Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is a condition that affects the hip joint, causing pain and discomfort. Its symptoms can be similar to other hip problems, making it challenging to diagnose. However, understanding the warning signs can help you identify FAI early on and seek help from physiotherapists or chiropractors. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what FAI is, its causes, and how to recognize its symptoms. We’ll also talk about how physiotherapists and chiropractors can help manage this condition.
What is Femoroacetabular Impingement?
Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome occurs when there is an abnormal contact between the ball-shaped femoral head and the socket-shaped acetabulum of the hip joint. This abnormality may cause damage to the cartilage surrounding the hip joint, leading to pain and discomfort. There are three types of FAI: pincer, cam, and mixed. Pincer FAI results from over-coverage of the acetabulum while cam FAI develops due to a lack of smoothness in the femoral head’s round surface.
What Causes Femoroacetabular Impingement?
FAI can develop due to various factors such as genetics or a congenital deformity in bone structure. It can also arise due to repetitive activities that involve flexion or rotation of the hip joint like playing sports or performing certain jobs involving prolonged sitting or standing.
How to Recognize Symptoms of Femoroacetabular Impingements?
The symptoms of FAI include groin pain that worsens with activity or after prolonged periods of sitting or standing. You might also experience stiffness in your hip joint, clicking sounds when moving your leg around in a circle, limited range-of-motion while doing hip flexion or rotation movements, and a general feeling of instability in your hip joint.
How Physiotherapists and Chiropractors can Help Manage Femoroacetabular Impingement?
Physiotherapy is an effective treatment option for managing FAI. A physiotherapist will assess the underlying cause of your pain and develop a tailored exercise program that aims to strengthen the muscles surrounding the hip joint. The goal is to improve the joint’s stability, increase range-of-motion, and relieve pain. Chiropractic care can also be beneficial for individuals with FAI by using various manual therapy techniques to reduce inflammation and improve joint mobility.
Femoroacetabular impingement is a common condition that can cause discomfort and limit your ability to perform daily activities. If you are experiencing symptoms like groin pain or stiffness in your hip joint, it’s essential to seek help from healthcare professionals like physiotherapists or chiropractors. They can diagnose the root cause of your pain and develop an individualized treatment plan that suits your needs best. Remember, early intervention is crucial in managing FAI effectively.
If you have any questions or would like to explore further, please book a free, no-charge online appointment with either myself, Dr. Seth Siegfried, HBK, DC, or another Kitchener chiropractor at CARESPACE. We are happy to listen and are here to help!
