Hip tightness or soreness after exercise isn’t always normal-especially if it keeps coming back. What feels like muscle fatigue could be an early sign of hip impingement, a condition that can worsen without proper care. These could be early signs of hip impingement. Understanding the warning signs now can protect your joints for years to come. Here’s what every active man should know.
What Is Hip Impingement-and Why It Matters
Your hip works like a ball-and-socket, with the round top of the thigh bone fitting into a cup-shaped part of the pelvis—similar to how a baseball fits into a glove. Normally, the ball moves smoothly in the socket. But if there's a problem with the shape of the ball or the socket, it can cause the bones to rub together. This is called hip impingement , or femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), and it can lead to early osteoarthritis in the hip.1 The condition is particularly common in active men who participate in sports like basketball, soccer, weightlifting, running, or cycling.
Why Active Lifestyles Increase Risk
Men who push their bodies hard in training may unknowingly aggravate joint abnormalities. The repetitive motion and forceful impact can accelerate wear-and-tear in hips already prone to FAI due to bone structure. Even highly conditioned athletes can face long-term joint problems if early warning signs are dismissed.
Early Symptoms of Hip Impingement in Men
- Persistent tightness in the groin or front of the hip, especially post-exercise
- Sharp or dull pain during twisting, squatting, or prolonged sitting
- Clicking, locking, or catching sensations in the hip
- Decreased flexibility or range of motion
- Morning stiffness that eases with movement
These symptoms often start subtly and progress over time. Ignoring them can increase your risk for labral tears or early-onset arthritis.
Next Steps: Diagnosis and Relief
A clinical exam and imaging like X-rays or MRI can confirm hip impingement. Depending on the severity, non-surgical options like physical therapy, anti-inflammatory treatments, or guided activity modifications may be enough. In advanced cases, minimally invasive hip arthroscopy can reshape the joint and relieve symptoms effectively.
Expert Hip & Groin Care in NYC/NJ
When flexibility fades, it could be more than age! If you're experiencing groin discomfort or limited motion, book a consultation with Dr. Bharam hip and groin specialist dedicated to serving the NYC and NJ area. Early action leads to faster recovery and long-term relief.
AUTHOR: Srino Bharam MD, MBA is a board-certified, fellowship-trained sports medicine orthopedic surgeon and professor of orthopedic surgery specializing in the treatment of athletic injuries of the hip and groin. Dr. Bharam has over 20 years of experience in treating injuries and conditions of the hip to restore athletes and patients to an active lifestyle.
