The hip flexors are a group of muscles toward the front of the hip. They help you move or flex your leg and knee up towards your body. A hip flexor strain occurs when one or more of the hip flexor muscles becomes stretched or torn.
How do you treat a hip flexor injury?
Hip Flexor Strain Treatment
Most hip flexor injuries can be treated at home and don’t require prescription medications or invasive procedures. Your doctor may suggest applying ice to the affected area in 10- to 15-minute increments. They will also recommend you avoid activities that will overuse your hip flexors.
How do you know if you have a torn hip flexor?
The most common symptom someone with a hip flexor tear or strain will have is hip pain. However, other symptoms may include swelling, bruising, and tenderness. A hip flexor tear or strain can be diagnosed in a full medical exam by your doctor.
How long does a hip flexor take to heal?
Recovery time for minor tears to hip flexors takes around two or three weeks. More significant tears can take up to six weeks. Severe hip injuries and tears can take closer to eight weeks to heal.
What does hip flexor pain feel like?
A hip flexor strain can be felt in the front area where your thigh meets the hip. Depending on the extent of damage sustained, a hip flexor strain may be felt either as mild pain or a sharp and cramping one that can make it hard for you to walk without limping.
Can you walk with a torn hip flexor?
Grade I tear: a minor tear, in which only a few fibers are damaged. Grade II tear: a significant number of muscle fibers are damaged and you have a moderate loss of hip flexor function. Grade III tear: the muscle is completely ruptured or torn, and you usually can’t walk without a limp.
What are the first signs of hip problems?
What Are the First Signs of Hip Problems?
- Hip Pain or Groin Pain. This pain is usually located between the hip and the knee. …
- Stiffness. A common symptom of stiffness in the hip is difficulty putting on your shoes or socks. …
- Limping. …
- Swelling and Tenderness of the Hip.
How do I know if I pulled my groin or hip flexor?
Signs and symptoms of a hip flexor strain:
Pain in the front of the hip or in the groin. Pain, tenderness, and weakness when walking or climbing stairs. Pain when lifting the knee toward the chest. Pulling sensation in the front of the hip or in the groin.
Where is hip flexor pain located?
Hip flexor pain is usually felt in the upper groin region, where the thigh meets the pelvis. To avoid hip flexor pain, you should pay more attention to these muscles, Dr. Siegrist explains. When you are seated, your knees are bent and your hip muscles are flexed and often tighten up or become shortened.
How do you know if a hip injury is serious?
Seek immediate medical attention
- A joint that appears deformed.
- Inability to move your leg or hip.
- Inability to bear weight on the affected leg.
- Intense pain.
- Sudden swelling.
- Any signs of infection (fever, chills, redness)
Is walking good for hip pain?
Running and jumping can make hip pain from arthritis and bursitis worse, so it’s best to avoid them. Walking is a better choice, advises Humphrey.
How do I know if my pain is from my hip?
So, what are the highlights? If pain is in the front of the hip/groin region and radiates down the thigh to the knee, it is most likely a hip issue. If pain is in the back of the hip/buttocks region and radiates down the hamstring to the calf, it is most likely a spine issue.
Can you break your hip and still walk?
Hip Fracture Symptoms
Some people with hip fractures can still walk. They might just complain of vague pain in their hips, butt, thighs, groin or back. If your doctor thinks you’ve got a broken hip, they’ll ask questions about any recent injuries or falls. They’ll do a physical exam and take X-rays.
How can I tell if I have a hairline fracture in my hip?
Signs and symptoms of a hip fracture include:
- Inability to get up from a fall or to walk.
- Severe pain in your hip or groin.
- Inability to put weight on your leg on the side of your injured hip.
- Bruising and swelling in and around your hip area.
- Shorter leg on the side of your injured hip.
What does a hairline hip fracture feel like?
Most patients with stress fractures of the hip feel pain in the front of the groin while standing and moving. Rest usually makes the pain go away. Patients may limp. Strenuous activities, such as running and climbing stairs, may be so painful the patient must stop doing them.
