MUSCLE STRAIN (HIP)

A hip strain occurs when one of the muscles supporting the hip joint is stretched beyond its limit or torn, and is usually caused by either a fall or direct blow to the muscle area, but can also result from an overuse injury. Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the injury. The strain may be a simple stretch in your muscle or tendon, or it may be a partial or complete tear of muscle fibres or of the muscle and tendon in combination.  The chances of having a hip muscle strain are increased if there has been a previous injury in the area, or if there was no warming-up period prior to exercise.  

The most common symptoms of a hip muscle strain are pain in the area, which may be associated with swelling, limited ability to move the hip, some weakness, and occasionally a limp.

Following a full physical examination of the hip and leg, occasionally imaging studies are ordered to exclude other causes.  In particular, X-rays are used to rule out a stress fracture.  Less commonly, ultrasound examination or MRI scans are required.

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The lower abdominal muscles and hip flexor muscles are often involved in a hip strain.

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The lower abdominal muscles and hip flexor muscles are often involved in a hip strain.

Initial Treatment

Initial treatment aims at relieving swelling and pain.  The RICE protocol should initially be followed for most mild to moderate strains, and this includes:

• R-Rest – Avoid or limit bearing excess weight on the hip.  Crutches may be used for the first few days.
• I-Ice – Ice the affected area for 20 minutes every 2 hours to decrease swelling.
• C-Compression – A bandage or elasticised support (such as Skins) can be applied.
• E-Elevation – Elevate the injured area above the level of your heart.

Anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed to reduce swelling and pain. After the initial two days, application of heat to the area using hot soaks or heating pads may be advised. Avoid the activities that caused the strain for 2 weeks. During this period, simple stretching and strengthening exercises can be done to regain muscle strength.

Surgical Treatment

Severe injuries in which the muscle fibres or tendons are completely torn may require surgery in order to return to normal function and movement. Surgery typically involves stitching the torn pieces back together, usually followed by a more modified and prolonged rehabilitation phase.

Many severe hip strains are successfully treated without surgery. Your doctor will discuss the treatment options that best meet your individual health needs.

Preventing Hip Strains

In most cases, you should avoid the activity that caused your injury for 10 to14 days. A severe muscle strain may require a longer period of recovery. If your pain returns when you resume more strenuous activity, however, discontinue what you are doing and go back to easier activities that do not cause pain.

You can take the following precautions to help prevent muscle strains in the future:

• Condition your muscles with a regular program of exercise. Ask A/Prof Woodgate about exercise programs for people of your age and activity level.
• Warm up before any exercise session or sports activity, including practice. A good warm up prepares your body for more intense activity. It gets your blood flowing, raises your muscle temperature, and increases your breathing rate. Warming up gives your body time to adjust to the demands of exercise. It increases your range of motion and reduces stiffness.
• Wear or use appropriate protective gear for your sport.
• Take time to cool down after exercise. Instead of performing a large number of rapid stretches, stretch slowly and gradually, holding each stretch to give your muscle time to respond and lengthen.
• Take the time needed to let your muscle heal before you return to sports. Wait until your muscle strength and flexibility return to preinjury levels.