Hip, Pelvis And Groin Injuries
What is a 'hip flexor strain'?
A hip flexor is one of the muscles that brings the leg up. The most common are those of the front of the thigh, the erectus femoras and a group of muscles called the soas, which is deep in the abdominal area and runs to the hip. A hip flexor injury usually comes about through kicking or rapid acceleration. Dancers commonly get hip flexor problems.
How should a 'hip flexor strain' be treated?
Hip flexor strain should be treated with, first of all, rest, ice, compression and elevation. After the acute phase, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, such as Advil, Motrin, Naprosin or even aspirin, and then a slow stretching program with both active and passive stretching.
What is a 'groin strain'?
A groin strain or a groin pull is generally a strain of the abductor muscles, the muscles on the inner side of the thigh as they connect to the pelvis. Usually, it happens with rapid change of directions. It can be common for skaters, and also for jumpers. Again, it is an itis or an inflammation of the tendons, the abduct tendons, of the hip and leg.
How should a 'groin strain' be treated?
These strains are treated with rest, ice, compression, elevation, non-steroidal anti-inflammatories such as Advil, Motrin, aspirin, slow stretching and slow return to activities, good warm-up and a slow stretch afterwards.
What causes prolonged groin pain?
When I have a patient that comes in with prolonged groin pain, you have to start looking at other factors such as problems within the hip, problems in the pelvis area, it could be a hernia, it could be degenerative arthritis of the hip, it could be something called avascular necrosis of the hip. But then if something does not get better within the first six weeks of a groin strain or hip flexor strain, we have to start looking for other etiologies or other causes of the problem.
