höftflexorstrain

A hip flexor strain, often referred to as a pulled hip flexor, is an injury to one or more of the muscles located at the front of the hip that are responsible for bringing the thigh towards the torso. These muscles include the iliacus and psoas muscles, collectively known as the iliopsoas, as well as the rectus femoris, sartorius, and tensor fasciae latae.

The injury typically occurs during activities that involve sudden acceleration, sprinting, kicking, or forceful hip extension. A strain can range from a mild stretch of the muscle fibers to a complete tear. Symptoms of a hip flexor strain can include a sudden sharp pain in the front of the hip or groin, tenderness to the touch, stiffness, limited range of motion in the hip, and sometimes bruising or swelling. Pain may worsen when walking, running, climbing stairs, or lifting the knee towards the chest.

Diagnosis is usually based on a physical examination and the patient's reported symptoms and mechanism of injury. In some cases, imaging tests such as an ultrasound or MRI may be used to confirm the diagnosis and assess the severity of the tear.

Treatment for a hip flexor strain generally involves rest, ice, compression, and elevation (RICE). Pain management may include over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers. Once the initial pain and inflammation subside, a rehabilitation program involving stretching and strengthening exercises is crucial to restore full function and prevent re-injury. The recovery time varies depending on the severity of the strain, but mild strains may heal within a few weeks, while more severe tears can take several months.