Hip flexors are situated on the front of the hip and lift the fascia or bend the waist down or forward if the limbs are fixed. These muscles are used a lot in biking, kicking, running and jumping activities. Every time a new load is placed on the muscle or repetitive stresses are encountered without rest, the muscle can stretch or tear.
Cause of injury
Stress on the hip flexor muscles without sufficient time for recovery. Excessive stress placed without strengthening and warm-up on the muscles. Improper type when running, cycling or other actions. Forceful hyperextension of the leg at the hip.
Signs and symptoms
Pain in the upper groin area over the anterior part of the hip. Inflammation and tenderness over the hip flexor.
Complications unattended
Hip flexor strains left untreated can become chronic and lead to inflexible muscles that could lead to other injuries. The muscle could also continue to rip resulting in a complete rupture in the attachment.
Immediate treatment
Cessation of this activity. Ice the region. X-ray for bone chips or fracture.
Rehabilitation and prevention
Use of proper equipment and strengthening the muscles around the hip for extra padding and protection. Unfortunately, there isn’t a lot which can be done to prevent contact or falling with the hip area.
Rehabilitation includes rest until the pain subsides, then gradual reintroduction on the action. Any activities causing pain should be stopped before the area is pain-free.
Long-term prognosis
Hip pointers cause long-term handicap and most athletes can return after a rehabilitation period and treatment. Surgery is seldom required except in fracture cases.
