Hip Pain

One cause of hip pain is Iliopsoas Tendonitis and Iliopsoas Syndrome, conditions that affect the iliopsoas muscle located in the anterior (front) of the hip. The following article discusses causes, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Always consult a healthcare professional to assess your specific situation.

Hip Pain - Illiopsoas Tendonitis and Illiopsoas Syndrome

by Brad Walker

Iliopsoas tendonitis refers to inflammation of the iliopsoas muscle and can also affect the bursa located underneath the tendon of the iliopsoas muscle. Whereas iliopsoas syndrome refers to a stretch, tear, or complete rupture of the iliopsoas muscle and/or tendon.

Anatomy of the Hip Joint

The iliopsoas muscle is actually made up of two separate muscles located in the front of the hip: the Iliacus and the Psoas. They are responsible for lifting the upper leg to the torso or flexing the torso towards the thigh (as in a sit-up).

Although the two muscles start at different points (the psoas originates from the spine, while the iliacus originates from the hip bone), they both end at the same point: the upper portion of the thigh bone. It is at this point (the insertion) that most injury and hip pain occurs.

What Causes Iliopsoas Tendonitis and Iliopsoas Syndrome?

Iliopsoas tendonitis is predominately caused by repetitive hip flexion or overuse of the hip area, resulting in inflammation. Iliopsoas syndrome, on the other hand, is caused by a sudden contraction of the iliopsoas muscle, which results in a rupture or tear of the muscle, usually at the point where the muscle and tendon connect.

Symptoms

Pain and tenderness are common symptoms of both conditions; however, the onset of hip pain associated with iliopsoas tendonitis is gradual and tends to build up over an extended period of time, whereas the pain associated with iliopsoas syndrome is sudden and very sharp.

Treatment

Iliopsoas tendonitis and iliopsoas syndrome are soft tissue injuries of the iliopsoas muscle and should be treated like any other soft tissue injury. Immediately following an injury, or at the onset of hip pain, use the R.I.C.E.R. regime. This involves Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation, and Referral to an appropriate professional for an accurate diagnosis.

Using the R.I.C.E.R. regime for at least the first 48 to 72 hours will give you the best possible chance of a complete and full recovery.

The next phase of treatment (after the first 48 to 72 hours) involves a number of physiotherapy techniques. The application of heat and massage is one of the most effective treatments for removing scar tissue and speeding up the healing process of the muscles and tendons.

Once most of the hip pain has been reduced, it is time to move onto the rehabilitation phase of your treatment. The main aim of this phase is to regain the strength, power, endurance and flexibility of the muscles and tendons that have been injured. Click here for a complete and comprehensive article on the treatment of soft tissue injuries.

Prevention

A number of techniques will help prevent the hip pain caused by both iliopsoas tendonitis and iliopsoas syndrome, including modifying equipment or sitting positions, taking extended rests, and even learning new routines for repetitive activities. However, here are four preventative measures that I feel are far more important and effective:

First: a thorough and correct warm up will help prepare the muscles and tendons for any activity to come. Without a proper warm up the muscles and tendons will be tight and stiff. There will be limited blood flow to the hip area, which will result in a lack of oxygen and nutrients for the muscles. This is a sure-fire recipe for a muscle or tendon injury.

Before any activity be sure to thoroughly warm up all the muscles and tendons that will be used during your sport or activity. Click here for a detailed explanation of how, why, and when to perform your warm up to prevent hip pain.

Second: rest and recovery are extremely important, especially for athletes or individuals whose lifestyle involves strenuous physical activity. Be sure to let your muscles rest and recover after heavy physical activity.

Third: strengthening and conditioning the muscles of the hips, buttocks, and lower back will also help prevent iliopsoas tendonitis and iliopsoas syndrome.

And fourth: (and most importantly) flexible muscles and tendons are important in the prevention of most strain or sprain injuries, including those that cause hip pain. When muscles and tendons are flexible and supple, they are able to move and perform without being overstretched. If however, your muscles and tendons are tight and stiff, it is easy for those muscles and tendons to be pushed beyond their natural range of movement, causing strains, sprains, and pulled muscles.

Stretching is one of the most under-used techniques for improving athletic performance, preventing sports related hip pain, and properly rehabilitating sprain and strain injury. Don't make the mistake of thinking that something as simple as stretching won't be effective.

About the Author

Brad Walker is an internationally recognized stretching and sports injury consultant with 20 years of practical experience in the health and fitness industry. Brad is a Health Science graduate of the University of New England and has postgraduate accreditations in athletics, swimming, and triathlon coaching. He has worked with elite level and world champion athletes and lectures for Sports Medicine Australia on injury prevention. Brad is also the author of The Stretching Handbook, The Anatomy of Stretching, and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries.