Labral Tear Specialist
As many athletes know, pain in the hips along with a frequent locking or clicking sensation often spells bad news: the possibility of a labral tear. Given that a labral tear raises your risk for osteoarthritis down the line, it’s essential to get your symptoms checked out by an expert as soon as possible. Dr. Samuel Park at Specialty Orthopaedics in Hinsdale, Illinois, has extensive sports medicine training and experience as an orthopedic surgeon, and can quickly identify and treat any hip issues you have. Call the office to schedule your consultation or book your appointment online.
Labral Tear Q & A
What is a labral tear?
The outside of your hip socket features a small ring of cartilage called the labrum. This cartilage helps cushion the hip joint and keeps the joint in place throughout the day. When this cartilage tears, instability in the hip joint follows.
What are the symptoms of a labral tear?
Unfortunately, many labral tears don’t cause any symptoms, but can still contribute to the development of osteoarthritis. That’s why when you do experience any of the following symptoms, it’s essential you get them checked out:
- Pain in the hip or groin
- Hip stiffness or a reduced range of motion than usual
- A locking or clicking sensation in your hip joint
What causes a labral tear?
Labral tears tend to occur for one or more of the following reasons:
Pre-existing conditions
Some individuals are born with hip problems, such as structural abnormalities, that worsen over time. These can ultimately result in a labral tear.
Trauma
Sports or accidents that traumatize the hip can tear the labrum.
Repetitive motions
Wear and tear over time, particularly hip movements needed in specific sports such as tennis or golf, can wear down the labrum and eventually cause a tear.
How is a labral tear treated?
Dr. Park provides treatment based on the severity of your symptoms. For minor to moderate cases, you may recover through nonsurgical means. In this case, Dr. Park advises medications, rest, and physical therapy to relax, heal, and ultimately strengthen the labrum and surrounding muscle.
Major labral tears may require surgery to correct or remove the damaged tissue. Dr. Park performs an arthroscopic repair on your labrum, a minimally invasive procedure that allows fast recovery.
In either case, you’ll need plenty of exercise and physical activity to restore full mobility and regain any strength you lost following your injury. Dr. Park often assigns a physical therapist to help you stay on track and monitor your progress during your recovery plan.
If you’re an athlete and worry about the long-term health of your hips, an evaluation from Dr. Samuel Park at Specialty Orthopaedics in Illinois might be what you need to stay physically healthy. Call the Hinsdale location to schedule your consultation or request your appointment online.