A guide to sports related hip injuries

A Guide To Sports Related Hip Injuries

Sports related hip injuries are a common type of injury amongst athletes, alongside trauma or strain to the groin, knees, feet and shoulders. In a study of injuries in collegiate athletes, hip/groin injuries formed an overall injury rate of 53.06 per 100,000 athlete-exposures, and hip and groin pain is estimated to account for between 5 to 6% of all sports injuries. Fortunately, there are a range of treatment paths for hip injury, and in many cases, surgery is not required.

Mr Jerome Davidson, consultant and orthopaedic hip surgeon, explains, “For individuals who play sports, injury is a common worry – the last thing you’d want is to have to take an extended break from your sport that could compromise your performance – or worse, have to stop playing or competing altogether. However, with the right measures in place for prevention, and knowledge of treatment options should an injury occur, you can protect your future in sport.”

Injury prevention begins with education. Below, we explore sports related hip injuries, how to lower your risk of injury (whether you’re an athlete or weekend warrior), and what treatment options are available.

Why are hip injuries common in people who play sports? 

The hip joint is one of the largest and most hard-working joints in the body. It provides both stability and mobility, allowing you to sprint, twist, jump and kick. Because it endures high loads and repetitive movement, it is particularly prone to injury.

Sports that demand frequent change of direction or explosive movements, such as football, martial arts, and basketball, place extra strain on the hip. Endurance sports like long-distance running also increase risk, as the repetitive impact can lead to stress-related injuries. Even sports considered “low contact” can create issues if training is unbalanced, recovery is neglected or the body is pushed too hard.

What are some of the most common hip injuries in sports? 

Hip injuries vary in severity, from temporary strains to long-term conditions. The most frequent issues athletes present with include:

  • Muscle strains and tendon injuries, often caused by overuse, sudden movement or inadequate warm-ups and cool-downs
  • Labral tears, where the cartilage rim that cushions the hip socket becomes damaged, leading to pain or a “catching” sensation
  • Femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), a structural mismatch between the hip ball and socket that can cause pain during flexion or rotation
  • Trochanteric bursitis, an inflammation of the fluid-filled sacs that cushion the hip joint
  • Stress fractures – small cracks in the bone, which are commonly seen in long-distance runners
  • Snapping hip syndrome, which is where tendons flick over the bone, creating an audible snapping sound and sensation
  • Osteoarthritis – a longer-term wear and tear condition that leads to the break down of cartilage (the smooth connective tissue between the joints), and can develop after repeated injuries or overuse

Types of hip injuries

Hip injuries can be broadly divided into soft tissue injuries and bony injuries.

Soft tissue injuries:

  • Muscle strains
  • Labral tears
  • Tendon injuries
  • Bursitis
  • Snapping hip syndrome
  • Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI)

Bony injuries:

  • Stress fractures
  • Fractures and dislocations
  • Osteoarthritis (although degenerative, this condition relates to damage within the joint surfaces, so is often grouped here)
  • Osteitis Pubis

How to prevent hip injuries when you play sports

While no prevention strategy is foolproof, you can significantly reduce your risk by focusing on preparation, technique and recovery. You should be encouraged to follow evidence-based exercise programmes during recovery or as part of injury prevention. Targeted strengthening and mobility exercises can help restore normal movement and reduce pain before structural damage occurs. 

Prevention may include:

  • Warming up properly: A dynamic warm-up increases blood flow and flexibility before high-intensity movement.
  • Strengthen supporting muscles: Particularly the glutes, core and thighs, to provide stability.
  • Balance training load and rest: Overtraining is a leading cause of stress-related hip injuries.
  • Check technique and equipment: Poor form or inadequate footwear can contribute to injury.
  • Listen to your body: Persistent pain or stiffness should not be ignored. Early intervention can prevent small problems becoming major setbacks.

Alternatives to hip surgery and hip replacement

Seeing an orthopaedic surgeon does not automatically mean surgery. In fact, many hip problems can be effectively managed without an operation.The BOA/RCSEng Commissioning Guide: Pain Arising from the Hip in Adults outlines standard pathways for managing hip pain in the UK without immediately resorting to surgery, favouring a stepwise approach of conservative care, imaging only when needed, and referring to surgery when all else fails.

Conservative treatments may include:

  • Pain relief and anti-inflammatory medication
  • Physiotherapy programmes tailored to restore strength and flexibility
  • Weight management, which reduces pressure on the hip joint
  • Low-impact exercise such as swimming, Pilates or cycling, to maintain mobility without stress
  • Joint injections, such as corticosteroids or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), to reduce inflammation and encourage recovery

When is surgery considered?

Hip surgery may be recommended if conservative measures fail to relieve symptoms, or in cases of significant structural damage. Procedures can range from hip arthroscopy (minimally invasive keyhole surgery to repair labral tears or impingement) to hip replacement in cases of advanced arthritis.

The good news is that, with prompt diagnosis,early treatment and the right rehabilitation, many athletes recover fully and return to sport without ever needing an operation.

Are you concerned about sports related hip injury?

Hip injuries are not the end! With good prevention habits, early specialist input and a wide range of treatments available, most individuals can get back to the activities they love, and often stronger than before.

If you are concerned about an injury, don’t hesitate to book a consultation with Mr Jerome Davidson. It’s important to note that speaking with an orthopaedic surgeon doesn’t mean surgery is required; but as an expert in hip surgery, Mr Davidson can advise on the best methods for prevention as well as non-surgical treatment.

Book now using our online service, or by calling 020 8168 0111.