Hip Strain
What is a Hip Strain?
Hip strain occurs when a muscle or tendon supporting the hip joint is excessively stretched or torn. Hip strains generally occur where the muscle meets the tendon. The severity of hip strain can vary, but very severe cases can affect your mobility.
What Causes a Hip Strain?
Hip strain may be caused by:
- Injury or trauma to the hip, like from a fall, a stretch injury, or impact while playing sports
- Repetitive movements of the hip causing damage to the muscles
- Muscle tightness
- Muscle tightness
- Improperly warming up prior to exercise
- Exercise that is too intense
- Physical exhaustion or deconditioning
Hip Strain Symptoms
Symptoms of hip strain may include:
- Hip pain, especially when moving
- Hip swelling
- Limited motion
- Muscle weakness
Hip Strain Diagnosis
Our hip specialists can determine if your hip pain is a result of a strain. Your doctor will take your medical history and perform a physical examination. During the exam, your doctor will check for tenderness and swelling of the legs and hip and do a variety of stretches to assess your mobility and determine where the strain is located. Your doctor may order X-rays as well to rule out fracture or other injuries, but usually no other imaging is necessary.
Hip Strain Treatment
Our hip specialists can develop a treatment plan that is right for you. Your doctor may recommend:
- Rest
- Applying ice to the affected area
- Lightly wrapping the area with a bandage
- Elevating the leg above the heart’
- Elevating the leg above the heart’
- Anti-inflammatory medication
- Physical Therapy
- Surgery, if necessary