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How do I Treat a Hip Strain?
A hip strain, also known as a hip flexor strain, is a small tear in the hip flexor muscles that results in pain in the hip area; these types of injuries range in severity from a grade 1 to a grade 3 tear, and the treatment options will vary depending on the severity of the injury. In general, as soon as you feel a hip strain occur, you should immediately stop what you are doing and apply ice to the area. It may also be necessary to visit a doctor to determine the degree of injury that has occurred, and to learn if physical therapy will be necessary to treat the strain.
Minor hip strains will typically just require rest and keeping weight off the injured side of the body, so some people will choose to use a cane to relieve pressure on the hip. This is because continued use of the muscle can cause the hip strain to worsen. It is absolutely necessary to stop participating in physical sports or activities such as jogging, which place extreme strain on the hip. For the first few days after the hip strain occurs, it is best to apply ice at regular intervals to reduce pain and inflammation. Just be sure to remove the ice every ten to twenty minutes to prevent damage to the skin.
In addition, taking an over-the-counter anti-inflammatory pain reliever can be helpful at initially reducing swelling and pain. Try not to sleep on that side at night, and sleep with a pillow between the legs to take pressure off the hips and prevent it from straining any more. If rest, ice, and pain relievers do not help the hip strain to begin feeling better within a few days, it will be necessary to visit a doctor for further assessment and treatment. If necessary, the doctor may recommend a period of physical therapy.
The physical therapy will help to strengthen the muscles that were injured, as well as increase flexibility and mobility in the area to prevent further injury. Depending on the extent of the injury, physical therapy may only be necessary for a few weeks, or it may be needed for a longer period of time. It is important to always follow the directions of the doctor and the physical therapist when treating a hip strain, because if the condition does not heal or gets worse, surgery might be necessary to repair the damage.
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![Jogging should be avoided when suffering from a hip strain.]()
By: MartinanJogging should be avoided when suffering from a hip strain. -
![When treating a hip strain it is absolutely necessary to cease participation in sporting activities.]()
By: Paco AyalaWhen treating a hip strain it is absolutely necessary to cease participation in sporting activities. -
![Physical therapy may be used to treat hip strain.]()
By: WavebreakmediaMicroPhysical therapy may be used to treat hip strain. -
![It's best not to sleep on a side where you have strained your hip.]()
By: Phase4PhotographyIt's best not to sleep on a side where you have strained your hip. -
![Ice therapy at regular intervals may help reduce hip pain and inflammation.]()
By: Kimberly ReinickIce therapy at regular intervals may help reduce hip pain and inflammation. -
![Surgery may be necessary to repair a severely strained hip.]()
By: WavebreakMediaMicroSurgery may be necessary to repair a severely strained hip.
Discussion Comments
I used to have recurrent hip strains until I started getting physical therapy. I went to therapy for six months and I continue to do hip strengthening exercises at home. I haven't had a strain since.
@turquoise-- I would actually recommend avoiding any exercise until seeing a doctor for a diagnosis and perhaps a physical therapist as well. Because several different conditions have similar symptoms to a strain, a hip muscle strain, hip flexor injury and hip bursitis can all mimic one another. Exercise can make things worse unless it's prescribed by a doctor.
Rest is the best treatment for hip strain. You have to avoid biking until it completely heals. Ice definitely helps and keep taking pain relievers to keep the inflammation down. If you don't feel better in another three to six days, you need to see a doctor.
I ride my bike all the time, I ride to and from work and sometimes I bike several hours on the weekend. For the past several days, I've had an intense hip pain that radiates to the groin area. I think I might have overdone the biking and strained it.
I applied ice the first day and have been taking pain relievers since. But the pain comes right back when the pain relievers wear off.
Is there anything else I can do? Should I try some stretching exercises?
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