Hip pain affects millions of people, and it can take many different forms. A large number of people report experiencing hip flexor pain. Aches, pain and stiffness of the muscles and connective tissue that help lift the upper leg to the torso or enable you to bend at the waist.
Patients typically experience hip flexor pain in the groin region or the front of the hips and it can be worsened by movements like kicking, changing direction suddenly or any activity that requires lifting the leg such as climbing stairs.
Hip flexor pain are muscle strains and minor ligament sprains can be caused by overuse. These less serious acute injuries generally heal in a short period of time with minimal treatment. However, chronic or recurring hip flexor pain may be a sign of a more serious injury.
If you’re searching for relief from hip flexor pain, or general hip pain and would like to learn more about potential causes, please read the following information. If you have any questions or would like to find out more about your treatment options, don’t hesitate to reach out to the caring team at Outpatient Joint Replacement Center of America (OJRCA).
Overview of Hip Flexor Anatomy and Hip Flexor Pain
The hip flexors consist of several muscles that do the work of lifting the upper leg toward the upper body or enabling us to bend at hips. These muscles and accompanying tendons include the iliopsoas, which are two very large muscles that start in the lower back, extend through the hips and connect to the thigh bone. Another major hip flexor muscle is the rectus femoris, which is part of the quadriceps and extends over the thigh bone from the hips to the knee.
We put a large amount of stress on the hip flexor muscles during daily activities. This is especially true for people who work physical jobs or athletes. If these muscles and tendons become overworked, small tears can develop that cause hip pain. These small tears are essentially what cause muscle strains and ligament sprains, respectively.
Other Causes of Hip Flexor Pain Include Labral Tears, Bursitis, Hip Impingement and arthritis
Strains and sprains in the upper leg and hips aren’t the only potential sources of hip flexor pain and hip pain. For example, tears can develop in the labrum, which is a soft ring of cartilage that surrounds and is attached to the hip socket. This type of hip pain is often described as a dull ache or a sharp catch in the front of the hip or groin.
Hip bursitis is inflammation of small fluid-filled sacs that help allow the muscles around the hip to glide against the thigh bone. A specific type of hip bursitis is iliopsoas bursitis in the hip flexor area.
Another injury that can cause similar symptoms to hip flexor pain is hip impingement. This is usually caused by abnormal bone development or growth and can result in groin pain and reduced range of motion in the upper leg.
Finally, arthritis is an extremely common cause of hip pain as everyone gets older, particularly osteoarthritis resulting from age-related degeneration of cartilage and other soft tissue. Arthritis symptoms can be wide-ranging, from aches and stiffness in the inner hip, to hip flexor and groin pain in the front of the hips.
Diagnosing and Treating Hip Flexor Pain
For hip flexor pain that does not improve in a few days to a week at the most, patients should seek help from a qualified medical professional. A correct diagnosis and treatment plan can give you the best chance of a positive outcome and good long-term quality of life.
Your doctor will review your medical history to find out if you are predisposed to certain conditions or injuries, or if they run in your family.
Another important step is a physical evaluation that includes hands-on examinations and range-of-motion tests. This can help to pinpoint the source of hip pain. Diagnostic testing and imagery may be used to reach a positive diagnosis or rule out other conditions.
Upon diagnosis, the specific course of treatment will depend on the source of hip flexor pain. Most minor injuries require rest, ice, compression, elevation and possibly over-the-counter medication to manage symptoms while the affected tissue heals.
More serious injuries or conditions can also benefit from physical therapy. Another promising area of treatment are injections, such as platelet-rich plasma injections, amniotic fluid injections or viscosupplementation, that are designed to help the body’s natural healing and regeneration process.
Is Surgery Ever Recommended for Hip Flexor Pain?
Surgery for hip flexor pain is typically only indicated for severe issues such as muscle or ligament tears and ruptures or fractures.
Another potential reason for surgery is hip joint damage caused by different forms of arthritis or long-term wear and tear on the joint. In these situations, a hip replacement surgery may help relieve pain and restore function on a long-term basis.
Experience the OJRCA Difference
For patients exploring hip replacement surgery who have misgivings about highly invasive inpatient procedures, there is an alternative. Continuing development of surgical techniques and state-of-the-art technology enable a muscle, tendon, tissue-sparing approach that allows for full use and motion of the hip immediately after the procedure. The decreased incision sizes, most between three and five inches help promote a streamlined, outpatient procedure.
At OJRCA, we combine these techniques with our unique multimodal pain prevention protocol that has revolutionized joint replacement recovery. The result is a reduced risk of complication and a shorter recovery compared to traditional approaches to hip replacement surgery.
To learn more about your options for hip pain relief, contact one of our representatives today or call us at (813) 492-4607. We will work with you to develop an individualized treatment plan that can help you find lasting relief from hip flexor pain.
