Hip impingement, also known as femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), occurs when the femoral head (hip ball) collides with the acetabulum (cup of the hip). When this happens, the labrum (cartilage that surrounds the acetabulum) can be damaged, resulting in hip stiffness and pain, as well as the development of arthritis.
Nowadays, more athletes are being diagnosed with labral tears or impingement of the hip. This is very common in athletes who perform repeated hip flexions such as runners, hockey players, soccer players, martial arts competitors, wrestlers, skiers, and football players.