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Hip Flexor Strain

What is a Hip Flexor Strain?

A hip flexor strain is an overuse injury to the flexor muscles of your hip and can range from a minor stretch injury to a complete tear of the muscle fibers or tendons.

The hip flexors are several muscles that allow the flexion movement (bending) of your hip and include the following:

  • Psoas major muscle
  • Iliacus muscle
  • Rectus femoris muscle
  • Pectineus muscle
  • Sartorius muscle

The severity of a hip flexor strain can grade as follows:

  • Grade 1 tear: A few muscle fibers are damaged
  • Grade 2 tear: Damage to significant muscle fibers with moderate loss of muscle function
  • Grade 3 tear: The muscles are torn or ruptured completely and you usually can’t walk without a limp

Causes

The common causes of a hip flexor strain include:

  • A fall or a slip
  • A sudden blow to the hip flexor muscles
  • Too much exercise in a short time
  • Activities involving repetitive movements such as cycling, jumping, dancing, martial arts, and football

Symptoms

You may experience a tearing or popping sound when the injury occurs. Common symptoms include:

  • Pain while stretching your leg or bending towards your torso
  • Muscle spasms at the thigh or hip
  • Tenderness, swelling and bruising around the hip

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of a hip flexor strain includes a review of your symptoms and medical history. A physical examination will be performed by your doctor to check the affected hip for pain, swelling, and inflammation. X-ray’s, CT-scan or MRI scanning may be ordered.

Treatment

Your doctor may suggest the following treatment options:

  • Rest: Rest your hip by refraining from the activities that may cause further injury.
  • Ice packs: Use of ice packs may be suggested to reduce inflammation.
  • Compression: Wrapping your hip with an elastic bandage or compression stocking can help minimize the swelling and support your hip.
  • Elevation: Elevating your leg above heart level will also help reduce swelling and pain.
  • Pain medications: A combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids may be used to manage pain.
  • Exercise: Physical therapy exercises will be taught to enhance your flexibility, range of motion and strength.

Grade 3 injuries may require surgery to repair the torn muscles and tendons.

Fox Valley Orthopedics

Geneva North

2535 Soderquist Court
Geneva, IL 60134

Geneva South

2525 Kaneville Road
Geneva, IL 60134

Elgin

1975 Lin Lor Ln
Plaza Suite
Elgin, IL 60123

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