- Blog
Ischiofemoral Impingement of the Hip
Posted on 05-10-2025 in Hip Pain by Dr. Matthew Mai
Ischiofemoral Impingement (IFI) is a lesser-known but often painful condition affecting the hip joint. This condition arises when the ischium (a bone in the pelvis) and the femur (the thigh bone) come into abnormal contact, which compresses soft tissues surrounding the hip. While the discomfort typically manifests in the buttocks or groin, particularly when moving the hip or walking, it can also present as low back pain, making it challenging to diagnose early. Additional symptoms and causes include discomfort during prolonged sitting, reduced range of motion, stiffness and/or tightness in the hip area.
Certain individuals are more prone to developing Ischiofemoral Impingement due to specific factors, including:
- Active Individuals & Athletes: Those participating in sports requiring repetitive hip movements, such as soccer, gymnastics, and martial arts, are at increased risk.
- Middle-Aged to Older Adults: Age-related changes in the hip joint, such as osteoarthritis or abductor muscle weakness, can lead to IFI.
- Women: Due to differences in pelvic anatomy and hip biomechanics, females, particularly those with a history of childbirth or pelvic issues, are more susceptible to this condition.
- Individuals with Hip Abnormalities: Hip dysplasia, femoroacetabular impingement (FAI), or post-surgical changes in the hip structure may predispose someone to develop IFI.
- Patients with Previous Back or Hip Surgery: Lumbar spine fusions or prior hip surgeries may alter biomechanics and increase the likelihood of IFI.
Accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment. A thorough physical examination by an orthopedic specialist is typically the first step. Imaging studies like X-rays, MRIs, or CT scans are often used to assess the severity of the impingement. It's important to note that traditional imaging may not always detect IFI, especially if the imaging was conducted with the feet turned in or with hip flexion.
IFI can be treated both non-surgically and surgically, depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's response to conservative therapies. For many patients, lifestyle modifications and non-invasive treatments can significantly reduce symptoms. For patients who don't find relief through conservative treatments, surgery may be necessary and include procedures such as Arthroscopic Decompression, Open Surgical Correction, Hip Arthroplasty (Hip Replacement) or Femoral Osteotomy.
Ischiofemoral Impingement can be a debilitating condition, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, many patients experience significant improvement. Whether through lifestyle changes, physical therapy, or surgical intervention, consulting with an orthopeadic specialist is essential to explore the best course of action for lasting relief from hip pain. Learn more about our experienced hip specialist, Dr. Matthew Mai or use our online appointment request form to book your visit with him today.
Check out some of our related posts:
Diagnosing & Managing Arthritis
Arthritis represents a wide variety of joint inflammation diseases. Patients most often have chronic Arthritis in their wrists, hands, and fingers, experiencing flares of inflammation, soreness or stiffness affecting the joints. As we recently wrapped up Bone & Joint Action Week, this is an excellent opportunity to bring awareness to the most common categories of Arthritis, proactive methods for pain prevention and available treatment solutions.
Arthritis and Hyaluronic Acid
Arthritis literally translates to “inflammation of the joint” and describes the degenerative process through which a joint space loses its “cushioning,” whether are the result of injury, illness or the natural process of aging. It is the leading cause of musculoskeletal pain and can be found in almost every part of the body, from the shoulder all the way down to the smallest joint of the toe. Our joints are intricate structures shaped from cartilage, bone, muscle and connective tissue, all of which can gradually weaken over time or be damaged by acute injury. While there are more than one hundred known types of arthritis, the three most common forms are osteoarthritis, which is by far the most prevalent; rheumatoid arthritis, which is caused by the body’s own immune system generating a chronic inflammatory response in the joints; and post-traumatic arthritis, which is caused by the lingering structural damage of acute injuries.
What You Should Know About Wrist Arthritis
Research from the National Library of Medicine states that one in seven people in the United States suffers from some form of wrist arthritis. That estimate indicates that just over 13% of the American population experiences discomfort, inflammation or limited range in motion due to this condition. As we usher in the month of May and recognize National Arthritis Awareness Month, we want to emphasize wrist arthritis and provide an overview of the condition, symptoms to be aware of, treatment options, and tips for managing its symptoms.