Anyone who plays rugby will know that it’s a physically demanding sport. Whatever level you’re at you need strength, power, endurance, speed and agility on the field. This can place a lot of stress and wear on the body, especially the hip joint. Our guide to dealing with common hip injuries can help you identify any issues as soon as they arise and point you in the right direction for treatment.
What are the most common hip injuries?
Labral tear
This is a tear in the cartilage (the labrum) that lines the hip socket, or acetabulum, and holds the femoral head, or ball, at the top of the thighbone securely within this socket. It can be caused by a sudden trauma, such as a fall or a blow to the hip joint, or by incorrect training routines that put stress on the hip joint.
You might notice that your hip is stiff or ‘pops’ when you move your leg. Labral tears can cause pain in the hip or groin, which can feel worse if you’re standing or sitting for a long time.
Hamstring strain or tear
This occurs when the hamstring, a tendon at the back of the thigh which connects your thigh muscle to the bone, is strained or partially or completely torn. Strains or tears can happen during sudden, powerful movements such as sprinting, jumping, lunging or overstretching – all of which are common on the rugby field.
Typical symptoms of a hamstring strain or tear include a sharp pain at the back of the thigh, swelling and/or bruising and difficulty walking. You might also notice that your hamstring feels less flexible.
Femoroacetabular impingement
Femoroacetabular impingement (or FAI) develops when the hip ball and socket come into contact. It’s usually caused by irregularities in the shape of the ball or socket - or both.
Symptoms vary from person to person, but most commonly include a reduction in your range of movement, stiffness or a ‘locking’ sensation in the hip and groin pain that worsens when you pivot or change direction suddenly.
Hip fracture
In rare cases, you might suffer a hip fracture because of a high-impact tackle or collision. A hip fracture occurs when the femoral neck, or the upper part of the thighbone (the femur), or the region between the hip joint and the top of the thighbone breaks.
A fractured hip will be very painful, and it’s unlikely you’ll be able to bear any weight or carry out the full range of movement. You’ll also notice swelling and bruising around the hip.
If you suspect you may have fractured your hip, you should call 999 or make your way to your nearest A&E department.
What are my treatment options for hip injuries caused by playing rugby?
Depending on the injury, there are several options available to you:
Rest, ice, compression and elevation (RICE)
Hamstring tears often respond well to rest, for the torn tissue to repair. Applying ice, compression and elevating the affected area can also help reduce pain and swelling. It’s important not to rush back into playing; your Physiotherapist or GP will be able to advise on a graduated return to activity.
Medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen or paracetamol can reduce inflammation and help you to manage hip pain.
Steroid injections
Cortisone steroids can provide temporary pain relief from hip pain.
Physiotherapy
Physiotherapists can develop a specific exercise programme to help stretch and strengthen your hip muscles and improve the stability of your hip joint. At Benenden Hospital, our Physiotherapists are experts in the treatment of musculoskeletal injuries, especially because of sport.
Hip surgery
Serious injury, such as severe labral or hamstring tears or a hip fracture may require surgery to repair or remove damaged tissue or pin or replace the hip joint.
What can I do to prevent hip injuries in the future?
It’s important to reduce the risk of further injury by taking your time in returning to sport. Ensure that you warm-up adequately and use proper technique during the game. Speak to your Physiotherapist or Sports Coach about arranging a biomechanical assessment; this is a detailed look at your walking and running style - how the hips, knees and feet move during exercise.
Treatment for sport-related hip injuries at Benenden Hospital
At Benenden Hospital, we can help you throughout your sporting injury recovery journey. If you’re suffering from ongoing symptoms of a sports injury relating to your hip, you can book an appointment with one of our private GPs or Physiotherapists, who can refer you to one of our experienced Orthopaedic or Podiatric Consultants to discuss treatment options.
Book your initial consultation online, by completing an online enquiry form or by calling our Private Patient team on 01580 363158.
Published on 11 April 2025