Pulled Hip Muscle Pain

Pulling any of your hip muscles can cause lots of pain, especially if you have a third-degree pull. Your recovery will depend on the severity of the pull. There are measures you can take to avoid pulling a hip muscle.

Hip Muscles

• The hip muscles are the ones responsible for hip movement. They include, but are not limited to, the glutes--Glute Minimus, Glute Medius and Glute Maximus, aka the buttocks--Tensor Fascia Latae, Psoas and Iliacus and the deeper hip muscles, such as piriformis and the gemellus muscles.

Pull Degrees

• The severity of a pull is rated in degrees. A first-degree is mild, involving only 5 percent of the muscle. A second-degree is a partial tear and will be painful when you partially contract the muscle. A third-degree is a complete tear and cannot be contracted.

Causes

• Numerous causes can cause you to pull your hip. According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, "A fall or direct blow to the muscle (called a contusion), overstretching, and overuse can tear muscle fibers, resulting in a strain."

Symptoms

• Your symptoms will vary depending on what degree pull you have. A mild pull will only lead to mild pain with little loss of strength. A second-degree pull will be very painful when you contract it and it will be swollen. Loss of movement, extreme pain and bruising from internal bleeding is associated with a third-degree pull.

Prevention/Solution

• Always warm up thoroughly before stretching. Weight train to keep your muscles fit and healthy, but do not push yourself too hard or too fast. Wear good protective gear when playing sports.