A hip strain can cause pain, weakness, and difficulty walking, exercising, or completing everyday movements. Dr. Brian Cohen is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with more than 20 years of experience, over 30,000 orthopedic surgical procedures performed, and more than 100,000 patient evaluations. His sports medicine training helps him evaluate whether hip pain is due to a mild muscle strain, a more significant tendon injury, or another joint-related condition. Treatment is based on the severity of the tissue damage, the patient’s activity level, and the injury’s effect on strength and mobility.
What is a Hip Strain?
A hip strain occurs when a muscle or tendon supporting the hip is stretched beyond its normal limit or torn. Tendons are strong, fibrous tissues that connect muscles to bones.
A strain may be mild, moderate, or severe. Mild strains involve limited tissue damage, while severe injuries may significantly reduce strength and mobility.
Hip strains can develop gradually from repetitive movement and overuse. They may also occur suddenly during sports, exercise, a fall, or another forceful movement.
Diagnosing a Hip Strain
Hip strains are commonly classified into three grades based on the amount of tissue damage and the loss of strength and range of motion:
Diagnosis begins with a review of how the injury occurred, when the symptoms started, and which movements increase pain. A physical examination may be used to assess tenderness, swelling, strength, flexibility, and range of motion.
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Grade 1: Mild damage to the muscle or tendon fibers with minimal loss of strength and motion.
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Grade 2: A partial tear with more extensive fiber damage and a noticeable reduction in strength and motion.
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Grade 3: A complete rupture of a muscle or tendon that may require surgical repair.
X-rays may be ordered to rule out fractures, arthritis, or other bone-related causes of hip pain. An MRI may be recommended when a significant tear or complete rupture is suspected.
Hip Strain Causes and Risk Factors
A hip strain may result from a sudden injury or develop gradually from repeated use. These injuries often occur near the point where a muscle connects to a tendon.
Factors that may increase the risk of a hip strain include:
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A previous injury in the same area
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Reduced muscle strength
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Limited flexibility
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Muscle fatigue
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Inadequate warm-up before activity
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Increasing exercise intensity too quickly
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Repetitive running, jumping, or twisting
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Age-related changes in muscle and tendon flexibility
Hip Strain Symptoms
A hip strain commonly causes pain and tenderness around the injured muscle or tendon. Symptoms vary depending on the location and severity of the injury.
Additional symptoms may include:
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Swelling or bruising
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Limited range of motion
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Muscle weakness
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Muscle spasms
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Pain when using or stretching the affected muscle
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Difficulty walking, running, or climbing stairs
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A sudden pulling or tearing sensation at the time of injury
Hip Strain Treatment Options
Treatment for a hip strain depends on the extent of tissue damage, the patient’s symptoms, and the injury’s effect on movement and strength. Most mild and moderate strains improve with nonsurgical care. Complete muscle or tendon ruptures may require surgical treatment in selected cases.
Nonsurgical Treatment
Most mild and moderate hip strains can be treated without surgery. Initial care may include the RICE approach:
Treatment may include:
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Rest: Temporarily avoid activities that increase pain while maintaining safe movement as directed.
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Ice: Apply a cold pack for short periods to help reduce pain and swelling.
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Compression: Use compression shorts or a supportive wrap when recommended.
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Elevation: Position the leg comfortably to help manage swelling when practical.
Additional treatment may include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication and physical therapy. A rehabilitation program may focus on restoring flexibility, rebuilding strength, correcting movement patterns, and gradually returning the patient to work, exercise, or sports.
Surgical Treatment
Surgery is rarely needed for a hip strain. It may be considered when a muscle or tendon is completely torn, has pulled away from the bone, or causes a significant and persistent loss of function.
The procedure may involve reattaching the damaged tendon or muscle to the bone. Dr. Cohen reviews the location of the tear, imaging results, activity needs, and overall health before recommending surgery.
Rehabilitation after surgery is used to protect the repair and gradually restore motion, strength, and function.
Why Choose Dr. Cohen?
OVER 25+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
One of the first orthopedic surgeons employed by a large hospital. Dr. Cohen spent 20 years.
TRUSTED BY OVER 100,000+ PATIENTS WORLDWIDE
Over his distinguished career, Dr. Cohen has cultivated a reputation of excellence and trust among his patients and his peers.
UTILIZING THE LATEST TECHNOLOGY
To achieve the best surgical outcomes, Dr. Cohen uses the most advanced technologies and techniques, keeping his practice state-of-the-art.
PATIENT SAFETY IS TOP PRIORITY
An individualized, patient-focused process coupled with decades of training and experience helps ensure maximum safety for all of Dr. Cohen’s patients.
Hip Strain Care in Chillicothe, OH
Most hip strains improve with activity modification, symptom management, and a progressive rehabilitation program. More significant injuries may require imaging or surgical evaluation when strength and mobility do not return as expected. Dr. Cohen develops a personalized treatment plan based on the severity of the strain and the patient’s activity goals. To schedule a consultation with Dr. Brian Cohen, call (614) 788-0375.
