The hip joint needs support to create movement. One group of muscles that do this, called the hip flexors, include the iliopsoas muscle and the rectus femoris. These muscles, located in front of the hip joint, help move the thigh forward. A range of injuries to the hip flexors may occur from trauma, overuse, tightness of the muscles or a lack of flexibility. Issues affecting the hip flexors include hip flexor strain, snapping hip syndrome and iliopsoas tendinitis.
Hip Flexor Strain
A strain occurs when muscles stretch or tear. According to the University of Buffalo Sports Medicine website, hip flexor strain happens from overuse of the muscles that make up the hip flexors. Athletes may find themselves at particular risk of developing hip flexor strains if their sports involve repetitive movement. This issue affecting the hip flexors presents as tenderness at the muscle, and treatment for the discomfort involves taking anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy rehabilitation and icing the affected area daily.
Snapping Hip Syndrome
Snapping hip syndrome, an issue affecting the hip flexors, presents as the feel or sound of something snapping in the hip. The snapping sound occurs when the tendon attached to the iliopsoas, one of the hip flexor muscles, scrapes across the bony part of the hip joint, according to the Institute for Sports Medicine at Children's Memorial Hospital. Another injury common in athletes, snapping hip syndrome may require rest but is not painful.
Iliopsoas Tendinitis
Iliopsoas tendinitis, also called iliopsoas syndrome, often goes undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, according to drpribut.com. This injury most commonly affects ballet dancers, runners, hurdlers, high jumpers and other athletes due to hip extension movements. This issue impacting hip flexors presents as groin pain, and sometimes correlates to lower back pain. Treatment options often include rest, stretching and strengthening the hip flexor muscles.
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