: The use of ultrasound allows for precise placement of the cortisone in the area of concern. This focused approach enhances the effectiveness of the treatment, reducing symptoms more efficiently than generalised treatments.
Improved Joint Mobility: By decreasing pain and inflammation, ultrasound-guided injections can help restore range of motion and improve overall joint function. This allows for more effective participation in physical therapy, which is essential for long-term management of FAI.

Benefits of Ultrasound-Guided Cortisone Injections

Precision Delivery: Ultrasound imaging allows for real-time visualisation, ensuring the medication is accurately placed at the site of inflammation.
Enhanced Safety: The use of ultrasound guidance reduces the risk of complications, as the surrounding structures are clearly visible during the injection.
Faster Pain Relief: Patients often experience a reduction in symptoms shortly after the injection, facilitating quicker recovery.
Minimally Invasive: As a non-surgical treatment option, these injections provide relief without the downtime or risks associated with surgery.

Your Care Pathway with us

To book an appointment you can call our reception line, 0142084487, or email to info@altonpainclinic.co.uk or click the button given below.
Comprehensive Musculoskeletal examination and testing.
Same day Ultrasound Guided Injection for pain relief.
Discussion of your treatment plan, treatment plan can include advanced treatments for example Cortisone Injections, Hyaluronic injections and various other options tailored to your specific needs.

What our Patients say?

Anatomy of the Hip Joint

The hip joint is a ball-and-socket joint, where the head of the femur fits into the acetabulum of the pelvis. This arrangement allows for smooth and extensive motion in multiple directions. In femoroacetabular impingement, changes in the shape of the femoral head or acetabulum can restrict this motion, leading to irritation, pain, and joint damage.

Types of Hip Impingement

FAI is generally classified into two types:

Cam type hip impingement — extra bone forms on the femoral head, creating an irregular shape that grinds against the socket during movement
Pincer type — extra bone forms on the socket edge, causing the socket to cover the femoral head too much

Many patients have a combination of both types, contributing to their individual symptom pattern.

Causes of Femoroacetabular Hip Impingement

Piriformis syndrome can be caused by various factors, including:

Muscle Imbalance: Weakness or tightness in the piriformis or surrounding muscles can contribute to nerve compression.
Trauma or Injury: Direct trauma to the buttock or hip area, such as from a fall or car accident, can trigger inflammation in the piriformis muscle.
Overuse: Repetitive activities, especially those involving hip rotation or prolonged sitting, can strain the piriformis muscle and irritate the sciatic nerve.
Anatomical Variations: In some individuals, anatomical variations such as a split or abnormal path of the sciatic nerve can make them more prone to piriformis syndrome.
Sedentary Lifestyle: Prolonged periods of sitting can cause the piriformis muscle to become tight and contribute to nerve compression.

How Is Hip Impingement Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually begins with a clinical hip impingement test, most commonly the FADIR test (flexion, adduction, internal rotation), which involves moving the hip into specific positions to assess for pain or discomfort associated with FAI. Further hip impingement testing with ultrasound can be performed at Alton Pain Clinic to assess the affected area and support the clinical assessment. Where appropriate, your clinician may recommend further imaging, such as an X-ray or MRI, to confirm the diagnosis and identify cam, pincer or combined-type changes.

Choosing Alton Pain Clinic for Hip Impingement

At Alton Pain Clinic, we provide cortisone injections for suitable patients with femoroacetabular hip impingement (FAI). Our clinicians use ultrasound guidance to support accurate and targeted delivery of the injection, helping to reduce pain and inflammation within the hip joint. We take a personalised approach to treatment, assessing your symptoms and clinical needs to determine whether a cortisone injection is appropriate for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hip impingement (FAI)?

Hip impingement, or femoroacetabular impingement, occurs when extra bone growth on the hip joint causes abnormal friction between the ball and socket, potentially damaging the joint over time.

What is the difference between cam and pincer hip impingement?

Cam type involves extra bone on the femoral head (the ball), while pincer type involves extra bone on the socket edge. Many patients have a combination of both.

How is hip impingement tested?

The FADIR test — flexing, adducting and internally rotating the hip — is commonly used to reproduce the pinching sensation typical of FAI, alongside imaging to confirm diagnosis.

Does hip impingement lead to arthritis?

If left untreated, the abnormal friction from FAI can damage the joint cartilage and labrum over time, increasing the risk of early hip osteoarthritis.

Who is most likely to get hip impingement?

FAI is often seen in young, active adults, particularly those involved in sports requiring repetitive hip flexion, such as football, hockey and dance.