Hip Flexor Strain - Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Introduction:

Anyone experiences hip pain while doing everyday activities but most commonly seen among athletes due to sports activities. A hip strain occurs when the hip muscles stretch beyond their limit or are torn. The strain may be mild, moderate, or severe. Although home remedies help to recover from hip strain, severe strains require physical therapy as severe strain limits hip movement.

What Is the Anatomy of Hip Strain?

• The thigh bones and pelvic bones make up the hip joint.

• In hip strain, muscles and tendons are injured. (Tendons are fibrous tissue that connects muscles to bones).

• Hip strains occur at the junction of the muscles and tendons.

• The strain may be localized in the muscle or tendon, or it may be a partial or complete tear of muscles or tendons.

• Once the muscle is injured, it is more prone to re-injury.

• Repeated strain in the hip and pelvic muscles results in a sports hernia.

What Are the Hip Flexor Grades?

• Grade 1: It is a minor tear where the hip functions normally.

• Grade 2: A moderate amount of muscle fiber is damaged, and there is a loss of hip function.

• Grade 3: The muscle fiber is completely torn, and there is a complete loss of function.

What Are the Causes of Hip Flexor Strain?

• Acute injury - Fall, stretch injury, and direct blow during contact sports.

• Overuse.

• Activities include repetitive movements.

• Prior injury.

• Tightness of the muscle.

• Failure to warm up before exercising.

• Increasing the frequency and intensity of physical activity.

• Exhaustion.

What Are the Symptoms of Hip Flexor Strain?

• Pain.

• Tenderness.

• Swelling.

• Limited range of motion.

• Muscle weakness.

How to Diagnose Hip Flexor Strain?

History and Physical Examination:

• A medical history will be obtained by the physician.

• Next, the physician will examine for pain and tenderness over the hip and leg region.

• During the physical examination, the physician will apply pressure over the leg and hip muscles and also move the hip and leg in various directions to assess the range of motion.

• The physician asks to do stretches and movements to determine which muscle is injured.

X-rays:

• X-rays help to rule out stress fractures of the hip.

• In most cases, no other additional imaging tests are required for diagnosis.

What Is the Treatment of Hip Flexor Strain?

• Rest: After the injury, one should avoid doing activities that stress the hip muscles for the first few days.

• Ice: Ice compression immediately after an injury helps to reduce swelling. Should give ice compression for twenty minutes at a time.

• Compression: The use of an elastic bandage or wrapping with a soft bandage helps to reduce additional swelling in the injured area.

• Elevation: After an injury, rest the leg raised above the heart level.

• Pain Killers: Using Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs helps to reduce the symptoms.

• Use of Crutches: The use of crutches for a few days helps to reduce the stress on the hip.

• Non-surgical Treatment: The main aim of medical treatment is to relieve pain and restore the function and strength of the affected area.

• Heat Therapy: Ice compression is given as soon as after the injury. However, after seventy-two hours after injury, ice compression is replaced with heat therapy- which includes soaking in a hot bath to relieve pain and improve range of motion.

• Home Exercise Program: Specific strengthening and stretching exercises help to strengthen the hip muscles and help to improve muscle endurance and flexibility.

• Physical Therapy: A physical therapist will plan a rehabilitation exercise program for an individual to improve strength and function under the prescription of the physician.

• Surgical Treatment: Severe injuries require surgical management, where the tendons are completely removed from the bone. Surgery aims to reattach the torn tendon back to the bone.

When Will the Person Recover From the Hip Strain?

• The person should stop doing the activity that causes the strain for about ten to fourteen days.

• A severe strain will take longer to heal.

• On returning to regular physical activity, if the person experiences pain, then they should stop doing the activity and should proceed with easier tasks that do not cause pain.

What Are the Precautionary Steps to Prevent Muscle Strain in the Future?

• Should practice the muscle with a regular exercise program.

• Should warm up before starting any physical activity, including practice sessions.

• A good warm-up helps to prepare the body for intense activity, improves blood flow, raises muscle temperature, and increases breathing rate. It also increases the range of motion and reduces stiffness.

• Wearing appropriate protective gear.

• Should follow cool-down exercises after finishing the activity.

• Instead of performing rapid stretches, the person can practice gradual and slower stretches that give time for the muscles to respond and lengthen.

• Should take proper rest to heal before returning to sports.

• Should wait until the muscle strength and flexibility return to the previous injury level.

What Are Hip Rehabilitation Exercises?

Stretching Exercises:

Standing Iliotibial Band Stretch:

• Stand next to the wall and then cross the leg that is close to the wall over the other leg.

• Lean the hip towards the wall until a stretch is felt outside of the hip. Hold for thirty seconds.

• Repeat on the other side and repeat the entire sequence four times a day.

Seated Rotation Stretch:

• Sit on the floor with both legs straight and cross one leg over the other.

• Slowly twist the hip toward the bent leg putting the hand behind for support.

• Place the opposite arm on the shoulder and twist further. Look over the shoulder and hold for thirty seconds. Slowly come back to normal position.

• Repeat with the other side and repeat the entire sequence four times a day.

Knee to Chest:

• Lie on the floor with the legs straight.

• Bend one knee and grasp the shinbone with both hands.

• Gently pull the knee towards the chest as much as possible. Hold for thirty seconds, and then relax for thirty seconds.

• Repeat with another leg and repeat the entire sequence four times a day.

Supine Hamstring Stretch:

• Lie on the floor with knees bent and lift one leg off the floor and bring the knee towards the chest. Clasp behind the thigh with the help of hands and pull it gently towards the head until a stretch is felt.

• Hold for thirty seconds.

• Repeat on the other side and repeat the entire sequence four times a day.

Conclusion:

After injury or surgery, rehabilitation programs help to return to daily activities and enjoy a more active, healthy lifestyle. Following a structured conditioning program helps the athletes to return to sports and other recreational activities. The individual should perform the rehabilitation exercises under the physician's guidance.