Living with a hip labrum tear can make everyday movements like sitting, walking, squatting, or turning feel uncomfortable or unreliable. Many people notice pain during work, sports, or long periods of sitting, which can affect sleep and mood over time. Imaging studies show labral changes are common, even in people without pain, which means symptoms, not scans alone, guide care decisions1,2. The good news is that many people improve with the right mix of education, movement, and gradual strengthening.
What are the symptoms of a hip labrum tear?
- Deep pain in the front of the hip or groin, often described as aching or sharp
- Catching, clicking, or locking sensations in the hip
- Pain with sitting for long periods, squatting, or twisting
- Stiffness or limited hip movement, especially into deep bends
- Pain during sports that involve cutting, pivoting, or quick direction changes
- Disrupted sleep due to hip discomfort
Did you know?
Many hip labrum tears show up on MRI scans in people who have no pain at all. This is why treatment decisions focus on symptoms and function, not imaging alone2,6.
What causes a hip labrum tear?
A hip labrum tear often develops when the hip joint is repeatedly stressed in positions it does not tolerate well. Certain bone shapes can increase pressure inside the joint, making the labrum more likely to fray or tear over time.
Common contributors include:
- Femoroacetabular impingement, where hip bones rub during motion
- Shallow hip sockets that overload the labrum
- Repetitive bending, twisting, or pivoting activities
- Sudden trauma, such as a fall or sports collision
- High training loads without enough recovery
These factors can irritate the labrum gradually rather than causing a single clear injury1,3.
When should I see a doctor?
Most hip pain does not require urgent care. However, you should see a doctor if:
- Hip pain lasts longer than a few weeks despite rest and activity changes
- Pain limits walking, work, or daily activities
- The hip catches or locks frequently
- Pain follows a significant injury
Seek a doctor right away if you notice:
Get urgent medical care if you have severe pain with fever, cannot put weight on the leg after trauma, or have unexplained night pain or weight loss.
How is a hip labrum tear treated?
Most people improve with active, non-surgical care focused on movement and strength rather than rest alone. Treatment is usually step-by-step, starting with the least invasive options.
Typical approaches include:
- Education and activity changes to reduce painful movements
- Exercise-based rehabilitation to strengthen the hips and core
- Short-term use of anti-inflammatory medications for symptom relief
- Injections for temporary pain relief in select cases
- Surgery only when symptoms remain severe after several months of structured care
Many people notice meaningful improvement within 6 to 12 weeks of targeted rehabilitation, with continued gains over 3 to 6 months4,5.
Sword's approach
Sword Health helps people manage pain and movement issues with expert-guided AI care you can use from home. Our model combines clinical support with modern technology, designed to work around your life.
Sword makes recovery easier and more accessible. You get high-quality care at home, guided by clinicians and supported by smart technology.
- Care that adapts to your progress in real time
- Licensed experts guiding every step
- Simple, non-invasive, evidence-based programs
- Proven results for pain relief, movement, and satisfaction
Clinical insight
