What Are the Symptoms of a Labral Tear in the Hip?
There are often no signs or symptoms associated with a labral tear in the hip, but if symptoms do occur, they may include pain and stiffness in the hip joint, according to Mayo Clinic. Someone with a labral tear may also hear a clicking sound from the hip joint.
A labral tear in the hip involves the labrum, which acts like a rubber seal to hold the ball of the leg bone into the socket of the hip, explains Mayo Clinic. Those who participate in certain sports, such as soccer, ice hockey, golfing, ballet or football, are at higher risk of developing a tear in the labrum. It is also possible to tear the labrum due to structural abnormalities.
Many labral tears heal on their own, but treatment methods can include medication, therapy and surgical procedures, notes Mayo Clinic. Medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and naproxen may help to reduce inflammation and pain. Corticosteroid injections may also help to reduce pain. Physical therapy can ease the symptoms of a torn labrum in the hip as well.
If conservative treatments do not relieve symptoms of a labral tear in the hip, arthroscopic surgery is an option, states Mayo Clinic. Through this procedure, a small fiber-optic camera goes through the skin into the area around the hip. The doctor may then remove the torn piece of labrum or sew it back together.
