The iliopsoas muscle is a muscle that runs from the back and the pelvis and attaches to the femur. This muscle allows for flexion of the hip such as when pulling your knee up to your chest. With activity that involves repetitive hip flexing, tendonitis of the iliopsoas tendon as it connects to the femur may occur. This can cause pain, swelling, inflammation, and discomfort with hip flexing. Most cases of iliopsoas tendonitis are benign and conservative treatment is effective.
Rest
Rest is an effective treatment for iliopsoas tendonitis, states MedlinePlus, of the National Institutes of Health. In this case, the patient should avoid activity that aggravates the iliopsoas tendon or reduce the amount of hip flexion that is performed during certain activities so that the tendon can heal. In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a splint to keep the patient from bending the knee or hip. In addition to rest, a patient may apply a heat pack or an ice pack to the area that is causing the most paint.
Medications
MedlinePlus states that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, such as aspirin, ibuprofen, or naproxen can be used to treat both pain and inflammation associated with iliopsoas tendonitis. These medications are effective because they reduce chemical signals that cause pain and inflammation around the iliopsoas tendon. In more severe cases, a physician may recommend providing a steroid injection at the area of discomfort to reduce pain and inflammation around the tendon. Steroid injections are effective because they have strong anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce pain along the iliopsoas tendon over time.
Physical Therapy
In some cases, a physician may recommend physical therapy to treat iliopsoas tendonitis. Specifically, a physical therapist will teach the patient stretches and strengthening exercises that involve the hip, back, and leg to strengthen the iliopsoas muscle and tendon. Furthermore, a physical therapist may offer modalities, which include ice therapy, heat therapy, massage, and ultrasound to help heal the iliopsoas tendon. Physical therapy is only as effective as the patient's commitment to it by attending all physical therapy sessions and completing all recommended home exercises.
