Conditions We Treat
Torn Hip Labrum
Deep hip or groin pain with clicking, catching or a feeling that your hip might give way can point to a torn labrum. An Evolve provider can help find the source of your pain and talk through options that may help.

Common signs
- A deep pain in your groin or the front of your hip
- Pain when you sit for long, bend forward or pivot
- A catching, clicking or locking feeling deep in the joint
- A hip that feels unsteady, like it might give way
- Pain that flares after running, squatting or twisting
- Your hip doesn’t move as far as it used to
What is a Torn Hip Labrum?
A torn hip labrum is a condition involving damage to the labrum, a ring of cartilage that surrounds the hip joint socket. The labrum acts as a cushion and stabilizer for the hip joint, helping to secure the femoral head (the ball of the hip joint) within the acetabulum (the socket).
When the labrum is torn, it can lead to pain, instability, and a range of other symptoms that can significantly impact your quality of life.
What Causes a Torn Hip Labrum?
Several factors can contribute to a torn hip labrum, including:
Trauma
Direct injury to the hip, such as from a fall, car accident, or sports injury, can cause a tear.
Repetitive Motions
Activities that involve repetitive hip movements, like running or twisting, can wear down the labrum over time.
Structural Abnormalities
Conditions such as hip dysplasia or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) can increase the risk of a labral tear.
Degenerative Conditions
Osteoarthritis and other degenerative joint diseases can weaken the labrum, making it more susceptible to tears.
What Symptoms Will I Experience with a Torn Hip Labrum?
The symptoms of a torn hip labrum can vary depending on the severity of the tear and the individual. Common symptoms include:
Hip Pain
Often felt in the groin area or buttocks, and may worsen with activity.
Stiffness
Reduced range of motion in the hip joint.
Clicking or Locking
Sensation of the hip catching or locking during movement.
Instability
Feeling that the hip is giving way or is unstable.
Best Treatment Options for a Torn Hip Labrum
If home remedies do not provide sufficient relief, it is essential to seek professional medical treatment. At Evolve Medical Group, we offer a range of effective treatment options tailored to your specific needs:
Non-Surgical Treatments
Physical Therapy
Customized exercises to strengthen the muscles around the hip and improve flexibility.
Injections
Corticosteroid injections can reduce inflammation and provide pain relief.
Medications
Prescription pain relievers or anti-inflammatory drugs may be recommended.
Surgical Treatments
Hip Arthroscopy
A minimally invasive procedure where a small camera and instruments are used to repair or remove the damaged labrum.
Labral Reconstruction
In severe cases, the labrum may be reconstructed using tissue grafts.
What Should I Try at Home Before Seeing a Provider for a Torn Hip Labrum?
Before seeking professional medical help, there are several at-home remedies and lifestyle adjustments you can try to alleviate symptoms:
Rest
Avoid activities that exacerbate the pain, allowing the hip to heal.
Ice Therapy
Apply ice packs to the affected area for 15-20 minutes several times a day to reduce inflammation and pain.
Over-the-Counter Pain Relievers
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen can help manage pain and reduce swelling.
Gentle Stretching
Engage in light stretching exercises to maintain flexibility without putting too much strain on the hip joint.
Low-Impact Activities
Switch to low-impact exercises like swimming or cycling to stay active without aggravating the injury.
Our Process for Treating a Torn Hip Labrum
At Evolve Medical Group, we adopt a comprehensive and holistic approach to treating a torn hip labrum, ensuring that every aspect of your health and wellbeing is addressed. Our process includes:
Initial Consultation
- A thorough assessment of your medical history, symptoms, and lifestyle to understand the extent of the injury.
Diagnostic Imaging
- Utilizing advanced imaging techniques like MRI or X-rays to get a detailed view of the hip joint and confirm the diagnosis.
Personalized Treatment Plan
- Based on the diagnosis, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include a combination of physical therapy, medications, and possibly surgical intervention.
Holistic Care
- Incorporating wellness treatments such as cryotherapy, infrared saunas, and massage therapy to support overall recovery and enhance your quality of life.
Ongoing Support
- Regular follow-up appointments to monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed, ensuring optimal recovery.
At Evolve Medical Group, we pride ourselves on our supportive staff and effective, personalized care. We understand that a torn hip labrum can be a challenging condition to manage, and we are committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcome.
For more information on our services, including skin rejuvenation, body contouring, and wellness treatments, expolore our website or contact us. Our holistic approach addresses mind, body, and spirit, ensuring you receive the comprehensive care you deserve.
How Evolve evaluates it
Your provider asks how the pain started, which movements trigger it, and whether you feel clicking, locking or giving way, and goes over your health history and goals. The exam usually includes moving your hip into positions that can bring on the pain, which helps narrow down the source.
Because hip and groin pain has many possible causes, imaging may be recommended when needed. Your provider then explains the findings and, if appropriate, suggests a personalized plan with follow-up along the way.
Options your provider may discuss
FAQ
Questions, answered.
Your provider will answer anything else at your consultation.
Can a regular MRI show a labral tear?
Not always. Small labral tears can be hard to see on a standard MRI. When the diagnosis is uncertain, a provider may recommend an MR arthrogram, an MRI taken after contrast dye is injected into the joint. X-rays are also often used to look at the shape of the hip bones, which can play a part in labral tears.
Does a tear on my scan explain my pain?
Not always. Labral tears sometimes show up on scans of people who have no hip pain, so a tear on imaging doesn’t automatically mean it’s the source of your symptoms. Your provider weighs the scan alongside your history and exam, and looks at other possible causes such as tendon problems, arthritis or pain coming from the back.
Does a torn labrum always need surgery?
No. Many people start with conservative care such as physical therapy and activity changes. Surgery is generally considered when symptoms continue despite that care, or when the shape of the hip is contributing to the problem. If your provider thinks a surgical opinion makes sense, they may recommend a referral and explain how other options fit alongside it.
Is hip clicking always a sign of a tear?
No. Many hips click or snap without any damage, often because a tendon slides over a bony edge. Clicking matters more when it comes with pain, catching, locking or a feeling of giving way. Mention any clicking to your provider, along with what you’re doing when it happens, since that helps narrow down the cause.
Locations
Six offices across South Texas
Not every office offers every treatment. Call the office you would like to visit to confirm before you book.
- San Antonio area
Stone Oak
20627 Huebner Rd, Suite 101
San Antonio, TX 78258(210) 526-4633 (Stone Oak) - San Antonio area
Dominion
22211 W Interstate 10
San Antonio, TX 78257(210) 783-7333 (Dominion) - San Antonio area
Quarry Market
255 E Basse Rd, Suite 1505
San Antonio, TX 78209(210) 866-3131 (Quarry Market) - San Antonio area
Live Oak
8000 Pat Booker Rd, Suite 104
Live Oak, TX 78233(210) 940-1001 (Live Oak) - Seguin
Seguin
315 N Austin St
Seguin, TX 78155(830) 549-5005 (Seguin) - Corpus Christi
Corpus Christi
5702 S Staples St, Suite E1
Corpus Christi, TX 78413(361) 225-3457 (Corpus Christi)
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