Muscle Strain of the Hip

One of the most common problems of the hip is a muscle strain or tear. This frequently occurs when an athlete tries to change directions, or start and stop suddenly. Frequently there is a sudden onset of pain and swelling. Walking may be difficult and running is nearly impossible.

The initial treatment of a muscle strain or tear is rest, letting the pain be the guide to activities. Ice is used for 48 hours followed by heat, stretching exercises, and then ice. Ice massages seem to be particularly helpful. Stretching exercises should be initiated as soon as the initial tenderness diminishes, usually within 24-48 hours. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines help reduce pain, tenderness, and swelling. The torn muscle tends to heal with scar tissue so it is important that the stretching exercises are done daily to preserve the length of the muscle and to prevent the scar tissue from contracting.

For more information about muscle strains of the hip, please call (918) 494-AOOK (2665).