Limited range of motion (LROM) in the hip is the inability to move the thigh bone fully through its normal arcs of flexion, extension, abduction, and rotation. The hip is a highly mobile ball-and-socket joint, designed for multi-directional movement and weight-bearing. Restriction signals an underlying issue originating from the bone structure, the joint’s internal surfaces, or the surrounding muscles and connective tissues. Identifying the specific source of this restriction is the first step toward restoring mobility.
Structural Issues Affecting the Joint Shape
Bony abnormalities in the ball (femoral head) or the socket (acetabulum) can cause a physical block that limits hip movement when malformed surfaces collide. Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI) is a common condition where the femur and acetabulum abnormally contact one another, especially during deep flexion and rotation.
FAI is categorized into Cam and Pincer types. Cam impingement involves an extra bump of bone on the femoral head-neck junction that prematurely jams into the acetabulum’s rim, damaging the cartilage and labrum. Pincer impingement is caused by an overgrowth of the acetabulum, creating excessive coverage over the femoral head. This “overcoverage” pinches the labrum between the bone and the femoral neck, physically blocking movement.
Hip dysplasia is another structural cause where the hip socket is abnormally shallow. While often associated with instability, a dysplastic hip can cause limited range of motion, particularly in abduction. The shallow socket places excessive load on the rim, causing early degeneration and stiffness.
Cartilage Loss and Inflammatory Conditions
Degeneration of the joint surface and internal inflammation contribute to progressive hip stiffness. Osteoarthritis (OA) is the most prevalent chronic condition, occurring when the protective articular cartilage wears away. As the cartilage deteriorates and the joint space narrows, bone may rub against bone, causing painful movement.
The body often responds to this wear-and-tear by growing bone spurs, known as osteophytes, around the joint margins. These bony overgrowths physically restrict the hip’s movement, especially rotation and extension. This bone-on-bone friction and the presence of osteophytes compound the stiffness and result in a progressive loss of flexibility.
Inflammatory forms of arthritis, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic Arthritis (PsA), restrict motion through autoimmune mechanisms. The immune system attacks the joint lining (synovium), causing inflammation and swelling within the joint capsule. The resulting thickening of the joint capsule and chronic inflammation leads to stiffness, which is often most noticeable after periods of rest, such as in the morning.
Restriction Due to Muscle and Connective Tissue
The surrounding soft tissues can dramatically limit movement even if the restriction does not originate inside the joint. Muscle contractures, particularly involving the hip flexors, are common, especially in individuals who spend prolonged periods sitting. When these muscles are held in a shortened position, they adaptively shorten and become less elastic, restricting the ability to fully extend the hip. This tightness can lead to difficulty standing fully upright and limit stride length during walking.
Tendinopathy, an issue affecting the tendons, can cause movement restriction due to associated pain. Gluteal tendinopathy affects the hip abductor muscles and causes pain on the outside of the hip. The intense pain from loading the irritated tendons causes a protective guarding that restricts movement during activities like walking or standing on one leg.
Adhesive capsulitis of the hip, sometimes called “frozen hip,” is a significant cause of global stiffness. This condition involves inflammation and subsequent fibrosis, or scarring, of the hip joint capsule. The capsule shrinks and thickens, mechanically restricting both active and passive movement. Rotational motions are often the most severely limited, making simple tasks like putting on socks extremely difficult.
When to Consult a Healthcare Professional
Prompt medical evaluation is warranted for a sudden onset of limited hip motion, especially if accompanied by severe or rapidly worsening pain. Symptoms such as joint locking, clicking, or pain that consistently wakes you up at night suggest a structural issue. If hip stiffness makes everyday activities difficult, such as walking or climbing stairs, seeking professional attention is advisable.
The diagnostic process begins with a physical examination to assess range of motion. Imaging studies like X-rays evaluate bony structure for conditions like FAI or arthritis. Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is used to visualize soft tissues, including the cartilage, labrum, and tendons, to determine the cause of the restriction. Treatment options vary widely, ranging from physical therapy and medication to injections or surgical intervention.