Hip and groin injuries
Hip and groin pain often has more than one source contributing. Specialist sports medicine assessment maps out which structures are driving symptoms and builds a plan that addresses each in the right order.
Hip and groin pain is a region where multiple structures often contribute together: the joint, the surrounding tendons, the abdominal wall, and the spine all refer pain into the same broad area. Specialist sport and exercise medicine assessment separates the contributors and builds a plan that addresses each in the right order.
Common hip and groin problems we see
Hip impingement and labral tears
Groin or hip pain with movement, twisting and deep bending.
Read more Outer hipGluteal tendinopathy
Pain on the outside of the hip, often worse lying on that side.
Read more GroinAdductor and athletic groin pain
Groin pain in running, kicking and change-of-direction sports.
Read more Wear and tearHip osteoarthritis
Wear-related hip pain, and how to stay active and manage it.
Read more
Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI) and labral tears
FAI describes a hip where the bony shape of the femoral head and acetabulum produces impingement during movement. It commonly causes deep groin pain, particularly with deep flexion and rotation, and may be associated with labral tears. Imaging often shows changes; the question in clinic is whether those changes explain the symptoms.
Many patients with FAI and labral pathology can be managed non-surgically with structured rehabilitation. Hip arthroscopy is an option for selected cases, with evidence of benefit in carefully chosen patients.
Gluteal tendinopathy
Pain over the outer hip is often gluteal tendinopathy rather than "trochanteric bursitis". The bursa is involved, but the underlying issue is usually load-related changes in the gluteus medius and minimus tendons. Treatment is structured loading, with good evidence for an exercise-led approach over passive treatments alone.
Adductor and athletic groin pain
Adductor-related groin pain is the most common athletic groin pattern, particularly in change-of-direction sports. Athletic groin pain is commonly classified into adductor-related, iliopsoas-related, inguinal-related, pubic-related, and hip-related, with the recognition that several often coexist.
Specialist assessment maps which patterns are contributing and builds a graded loading and conditioning programme. Imaging is selectively used.
Hip osteoarthritis
Hip osteoarthritis presents as groin pain, often referred to the front of the thigh or the buttock. Like knee osteoarthritis, the cornerstone is education, structured exercise, and weight management, with surgical options for those who need them. See osteoarthritis clinic.
Common questions
Should I have hip surgery for FAI?
Some patients benefit; others do well without. The consultation reviews your imaging, examination, and goals to lay out the trade-offs.
I am told I have "bursitis" but it is not getting better
The label "bursitis" is often given when gluteal tendinopathy is a contributing issue. It's important to consider all the factors in diagnosis and management.
Can hip pain come from the back?
Yes. Lumbar spine and sacroiliac issues can refer into the hip and groin. Specialist assessment often considers both.
