Clicking, Catching or Locking in Your Hip: Could It Be Impingement?

What is hip impingement?

Femoroacetabular impingement syndrome, or FAI syndrome, is a hip condition involving symptoms, examination findings and changes in hip shape on imaging. The ball and socket may make contact earlier during certain movements.

A change in bone shape on a scan does not, by itself, mean you have the syndrome. Many people have similar imaging findings without pain.

Cam, pincer or mixed?

Both features can occur together. These descriptions help explain anatomy; treatment decisions also need to account for symptoms and function.

What symptoms can it cause?

FAI syndrome may cause deep groin pain, hip stiffness and discomfort with squatting, sitting or lunging. Some people experience catching, clicking, locking or giving way.

How is the cause assessed?

A clinician will ask about your symptoms and examine the hip. Depending on the findings, a specialist may arrange X-rays or MRI-based imaging to investigate the joint and surrounding structures.

The labrum is the cartilage rim around the socket. Labral problems can occur alongside impingement, but assessment is needed to decide which findings are relevant.

Bring any existing scan reports and explain how the problem affects sitting, walking, work and sport.

Start with an individual rehabilitation plan

Physiotherapy is usually an initial treatment. It may combine strengthening, movement control and adjustments to activities that provoke pain.

For example, reducing time in low chairs or temporarily changing the depth of a squat may make daily activities more manageable. Your therapist can guide a gradual return to demanding tasks.

Progress may take months. Review a plan that is not helping rather than repeatedly forcing painful movements.

Where do hip injections fit in?

An injection may be discussed as part of assessment or symptom management. It does not change the underlying bone shape.

Ultrasound guidance helps the clinician visualise needle placement. It cannot guarantee pain relief or remove all procedural risk.

If an injection is proposed, ask what is being injected, its purpose, likely benefit, risks and alternatives. Agree the aftercare and return-to-activity plan before proceeding.

Will I need surgery?

Surgery is an option for selected patients. A hip specialist can discuss whether arthroscopic or open surgery is appropriate alongside rehabilitation and other care.

A scan finding alone should not determine the decision. Discuss your symptoms, goals and treatment so far, together with the expected recovery, uncertainties and risks.

When should you seek help?

Arrange assessment if hip pain keeps returning, interrupts sleep or limits normal activities. Mention repeated painful catching or locking.

Seek an urgent GP appointment or NHS 111 advice for sudden severe pain without injury, a hot or swollen hip, or hip pain with fever or feeling unwell.