Iliopsoas Syndrome: When to See a Medical Professional

Individuals suffering from hip, thigh, and/or groin pain could be experiencing iliopsoas syndrome. Could knowing the symptoms and causes help in diagnosis and treatment?

Iliopsoas Syndrome

Iliopsoas syndrome encompasses several conditions that affect the inner hip muscle and can cause hip and thigh pain. The muscle helps to bend the leg toward the body.

  • The condition is usually caused by overuse injuries and commonly affects individuals who perform repeated hip flexion movements, like cyclists, gymnasts, dancers, runners, and soccer players. (Liran Lifshitz, et al., 2020)
  • The term is often used interchangeably with psoas syndrome, iliopsoas tendonitis, snapping hip syndrome, and iliopsoas bursitis. However, there are clinical differences.

Symptoms

Symptoms include: (American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. 2020)

  • Tenderness in the hip and groin area.
  • Hip or groin clicking or snapping that can be heard and/or felt during movement.
  • Pain and/or stiffness in the hip and thigh area.
  • Pain that worsens when bending the hip – walking, climbing stairs, squatting, sitting.
  • Movements that involve bringing the knee toward the chest can worsen the pain.

Causes

The iliopsoas muscles are hip muscles on the front of the hip. They are made up of the psoas major, the psoas minor, and the iliacus. Small, fluid-filled sacs/bursae are within the hip joint between bones and soft tissues. The bursae reduce friction and provide cushioning to help the tendons, muscles, and other structures move smoothly over the bony prominences.

  1. Iliopsoas bursitis happens when the bursa, which is located between the iliopsoas tendon and the inside of the hip joint, becomes inflamed and irritated.
  2. Iliopsoas tendonitis/hip tendonitis happens when the tendon that attaches the thigh bone to the iliopsoas muscle becomes inflamed and irritated.
  3. Iliopsoas bursitis and tendonitis are commonly caused by overuse injuries and intense activities like cycling, running, rowing, or strength training.

Diagnosis

  • Healthcare providers can diagnose iliopsoas syndrome based on symptom history and a hip examination.
  • Imaging tests – MRI and X-rays may be used to rule out other injuries or conditions like muscle tears. (Paul Walker, et al., 2021)

Treatment

Most mild cases of hip bursitis and hip tendonitis can be managed using the RICE method (American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. 2020)

Rest

  • Avoid putting weight on the hip for a few days after the injury.

Ice

  • Apply ice immediately after the injury to bring the swelling down.
  • Use a cold pack for 20 minutes at a time, several times a day.
  • Do not apply ice directly on the skin.

Compression

  • Wrap the area in a soft bandage or use compression shorts to prevent further swelling.

Elevation

  • Rest as often as possible with the leg raised higher than the heart.

Medical Treatment

  • Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen and naproxen sodium can alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. (Paul Walker, et al., 2021)
  • Steroid injections can be used if symptoms continue or come back with additional injections administered as necessary. (Paul Walker, et al., 2021)
  • After pain and swelling subside, physical therapy may be recommended, as well as mild exercises to gradually improve hip strength and flexibility. (Paul Walker, et al., 2021)
  • A healthcare provider may recommend surgery in severe cases where pain persists, and conservative treatments don’t provide enough relief.
  • However, this is rare due to muscle weakness and nerve damage risks. (Paul Walker, et al., 2021)

Hip Labral Tear – Chiropractic Treatment


References

Lifshitz, L., Bar Sela, S., Gal, N., Martin, R., & Fleitman Klar, M. (2020). Iliopsoas the Hidden Muscle: Anatomy, Diagnosis, and Treatment. Current sports medicine reports, 19(6), 235–243. doi.org/10.1249/JSR.0000000000000723

American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons. Iliopsoas tendonitis/bursitis.

Walker, P., Ellis, E., Scofield, J., Kongchum, T., Sherman, W. F., & Kaye, A. D. (2021). Snapping Hip Syndrome: A Comprehensive Update. Orthopedic reviews, 13(2), 25088. doi.org/10.52965/001c.25088

American Association of Orthopedic Surgeons. OrthoInfo. Hip strains.

Post Disclaimer

Professional Scope of Practice *

The information herein on "Iliopsoas Syndrome: When to See a Medical Professional" is not intended to replace a one-on-one relationship with a qualified health care professional or licensed physician and is not medical advice. We encourage you to make healthcare decisions based on your research and partnership with a qualified healthcare professional.

Blog Information & Scope Discussions

Our information scope is limited to Chiropractic, musculoskeletal, acupuncture, physical medicines, wellness, contributing etiological viscerosomatic disturbances within clinical presentations, associated somatovisceral reflex clinical dynamics, subluxation complexes, sensitive health issues, and/or functional medicine articles, topics, and discussions.

We provide and present clinical collaboration with specialists from various disciplines. Each specialist is governed by their professional scope of practice and their jurisdiction of licensure. We use functional health & wellness protocols to treat and support care for the injuries or disorders of the musculoskeletal system.

Our videos, posts, topics, subjects, and insights cover clinical matters, issues, and topics that relate to and directly or indirectly support our clinical scope of practice.*

Our office has reasonably attempted to provide supportive citations and has identified the relevant research studies supporting our posts. We provide copies of supporting research studies available to regulatory boards and the public upon request.

We understand that we cover matters that require an additional explanation of how it may assist in a particular care plan or treatment protocol; therefore, to further discuss the subject matter above, please feel free to ask Dr. Alex Jimenez, DC, or contact us at 915-850-0900.

We are here to help you and your family.

Blessings

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN*, CCST, IFMCP*, CIFM*, ATN*

email: coach@elpasofunctionalmedicine.com

Licensed as a Doctor of Chiropractic (DC) in Texas & New Mexico*
Texas DC License # TX5807, New Mexico DC License # NM-DC2182

Licensed as a Registered Nurse (RN*) in Florida
Florida License RN License # RN9617241 (Control No. 3558029)
Compact Status: Multi-State License: Authorized to Practice in 40 States*

Presently Matriculated: ICHS: MSN* FNP (Family Nurse Practitioner Program)

Dr. Alex Jimenez DC, MSACP, RN* CIFM*, IFMCP*, ATN*, CCST
My Digital Business Card

Recent Posts

Dealing with Primary Insomnia: Strategies for Better Sleep

Could learning to apply healthy sleep hygiene habits help improve sleep and overall health for… Read More

November 20, 2024

The Ultimate Guide to Natural Probiotic Foods for a Healthy Gut

Can incorporating natural probiotic foods help improve many people's gut health and restore functionality to… Read More

November 20, 2024

Whiplash Rehabilitation: Healing and Restoring Function

Experiencing a whiplash injury can be disorienting and painful. Can recognizing the signs of more… Read More

November 19, 2024

Natural Remedies to Reduce Fibromyalgia: A Comprehensive Guide

Individuals dealing with fibromyalgia can find natural remedies to reduce the pain-like symptoms and provide… Read More

November 19, 2024

Choosing the Best Whipping Cream Substitute for Your Needs

For individuals who are looking for a whipped cream substitute for a dairy-free alternative, what… Read More

November 18, 2024

Maintain Fitness Levels During Injury: Tips and Strategies

Can modified workouts and/or having a personal trainer design an alternate fitness routine while in… Read More

November 15, 2024