Signs You May Have a Labral Tear of the Hip

Hip pain can disrupt daily life and limit your ability to move comfortably. One possible cause of persistent hip discomfort is a labral tear. This injury affects the ring of cartilage (labrum) that surrounds the hip socket, playing a crucial role in joint stability and smooth movement. Recognizing the signs early can help you seek the right orthopedic care and avoid worsening symptoms.

Here are some key signs that may indicate you have a labral tear of the hip.

Model of hip joint and the sites of hip labral tear

1. Pain in the C-Sign Distribution

One of the most distinctive symptoms of a labral tear is hip pain described as a deep ache or sharp sensation located in the front or side of the hip. Patients often describe this pain as a "C-sign," where they cup their hand in a C shape over the hip to indicate the area of discomfort.

• The pain may worsen with prolonged sitting, walking, or twisting motions.

• It can sometimes radiate to the groin or buttocks.

• This type of pain is different from general muscle soreness or arthritis discomfort because it tends to be more localized and persistent.

  
  

If you notice this specific pattern of pain, it’s a strong indicator that a hip issues like injury to the labrum might be involved.

2. Mechanical Symptoms Like Catching and Clicking

Another common sign of a labral tear is the presence of mechanical symptoms during hip movement. These include:

• Catching: A sensation that the hip gets stuck or locked during certain movements.

• Clicking or popping: Audible or palpable sounds when moving the hip, especially during activities like walking, squatting, or rotating the leg.

  
  

These symptoms occur because the torn labrum can interfere with the smooth motion of the hip joint, causing irregular contact between the ball and socket. The joint may feel unstable or giving way.

Patients often report that these sensations are uncomfortable and sometimes painful, making it difficult to perform everyday tasks.

3. Signs of Hip Impingement and Labral Tear

Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), often accompanies labral tears. It happens when the bones of the hip joint do not fit together perfectly, causing abnormal contact and damage to the labrum.

Look for these signs of impingement:

• Pain during hip flexion, such as when lifting the knee toward the chest.

• Reduced range of motion, especially internal rotation (twisting motion) of the hip.

• Discomfort during activities that require deep bending or twisting.

  
  

Orthopedic specialists often use specific physical tests to detect impingement, which can help confirm the presence of a labral tear.

4. Stiffness and Limited Hip Mobility

A torn labrum can cause the hip joint to feel stiff or tight. This stiffness may limit your ability to move the hip freely, affecting activities like:

• Walking up stairs

• Squatting or kneeling

• Crossing your legs

  
  

This limitation happens because the damaged cartilage disrupts the joint’s normal function, leading to inflammation and muscle guarding around the hip.

If you notice increasing stiffness along with pain, it’s important to get an orthopedic evaluation.

5. Symptoms Worsen with Activity

Labral tears often cause symptoms that worsen with physical activity. For example:

• Running or jumping may increase hip pain.

• Prolonged standing or walking can lead to discomfort.

• Sports involving twisting or pivoting motions may trigger catching or clicking.

  
  

This pattern helps differentiate a labral tear from other causes of hip pain, such as muscle strains or arthritis, which may have different activity-related symptoms.

What to Do If You Suspect a Labral Tear

If you experience these signs, it’s important to consult an orthopedic specialist like Atul Kamath, MD, a hip preservation expert. They will perform a detailed physical exam and may order imaging tests like MRI arthrograms to confirm the diagnosis.

Early diagnosis can help prevent further damage and guide treatment options, which may include:

• Physical therapy focused on strengthening and improving hip mechanics.

• Activity modification to reduce stress on the hip.

• Pain injection and oral anti-inflammatories.

• In some cases, minimally invasive surgery to repair the torn labrum (e.g. hip arthroscopy / outpatient surgery).

  
  

Understanding your symptoms and seeking timely care can improve your chances of a full recovery.