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Located in the lower back, pelvis, hips, groin, and thighs, hip flexors comprise a group of muscles. Flexion, the movement of the hip joint, is produced by these muscles as you move and tighten them. When you extend your leg, they help stabilize your spine. Hip flexor pain is common due to overuse of the muscles and tendons. Moreover, cycling, dancing, and sports are common causes of hip flexor pain.

In physically active individuals, such as runners, soccer players, and hockey players, hip flexor pain is a common complaint. Hip and/or groin pain are common symptoms. It can be difficult for some individuals to perform everyday activities, including tying shoes and climbing stairs. Fort Worth Pain Management offers comprehensive treatment for the causes and effects of this condition.

How Does Hip Flexor Pain Affect You?

A strain or injury to the hip flexors can lead to a variety of symptoms. These symptoms vary depending on the severity of the injury and the location of the injury. Pain may vary in intensity from a mild ache to a sharp one. A hip flexor strain may cause tightness and pain in the thigh, making it difficult to walk. 

Additionally, the following symptoms occur:

• Running or walking with pain Increased pain when bending your leg toward your chest 

• A spasm or cramp in the muscles Hip, groin, or thigh pain 

• Muscle pain when stretching the thighs or hips

• Tightness of the muscles after rest

• The site of pain may be swollen or bruised

• Symptoms of groin weakness

• Muscle aches

Strains of grade 3 may require surgery if they are severe. 

A physician will classify hip flexor strains based on the severity of the tear. As a general rule, most strains are classified as grade two. 

• The Grade 1 tear occurs when only a few fibers of the muscle are damaged. 

• In Grade 2, multiple muscle fibers are torn moderately, which can result in a reduction of mobility.

• When a Grade 3 tear occurs, it causes difficulty walking without limping.

Causes Of Hip Flexor Pain

The hip flexor region is commonly affected by hip or groin pain. Several movements, including kicking, pivoting, and moving the knee toward the chest, may make it more uncomfortable. The following factors may contribute to hip flexor pain:

1-  Hip Flexor Strain Or Tear

 Overextended muscles or tendons suffer strains or tears. A sudden movement usually results in hip flexor strains and tears. Changing directions while running is an example of this.

Grading muscle tears takes into account the intensity of pain, the loss of motion, and the degree of weakness within the affected area (from mild to severe).

2-  Hip Flexor Tendinopathy

A hip flexor tendinopathy may develop as a result of an acute injury, such as a fall or an automobile accident. As well as overuse, such as during running or gymnastics, the condition can also be caused by overuse. People suffer from this type of injury as their tendons lose their elasticity as they age.

3-  Iliopsoas Bursitis

An inflammation occurs in the bursa of the iliopsoas muscle. The Iliopsoas bursa is a small, fluid-filled sac that sits between the hip joint and the iliopsoas muscle. High-impact sports are often responsible for hip flexor injuries.

4-  Hip Impingement.

The most common cause of hip impingement in active adults is abnormal bone growth. Furthermore, this condition may cause pain in the hips and groins, as well as a decrease in the hip range of motion. Impingements of the hip can be classified into three types: cam impingements, pincer impingements, and combined impingements. Hip impingement is the result of abnormal bone growth.

5-  Hip Labral Tear

Among the affected areas of the hip are the labrums, which are flexible cartilages that surround the outer edges of the hip socket. It is therefore comfortable for the individual to move within the range of motion. A damaged hip joint is the cause of hip pain. In some cases, this condition may arise suddenly, while in other cases it may develop gradually over time. An athlete may suffer an injury of this type on a regular basis.

6-  Osteoarthritis 

Hip osteoarthritis results from the wear and tear of the hip cartilage. When people move, the ball and socket joints of the hip are less likely to rub against one another. A stiff and tender hip can result from this condition.

7-  Overuse

When hip flexor pain occurs, there may be no obvious underlying condition or injury. Overuse may be the root cause of such cases. In sports such as soccer or football, athletes who frequently run, kick, or turn may experience pain as a result of overuse.

8-  Pelvic Obliquity (Tilted Pelvis)

Medical professionals refer to a tilted or misaligned pelvis as pelvic obliquity. In addition to childbirth (in women), prolonged periods of sitting, inadequate stretching, and poor posture, there are a number of causes of pelvic obliquity. An obliquity of the pelvis may result in tightness of the hips or groins.

9-  Avascular Necrosis (Osteonecrosis)

Hip flexor pain is most commonly caused by avascular necrosis. An individual with this condition suffers from a reduced or absent supply of blood to a bone. Hip avascular necrosis may affect the groin, thigh, or buttocks. Joint trauma, such as fractures or dislocations, usually causes avascular necrosis. Additionally, excessive consumption of alcohol may also contribute to this condition.

When To See A Doctor

You should consult a hip pain doctor if none of the above strategies prove effective within one or two weeks, or if the pain becomes more severe.

The following conditions may also to consult pain management doctors

• You cannot walk, which may indicate a complete muscle tear

• The affected leg cannot be weighed

• Swelling of the hips suddenly

• A fever or redness around the hip flexor may indicate an infection

Hip Flexor Pain Treatment

Providing comprehensive care for neck patients is a specialty of Hillsboro Pain Management. To address the specific issues associated with hip pain, your professional will use a variety of treatment techniques. 

• Provide patients with protection, rest, ice, compression, and elevation. 

• There is, of course, no better treatment for pain or strains in the hip than physiotherapy.

• The use of soft tissue massage facilitates the release of tight structures.

There are other treatments as well.

• Joint mobilization of the low back and hips

• Stretching of the hips and groins

• Dry needling

• Medications that reduce inflammation

• Strengthening and extending your hips through exercises

• Educating Correcting biomechanical errors; a graded return to a sports program

• Treatment for mild to moderate hip flexor strains can take one to three weeks.

Final Thoughts

In order to receive a proper diagnosis, it is important to understand the causes of hip flexor pain. In this manner, you will be able to reduce the pain and ensure that your hip flexors are treated appropriately. A hip pain flexor can be alleviated with the help of Lancaster Pain Management.

With the assistance of Dr Ali pain management specialists, you will be able to alleviate pain and discomfort that hinder your quality of life. In order to alleviate hip flexor pain, we encourage you to speak with a member of our team, such as Dr Z.