A hip flexor problem or strain can be a serious injury for anyone, from professional athletes to casual fitness-minded people. Common in runners and athletes that must sprint and have rapid direction change for their sport, a hip flexor problem can sideline even the most conditioned and determined athlete.
Hip Flexor Problem Self Test
Because a hip flexor problem can be confused with a groin strain and a quadriceps strain, a simple self test can be performed. While sitting on a table, lift the effected knee toward your chest. Have a friend push down with moderate force on the leg while resisting. If pain is felt in the front of the hip or the leg gives under the pressure, its possible that a hip flexor strain has occurred.
Symptoms of a Hip Flexor Problem
The hip flexors work as a group to bring the leg up toward the chest and moving the leg forward when walking or running. The hip flexors are commonly strained from sports, overuse, improper exercise and sometimes lack of use.
Common symptoms of a hip flexor strain are pain in the front of the hip, often confused as groin pain. Pain is generally worse with lifting the leg up toward the chest.
Often accompanied with a hip flexor problem is knee pain. Because the quadriceps muscle also functions as a hip flexor when strained pain can be experienced in the knee.
Severity of Hip Flexor Injury
With any injury to a major muscle group the severity of the symptoms can vary. Some minor strains and inflammation can be worked through, pain is usually minor and gets better as the activity progresses. Simple stretching and ice will usually help to resolve the issue.
Moderate strains will often manifest as constant pain with sport and daily activities, often the pain gets worse with activity. This requires rest, stretching and ice to help alleviate the symptoms. Massage and physical therapy are very helpful with a hip flexor injury of this nature.
Severe strains will cause almost constant pain in the hip, knee and often the groin. activities can not be preformed without pain and a pronounced limp. A severe strain warrants a visit to a physician to rule out a more severe injury to the hip joint as well as the hip flexors.
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