Hip pain during exercise, sports, prolonged sitting, or daily activities may be caused by femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a common hip condition that occurs when abnormal bone growth creates friction within the hip joint. Left untreated, FAI can lead to labral tears, cartilage damage, and progressive hip degeneration.
Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel is a nationally recognized hip preservation and hip arthroscopy specialist serving patients throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, and Beloit. With extensive experience diagnosing and treating FAI, he provides comprehensive care focused on relieving pain, preserving the natural hip joint, and helping patients return to active lifestyles.
Whether treatment involves physical therapy, activity modification, injections, or advanced minimally invasive hip arthroscopy, Dr. Van Thiel develops personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient's needs and goals.
Diagnosis & Treatment of Hip Pain
It's a long and complicated-sounding name, but the premise behind femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) is pretty simple: FAI occurs when one or both bones that comprise the hip joint grow abnormally, resulting in a poor “fit” inside the joint. In a healthy hip, the ball and socket portions of the joint fit snugly, but still allow ample room for joint movement and function without friction. In FAI, the irregular shape of one or both bones increases friction and bumping inside the joint, and that leads to pain and other symptoms that can take a significant toll on your mobility and overall quality of life. Without treatment of hip pain, repetitive bumping inside the joint can lead to inflammation, arthritis and pain; substantially increasing the likelihood that you'll need a joint replacement surgery in the future. (The name “femoroacetabular impingement” is from the names of the two bones that form the joint - the femur or thigh bone, which forms the ball portion of the joint, and the acetabulum, which forms the socket portion of the joint.)
What causes femoroacetabular impingement?
FAI develops when bony growths called bone spurs form along the edge of the bones that form the hip joint. These bones “catch” and cause impingement between the femur and the acetabulum, interfering with normal, smooth movement. Bone spurs can form as a part of normal bone growth and development or following a traumatic joint injury.
There are three types of FAI:
- Cam impingement is caused by irregularities in the shape of the femoral head (the ball portion of the joint) which prevents the ball from moving smoothly in the socket. These irregularities grind against the socket, damaging the cartilage that lines the joint.
- Pincer impingement occurs when bony growths form on the rim of the socket part of the joint. These growths can wind up damaging the cartilage ring (the labrum) that surrounds the socket and holds the ball portion in place.
- Combined impingement involves irregular bone growth on both parts of the hip joint.
If you have FAI, you may have symptoms of pain and joint stiffness that can result in a limp or other gait problems. Discomfort can range from a dull ache to a stabbing, sharp pain, and it can occur in the groin or toward the outer portion of the hip. Turning or pivoting the hip can cause symptoms to become worse.
How is FAI diagnosed and treated?
FAI is diagnosed with a physical exam and a review of your symptoms, along with imaging tests like MRIs, X-rays or CT scans. During your exam, Dr. Van Thiel may perform what's known as an “impingement test,” a simple passive exercise where your hip is raised and gently pivoted or rotated while you lie on your back. The aim of the test is to see if the movements cause symptoms to occur; if they do, it's more likely your symptoms are due to impingement.
Once the diagnosis of FAI is confirmed, mild symptoms may first be treated with medication and physical therapy. More severe symptoms probably require surgery to correct the source of the impingement and repair any damage to the labrum and the cartilage. In most cases, FAI can be treated with a minimally-invasive surgery called hip arthroscopy. In this procedure, a special instrument called an arthroscope is inserted into the joint through a small incision. The scope includes a small camera that enables Dr. Van Thiel to view the joint without the need for a large incision. Another small incision will be made to admit the surgical instruments used in hip arthroscopy.
During a hip arthroscopy procedure, bony overgrowths will be removed from the acetabulum and the femoral head may be shaved and smoothed as well, depending on the type of FAI that's present. Following surgery, you'll need to wear a brace and use crutches for several weeks, physical therapy during the weeks and months that follow will help restore normal, pain-free range of motion in the hip. Treatment of hip pain can seem extensive, but greater mobility and less discomfort is possible.
Find out what is causing your hip pain.
Although it's not as common as knee pain, hip pain can have effects that are just as serious. If you're having hip pain, stiffness or other symptoms, call OrthoIllinois at and schedule a consultation with Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel today.
Why Choose Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel for FAI Treatment in Rockford, Elgin & Northern Illinois?
- Nationally recognized hip arthroscopy specialist
- Fellowship-trained orthopedic sports medicine surgeon
- Extensive experience treating femoroacetabular impingement and labral tears
- Advanced hip preservation and minimally invasive surgical techniques
- Trusted by athletes and active individuals throughout Northern Illinois
- Personalized treatment plans focused on long-term hip health
- Comprehensive care from diagnosis through rehabilitation
Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) FAQs
What is femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)?
FAI is a condition in which abnormal bone shape or growth causes the bones of the hip joint to rub together, leading to pain and restricted movement.
What are the symptoms of FAI?
Common symptoms include groin pain, hip stiffness, clicking or catching sensations, pain during sports, and discomfort with prolonged sitting or hip flexion activities.
Can FAI be treated without surgery?
Many patients benefit from physical therapy, activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications, and injections before surgery is considered.
When is hip arthroscopy recommended for FAI?
Hip arthroscopy may be recommended when symptoms persist despite conservative treatment or when imaging studies show structural abnormalities causing ongoing joint damage.
Schedule a Hip Evaluation in Rockford, Elgin & Surrounding Communities
If hip pain is affecting your ability to stay active, early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent further joint damage. Dr. Geoffrey Van Thiel provides expert FAI evaluation and treatment for patients throughout Rockford, Elgin, Crystal Lake, Barrington, McHenry, Huntley, DeKalb, and Beloit.
Contact our office today to schedule a consultation and learn about your options for lasting hip pain relief and hip preservation.
