Hip Muscle Strain
Muscle strain occurs when a muscle fibre has been stretched or torn generally due to muscle fatigue, over stretching or a contusion (a fall or a direct blow). This is said to be as painful as a hip fracture and can be an acute pain or chronic depending on if the problem is recurrent.
Symptoms of Hip Muscle Strain
- Pain when movement is involved
- Tenderness
- Swelling (depending on severity of the strain)
- Redness
- Reduced mobility
Diagnosis of Hip Muscle Strain
If you come to the Hospital of St John & St Elizabeth, one of our world-class Consultants will do an initial physical examination, which will involve a serious of movements and stretches to better identify the problem area. This is to gain a better knowledge into which muscle in particular may be torn or strained. Next they will send you to our imaging department where we have the latest X-ray equipment that will rule out the possibility of a stress fracture or arthritis which have similar symptoms.
Treatment for Hip Muscle Strain
Depending on the severity and extend of the injury, the treatment plan you will be prescribed with will be varied. If the injury is classed as a minor muscle strain you will be advised to take anti-inflammatory drugs such as Ibuprofen or other pain medicines to ease pain and reduce any present swelling. This will go alongside with what is known as the RICE method:
- Rest
- Ice
- Compression
- Elevation
If the problem is discovered to be more serious then the Consultant may suggest heat therapy in addition to the above methods. This can consist of hot soaks, heat pads and even heat lamps. Although there are many types of hip injuries, hip muscle strain is one of the easiest to recover from.
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