If you could see your hip in person, you’d likely note that it looks like a ball and socket. The acetabulum is the socket, and the femoral head is the ball. The acetabulum is covered by soft tissue called the labrum.
The labrum is responsible for allowing the femoral head to move throughout the socket without resistance. It’s the reason you can walk without feeling pain. It also seals the socket in place without letting the ball and socket touch.
Labrum tears are often due to trauma related to repetitive, high-impact movements. You can also get a labrum tear due to structural issues or degenerative health conditions.
If you tear your labrum, you can expect to experience a variety of symptoms. Hip pain and stiffness are common, and you also might notice pain in the buttocks or groin area. It’s also common to notice a feeling of instability while standing and walking. Some people also hear a clicking sound when they walk.
It is important to seek treatment after tearing your labrum. Failure to do so could make the condition worse.