Overview
The large bones that make up the hip joint also serve as anchors for several muscles. Some of these muscles move down the thigh to the knee. Other muscles move across the abdomen or the buttocks. When overuse or injury stretches or tears the muscle fibers, the resulting injury is called a strain. Muscle strains frequently occur in the hip area when a stretched muscle is forced to contract suddenly. A fall or direct blow to the muscle (called a contusion), overstretching, and overuse can tear muscle fibers, resulting in a strain. The risk of muscle strain increases if you had a prior injury in the area, if you do not warm up properly before exercising, or if you attempt to do too much too quickly. Strains may be mild, moderate, or severe, depending on the extent of the injury.
Symptoms
Pain over the injured muscle
Using the muscle aggravates the pain
Swelling
Loss of strength
Diagnosis
Physical examination and medical history consultation
X-ray
Treatment
RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation)
Aspirin/ibuprofen
Heat therapy
Stretching and strengthening exercises
Activity modification