The labrum is a cartilaginous tissue that lines the outer edge of the hip socket, providing stability and reducing friction. Tears can be caused by trauma, repetitive use, or degenerative conditions. Minor tears can be treated with rest and medication, while severe tears require surgery and physical therapy. Symptoms include pain, swelling, and loss of flexibility. Diagnosis involves X-rays and MRI scans, and treatment options include anti-inflammatory drugs, crutches, and hip arthroscopy. Recovery time varies but can take up to six months.
The outer edge of the hip socket is lined with a layer of cartilaginous tissue called the labrum. The labrum helps reduce friction in the joint and provides stability. If the labrum is torn due to a sports injury, fall, or degenerative condition such as arthritis, an individual may experience significant pain, swelling, and loss of motion. A minor hip labrum tear can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, rest, ice, and flexibility exercises. Severe tears often require surgery to repair the labrum and follow-up physical therapy to regain strength and stability.
In most cases, a labrum tear occurs as a result of direct trauma to the hip socket. Tears are common in contact sports like soccer and in accidents involving falling directly onto the joint. They are especially likely in an accident where a joint extends beyond its normal range of motion or even dislocates completely. Repetitive use of the hip in activities such as golf and track events can also cause labral tears. Additionally, people with structural bone or cartilage disorders, such as femoral acetabular impingement (FAI) and those with arthritis are at risk for hip problems.
An individual suffering from a hip lower lip injury usually experiences pain, swelling, and stiffness in the joint. The hip may constantly ache and feel tender to the touch, and the loss of flexibility can make it difficult to support weight on the leg when standing. In the case of a severe injury in which the labrum tears completely, the pain is usually sharp and unbearable. A person may become nauseous and find it impossible to put any weight on the leg. Medical evaluation is important in determining the severity of an injury and treatment options.
A doctor usually inspects a hip labrum tear by feeling the joint and doing diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans. The results of X-rays and MRIs give the doctor a clear picture of the severity of the cartilage damage. In cases where the labrum is partially torn, the patient is asked to avoid activity and freeze the joint several times a day. He or she may be fitted with a crutch to help take the pressure off the hip socket. Your doctor usually recommends strengthening exercises and over-the-counter (OTC) anti-inflammatory drugs to further reduce swelling.
If the pain from the injury doesn’t improve after about a month of treatment, or if the injury is particularly severe, a surgical procedure known as hip arthroscopy will often be needed. During the procedure, a surgeon will make a small incision in the side of your hip, insert a tiny camera to view damage to the cartilage, and manipulate a small scalpel to cut away the deteriorating tissue. The surgeon then repairs the lip and closes the incision. Physical therapy is often needed after hip arthroscopy to rebuild strength and regain flexibility in the joint. Healing time can vary, but most patients are able to recover in about six months after surgery.
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