The hip flexors are a group of muscles located at the front of your hips and the top of your thighs, connecting your torso to your legs. These muscles enable you to lift your knees towards your chest, bend forward at the waist, and are active during everyday actions like walking, running, and climbing stairs. Pain in this region often indicates an issue with these muscles.
Where Hip Flexor Pain Manifests
Hip flexor pain commonly presents in specific areas. Discomfort is often felt at the front of the hip, where the thigh meets the pelvis, and frequently extends into the groin region. The iliopsoas muscle, a primary hip flexor, can cause deep aching pain in the front of the hip and groin.
Discomfort can also radiate into the upper thigh, particularly near the hip crease, and in some instances, may be felt in the lower abdomen or even refer to the lower back. The rectus femoris, part of the quadriceps group, also contributes to hip flexion and can cause pain along the front of the hip and thigh. The pain itself can vary, described as a deep ache, sharp pain with movement, or tenderness to the touch. This sensation worsens with activities that involve lifting the leg or bending at the hip, such as walking, climbing stairs, or standing up from a seated position.
Common Reasons for Hip Flexor Pain
Hip flexor pain frequently stems from muscle strains, which are tears in the muscle tissue. These strains can occur from sudden, forceful movements like sprinting or kicking, or from repetitive overuse in activities such as running or cycling. Strains can range from mild to severe, impacting function and mobility. Overuse can lead to tendinitis, an inflammation of the tendons that connect these muscles to bone. This causes gradual pain, stiffness, and tenderness that worsens with activity.
Prolonged sitting is another prevalent factor contributing to hip flexor pain by causing these muscles to shorten and tighten. This tightness can lead to reduced range of motion, altered posture, and increased susceptibility to injury. Additionally, iliopsoas bursitis, an inflammation of the bursa (a fluid-filled sac cushioning the iliopsoas muscle), can cause pain in the front of the hip and groin, often from repetitive movements or increased pressure.
When to Seek Professional Help
While mild hip flexor pain may improve with rest and at-home care, certain signs indicate the need for professional medical evaluation. You should seek medical attention if the pain is severe or comes on suddenly without a clear injury. Inability to bear weight on the affected leg, significant swelling, or bruising around the hip area also warrant prompt medical assessment.
Pain that does not improve after a week or two of rest and self-care measures, or if it worsens, should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. Other concerning symptoms include pain accompanied by fever or chills, which could suggest an infection. A visible deformity of the hip, or any tingling or numbness in the leg, also requires medical attention to rule out more serious conditions. Consulting a doctor or physical therapist ensures an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.