Overuse Injury of the Iliopsoas

Anatomy

The iliopsoas consists of three muscles passing through the pelvis that act to flex the hips. It is the strongest flexor of the hip joint. It arises from the lumbar vertebrae (psoas major and psoas minor muscles) and the inner aspect of one of the pelvic bones (iliacus muscle) and is inserted into the lesser trochanter (the inner aspect of the femoral shaft) of the femur and just under it.

Thigh_OveruseInjuryoftheIliopsoas_large

Mechanism of Injury

  • It is an overuse injury, resulting from repeated hip flexion eg. kicking sports. Due to its origin from the lumbar spine, stiffness of the lower back may contribute to the problem.

Symptoms

  • Cycle of pain, often worse after rest or periods of prolonged sitting, eases then with walking or exercise and returning on rest again.
  • Tenderness of the muscle belly with deep pressure when the hip is flexed.
  • Pain in the groin may occur on flexing the hip joint against resistance on examination and also in activity eg. kicking.

Treatment

Please consult with your medical professional for a complete diagnosis and treatment plan.