The hip flexor is a collection of muscles within the upper thigh that help people bend over and lift their knees. Athletes who frequently jump or kick, such as martial artists or soccer players, are at the highest risk of sustaining a hip flexor injury. A doctor should be consulted if a person develops hip flexor injury symptoms.
Tenderness and Pain
The primary symptom associated with a hip flexor injury is pain within the upper region of the thigh near the pelvis, Kapi'olani Orthopaedic Associates reports. If the hip flexor injury is due to overuse, small tears will accumulate along the hip flexor muscles, causing pain that progresses over time. A partial or complete tear of the hip flexor muscle can cause sudden or intense pain. If left untreated, pain and tenderness will become more severe.
Swelling
Overstretching or tearing the hip flexor can inflame and irritate the hip flexor muscles. People who sustain a hip flexor injury can experience hip or groin swelling as a symptom of this condition, Roland Jeffery Physiotherapy Sports Injury Clinic explains. Swelling is typically accompanied by hip tenderness or pain and occurs more frequently following moderate to severe hip flexor injuries. Allowing the hip flexor to rest can help reduce swelling in affected people.
Hip Stiffness or Difficulty Walking
Inflammation within the upper thigh due to a hip flexor injury can result in hip stiffness. When this occurs, affected people can have difficulty lifting the knee, running or walking. Stiffness and restricted movement generally occur in conjunction with hip or upper thigh pain. Physical therapy may be necessary to restore normal function and flexibility to the damaged hip flexor.
