Have you been feeling a pain in your hip that just simply will not go away? When the hip flexor is strained, that means these muscles are either stretched or torn (strains/tears). The result is a pain in many activities throughout the day, making it almost impossible to live comfortably. You may not even realize this is what you are suffering from before it is to the point of being unbearable.
Once you start to think you may have a hip flexor strain, it is time to take a trip to the orthopedic doctor. At Paris Orthopedics, we have encountered many patients with issues presenting in the hip flexor. With this being the case, we know the basics that can help others find a solution to the problem in their own life.
Learning More About Hip Flexor Strains/Tears
Types Of Hip Flexor Strains/Tears
There are three common types of hip flexor tears to consider. They are often considered different grades. By understanding each of these, you can start considering what may be happening in your situation.
Grade 1: There are minor tears that cause only a few damaged muscle fibers
Grade 2: Moderate amount of damaged muscle fibers that can cause a loss of function
Grade 3: Muscle fibers tear entirely and may result in the inability to walk without a limp
Once it is determined by your doctor that there is a muscle tear, they can make the call on the grade. The grade of the tear can help to determine your treatment plan.
What Causes These Strains/Tears?
Many activities and movements can result in a hip flexor strain. This is often dependent on the lifestyle choices an individual is participating in throughout the day. Commonly, this stems from overuse of the muscle in an activity that the person is often doing. While there are many activities that can cause it, people who participate in sports such as dancing, cycling, soccer, and running.
What Are The Signs and Symptoms?
You may think of the apparent signs and symptoms of hip flexor strains/tears, but there are many others to consider. The most common symptom associated with this is sudden hip pain. This can start by ranging from mild to intense feelings in the hip.
From here, you may also begin to experience pain when lifting the leg to the chest or trying to stretch the hip muscles. There may also be bruising, swelling, and tenderness. When you start to feel these symptoms for more than 10 days, that is the time to start talking to your doctor about the possibility of a hip flexor muscle strain/tear.
How Can This Be Treated?
Your orthopedic doctor can help you decide the best treatment plan for your hip flexor strains/tears. Often, the tears can be treated with home remedies. These may include the following:
- Compression Wraps
- Rest
- Ice Pack
- Heat Pack
- Pain Medication
However, some cases are not resolved by these methods and may require physical therapy. That would include the intention of strengthening the hip flexor muscles over time. In severe cases, your orthopedic doctor may determine that surgery is necessary.
Don’t live your life in a world of pain with a hip flexor strain. Once you start to notice these signs and symptoms in your life, take the time to find the solution that fits your lifestyle. Sometimes your body needs some rest to get back to 100%. At Paris Orthopedics, we are here to help you find ways to alleviate pain without letting the condition take over your life. Are you interested in coming in for a consultation about hip flexor strains/tears. Find out more on our website or give us a call at (903) 737-0000 for more information.
