Common causes
- Hip labral tears and femoroacetabular impingement (FAI)
- Hip flexor strains and tendinitis
- Adductor (groin) strains
- Core muscle injury, sometimes called a sports hernia
- Snapping hip
- Gluteal tendon problems and bursitis on the outside of the hip
- Stress fractures, particularly in runners
Pain felt around the hip can also come from the lower back, so the examination looks beyond the hip itself.
When to get it checked
- Deep groin pain with pivoting, cutting or prolonged sitting
- Clicking, catching or locking in the hip
- Pain that limits training for more than a few weeks
- Pain with running or impact that is getting worse, which can signal a stress fracture and should be evaluated promptly
- Inability to bear weight, which needs urgent evaluation
Diagnosis
Diagnosis starts with a history of your sport and symptoms and an examination of the hip, groin, core and back. X-rays assess the shape of the hip and look for arthritis or fractures. MRI is used when a labral tear, stress fracture or muscle injury is suspected, and a diagnostic injection can help confirm whether pain comes from inside the joint.
Treatment options
Non-surgical
- Relative rest and a modified training plan
- A physical therapy program for hip, core and movement control
- Anti-inflammatory medication when appropriate
- An injection in selected cases
Surgical
- Surgery is considered when a structural problem is identified and symptoms persist despite non-surgical care.
- Hip arthroscopy can treat labral tears and impingement in hips without significant arthritis.
What to expect
- First visit
A clear diagnosis and a plan built around your sport and season.
- First weeks
Calming pain while maintaining fitness with activities that do not aggravate the hip.
- Rehab
Progressive strength and movement training.
- Return to sport
Based on meeting strength and function goals, not just on time.
Timelines are typical ranges, not guarantees. Recovery depends on the specific injury, the procedure, your health and your rehabilitation, and your plan is individualized.
Questions patients ask
Can I keep training?
Often yes, with modifications. Cross-training that does not provoke pain helps maintain fitness while the hip recovers. Worsening pain with impact should be evaluated before you continue.
Is a sports hernia a true hernia?
Usually not. The term describes an injury to the muscles and tendons of the lower abdomen and groin rather than a classic hernia.
Do I need surgery for a labral tear?
Not always. Many athletes improve with targeted therapy. Surgery is considered when symptoms persist and imaging confirms a problem that can be corrected.
This page is general patient education and is not a substitute for an in-person evaluation.