Hip Strain

Injury to the muscles and tendons attached to the trochanter, the large end of the femur (thigh bone) that forms part of the hip joint. Muscles, tendons and bone comprise units. These units stabilize the hip joint and allow its motion. A strain occurs at the weakest part of a unit. Strains are of 3 types:

• Mild (Grade I) - Slightly pulled muscle without tearing of muscle or tendon fibers. There is no loss of strength.
• Moderate (Grade II) - Tearing of fibers in a muscle, tendon or at the attachment to bone. Strength is diminished.
• Severe (Grade III) - Rupture of the muscle-tendon-bone, attachment with separation of fibers. Severe strain requires surgical repair. Chronic strains are caused by overuse. Acute strains are caused by direct injury or overstress.

BODY PARTS INVOLVED

• Trochanter of the femur.
• Muscles or tendons that attach to the trochanter.
• Soft tissue surrounding the strain, including nerves, periosteum (covering to bone), blood vessels and lymph vessels.

Causes

• Prolonged overuse of muscle-tendon units in the buttock area or around the hip joint.
• Single violent injury or force applied to the muscle-tendon units in the region of the buttocks and hip joint.

Signs & Symptoms

• Pain when moving, stretching or twisting.
• Muscle spasm in the hip area.
• Swelling around the injury.
• Loss of strength (moderate or severe strain).
• Crepitation ("crackling") feeling and sound when the injured area is pressed with fingers.
• Calcification of muscles or tendons (visible with X-rays).
• There may be a loss of strength in the muscle.

Treatment

Follow your doctor's instructions. Instructions are supplemental.

• Use ice massage 3 or 4 times a day for 15 minutes at a time.Fill a large styrofoam cup with water and freeze. Tear a small amount of foam from the top so ice protrudes. Massage firmly over the injured area in a circle about the size of a softball.
• After the first 24 hours, apply heat instead of ice, if it feels better. Use heat lamps, hot soaks, hot showers, heating pads, or heat liniments and ointments.
• Take whirlpool treatments, if available.
• Massage gently and often to provide comfort and decrease swelling.

MEDICATION

• For minor discomfort, you may use:Aspirin, acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Topical liniments and ointments.
• Your doctor may prescribe: Stronger pain relievers. Injection of a long-acting local anesthetic to reduce pain. Injections of corticosteroids, such as triamcinolone, to reduce inflammation.

Home Diet

Eat a well-balanced diet that includes extra protein, such as meat, fish, poultry, cheese, milk and eggs. Increase fiber and fluid intake to prevent constipation that may result from decreased activity.

Prevention Tips

• Participate in a strengthening and conditioning program appropriate for your sport.
• Warm up before stretching; warming up first enables you to stretch more effectively.
• Wear or use appropriate protective gear during sports.