The labrum is a ring of cartilage that surrounds the socket of your hip joint. This cartilage cushions the joint, keeps the ball of the hip bone securely in place, and helps the joint move smoothly. A labral tear happens when this cartilage gets damaged or pulled from the bone.
It can occur suddenly, like during a fall or a sudden twist. It can also develop gradually over time due to repetitive stress, muscle imbalances, or structural issues with the joint. Athletes, dancers, and people with hip impingement are especially at risk, but labral tears can affect anyone.
Symptoms of a labral tear can be easy to mistake for other hip issues, like a tight hip flexor or pulled groin. That’s why it’s crucial to get a clear diagnosis from a team that understands how to tell the difference. At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare in San Diego, Temecula, and Encinitas, California, David Chao, MD, and his team have extensive experience with such injuries.
Here, we explain what a labral tear in the hip feels like, what symptoms to watch for, and how it’s diagnosed and treated.
Labral tear symptoms can vary from person to person, but there are some common signs. Many people describe a deep, hard-to-reach ache in the front of their hip or groin. At first, it might only show up when you make certain movements, like stepping into a car or twisting while you walk. But over time, the discomfort will become chronic.
You may also notice clicking, locking, or catching sensations in your hip. They result from the torn cartilage getting in the way of normal joint movement. That can make your hip feel unstable or like something is stuck.
Some people describe occasional sharp, stabbing pain during activity, followed by a lingering soreness afterward. Others find that pain spreads into the buttock, thigh, or even lower back, making it easy to confuse with other musculoskeletal issues.
Labral tears typically fall into two categories: acute and degenerative.
Acute tears happen suddenly and are often seen in athletes or active people. Acute tears may follow your making a fall, a sudden pivot, or a sharp twist while your foot is planted. You might feel a pop or immediate discomfort.
Degenerative tears develop gradually, often from years of repetitive stress or subtle abnormalities in hip structure, like femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), where the hip bones rub in a way that causes the labrum to fray over time. People with these tears often experience vague pain that worsens with time and activity.
Because labral tear symptoms overlap with other hip or pelvic issues, imaging helps us confirm a diagnosis. At OasisMD, we begin with a detailed look into your symptoms, lifestyle, and activity level. Then, we’ll perform a physical exam, checking your range of motion, strength, and joint stability.
From there, we may recommend advanced imaging like MRI arthrography, which uses contrast dye to highlight the labrum and reveal even subtle tears. In some cases, a joint injection may be used to confirm whether the labrum is the source of your pain.
Not all labral tears require surgery. Many people respond well to conservative treatment, especially if the tear is small or the symptoms are manageable. Treatment at OasisMD often begins with physical therapy focused on strengthening the muscles around the hip and improving flexibility.
We’ll also work with you on modifying certain activities to reduce stress on the joint without forcing you to give up the things you love. For more severe or persistent tears, arthroscopic surgery may be recommended. This minimally invasive procedure allows us to repair or remove the damaged part of the labrum through small incisions, with less downtime than traditional surgery.
A hip labral tear can be hard to recognize, but it can have a serious impact on your quality of life. If you’re dealing with deep hip pain, clicking, catching, or stiffness that isn’t improving, it’s worth getting checked out, especially if it’s starting to affect how you move.
At OasisMD Lifestyle Healthcare, we specialize in diagnosing and treating complex joint issues like labral tears. Schedule your consultation with us today.
