Hip pain after playing soccer or basketball can be one of several things

Q. I’m a 25-year-old recreational athlete who has had pain in both hips for two years. I enjoy playing basketball and soccer and I am limited to how much I can compete. The pain is worse the more I play and it continues to bother me the day after. The pain is worst with hip motion and I feel a catching sensation radiating to my groin sometimes. I saw my family doctor who ordered an X-ray and nothing was broken or out of place. Is there a solution for my problem?

A. There are several possible reasons for your hip pain based on the symptoms you have related. A common source of pain in both hips in an athlete is an impingement syndrome. Impingement symptoms are caused by an abnormal bony contour of the hip bones. This deformity can lead to a tearing of a cartilage in the hip joint called the labrum. Hip impingement can lead to pain, catching and a loss of motion.

Arthritis of the hip can also result in hip and groin pain that worsens with activity. Sports hernias also can be the source of chronic groin discomfort either in one hip or both.

I recommend you see an orthopedic surgeon who specializes in sports medicine. The doctor will examine you to help determine the most likely diagnosis. Special X-rays can help determine the type and degree of hip impingement. An MRI scan can assess the degree of cartilage or labral damage and check for a sports hernia injury.

Most of these conditions can be treated successfully in terms of pain relief and return to sports.

Dr. Harlan Selesnick is team physician of the Miami Heat and director of Miami Sports Medicine Fellowship, Doctors Hospital. Send your questions to HarlanS@baptisthealth.net