Causes and risk factors
Hip strain is a sports injury and is commonly seen in football, soccer, or in gymnastics. Depending upon the causation, hip strain is classified as acute and chronic. Acute strains are caused due to a sudden fall or severe blow. They are commonly seen in road accidents and in sports. While chronic injury is seen due to repeated trauma or overuse of the muscles, certain factors like tight muscle, previous history of injury, sudden or quick initiation of an exercise and no warm-ups can trigger hip strains. Athletes, heavy gym workouts, obese, and some people with nutritional deficiencies and poor posture maintenance have a tendency to strain.
Clinical presentation:
The symptoms which the person can come up are acute excruciating pain around the hip joint with recent history of fall or trauma, swelling, or inability to move. Bruising (bluishness) is also present. Person may complain of ‘pop, tear, or snap’ like sound during injury around the joint that is affected. Swelling, restriction of movement, and weakness are the other accompanying complaints.
Investigations:
The local examination of the affected area and the symptoms narrated by the patient along with certain investigations are needed for confirming the diagnosis. There is often a history of injury. X-ray of the hip joint, MRI, or CT scan is carried out.
Treatment:
Application of ice packs to the affected areas is advised. The hip joint is immobilized and is supported with the help of brace or splints. Compressions with not very tight bandages will minimize the damage. Pain relieving medications are prescribed. In severe cases, surgical care is needed. After recovery, stretching exercises and mobilization is advised. American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons have given some tips to prevent strains – like regular warm-up, stretching exercise for athletes as per their sports activity, proper postural maintenance, adequate comfortable sportswear to minimize trauma. Proper nutrition is advised to build up the muscle strength. Regular exercises which will strengthen the muscles will help to prevent injuries.
Other modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up with the symptoms. Taking into consideration the symptoms in a holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms. The Ayurvedic system of medicine which uses herbs and synthetic derivates can also be beneficial in combating the complaints. Acupuncture which is the science of insertion of fine needles on the certain stimulating spots on the body has been proven to be effective. Certain yoga exercises can also be helpful in relieving the pain and strengthening the muscles.
