The hip joint is a powerful structure that supports nearly every movement you make — walking, running, climbing stairs, or even standing still. But like any joint, it can suffer soft tissue injuries when overused or overstressed. Hip sprains and strains are among the most common causes of hip pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
A hip strain involves injury to the muscles or tendons that move the hip, while a hip sprain affects the ligaments that stabilize the joint. These injuries can range from mild overstretching to partial or complete tearing of fibers, depending on the force involved.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide accurate diagnosis and tailored treatment for hip sprains and strains, helping patients throughout Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas recover quickly and safely.
The hip is a ball-and-socket joint surrounded by a network of muscles, tendons, and ligaments that support movement and stability.
- A hip strain occurs when muscles or tendons — such as the hip flexors, hamstrings, or gluteal muscles — are overstretched or torn.
- A hip sprain involves overstretching or tearing of the ligaments that connect the bones of the hip joint.
Both injuries are common in athletes, active adults, and those who perform repetitive or sudden movements. Although sprains and strains share similar symptoms, the underlying tissues affected are different — which is why accurate diagnosis is important.
Hip sprains and strains are usually caused by excessive stress on the joint during physical activity or by a sudden, awkward motion.
Common causes include:
- Overuse: Repeated running, jumping, or twisting without adequate rest.
- Sudden movement: Rapid direction changes, slipping, or falling.
- Improper warm-up: Engaging in intense activity without stretching or preparing the muscles.
- Direct trauma: A hit or impact to the hip from sports or accidents.
- Weak or tight muscles: Imbalances that make certain muscle groups more vulnerable.
- Overextension: Stretching the hip beyond its natural range of motion.
Risk factors include:
- Sports like soccer, hockey, gymnastics, or dance
- Poor conditioning or fatigue
- Previous hip or groin injuries
- Limited flexibility
- Insufficient recovery between workouts
Over time, small injuries that are ignored can lead to chronic pain and instability.
Hip sprains and strains can vary in intensity depending on the extent of tissue damage.
Common symptoms include:
- Sharp or aching pain in the hip, groin, or upper thigh
- Swelling, bruising, or tenderness
- Muscle weakness or stiffness
- Pain that worsens with movement or pressure
- Reduced range of motion
- Difficulty walking, standing, or climbing stairs
In severe cases, patients may hear a “popping” sound at the time of injury followed by immediate pain and swelling.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, Dr. Robert L. Burke, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon, performs a detailed evaluation to determine whether the injury involves a sprain, strain, or other hip condition.
Diagnostic steps include:
- Medical history and symptom review: Discussion of how the injury occurred and prior hip issues.
- Physical examination: Palpation and movement testing to identify pain points, swelling, and muscle weakness.
- Range-of-motion and strength testing: Evaluates the severity of tissue injury.
Imaging tests:
- X-rays rule out fractures or joint damage.
- Ultrasound or MRI detect tears, inflammation, or soft tissue swelling.
This thorough approach allows Dr. Burke to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses both symptoms and underlying causes.
Treatment focuses on reducing pain and inflammation, restoring function, and preventing reinjury. Most mild to moderate sprains and strains respond well to conservative care, while more severe injuries may require advanced intervention.
Non-Surgical Treatments
- Rest and activity modification: Avoiding movements that aggravate pain allows tissues to heal.
- Cold therapy: Applying ice to reduce swelling and inflammation.
- Anti-inflammatory medication: Relieves pain and promotes recovery.
- Compression and elevation: Help minimize swelling during the acute phase.
- Customized rehabilitation to restore strength, flexibility, and balance.
- Platelet-rich plasma injections can accelerate healing in more persistent soft tissue injuries.
Surgical Treatments
Surgery is rarely needed, but in severe or chronic cases involving full-thickness tears, Reconstructive Surgery may be recommended to repair or reinforce damaged tissue.
Injuries linked with other hip abnormalities — such as labral tears or FAI — may also benefit from Arthroscopic Evaluation and Repair.
Recovery time varies depending on injury severity, age, and activity level.
Mild Sprains/Strains:
- Usually heal within 2–3 weeks with rest and therapy.
Moderate to Severe Sprains/Strains:
- May take 6–10 weeks or longer for complete healing.
- Gradual strengthening and range-of-motion exercises are essential to prevent stiffness.
Rehabilitation goals:
- Restore muscle strength and flexibility
- Improve hip stability and alignment
- Prevent recurrence through balance and posture training
- Safely return to physical activity or sports
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, rehabilitation programs are tailored to each patient’s unique needs and goals.
Most patients recover fully from hip sprains and strains with proper care and rehabilitation. However, inadequate rest or early return to activity can lead to chronic weakness or recurring injuries.
Prevention tips:
- Warm up and stretch before exercise or sports
- Strengthen core and hip muscles regularly
- Use proper body mechanics during lifting or twisting
- Avoid sudden increases in exercise intensity
- Maintain flexibility and balance
- Take breaks during repetitive activities
By maintaining strong, flexible hip muscles and joints, patients can greatly reduce the risk of future injury.
You should seek evaluation if:
- Pain or swelling persists beyond a few days
- You experience difficulty walking or moving the hip
- There’s visible bruising or deformity
- You heard a “pop” during the injury
- Pain worsens despite rest and home care
Early diagnosis and treatment ensure faster recovery and prevent complications like chronic instability or tendon tears.
Take the First Step Toward Recovery
If hip pain is slowing you down or limiting your daily life, don’t ignore the symptoms. Early orthopedic care can help you heal faster and return to full strength.
At Dr. Burke Orthopedics, we provide compassionate, personalized care for hip sprains and strains — helping patients regain mobility and confidence through evidence-based treatment.
We proudly serve Pearland, Houston, Friendswood, and Southeast Texas, offering complete orthopedic care for every stage of recovery.
Call (713) 436-3488 or Request an Appointment Online to schedule a consultation with Dr. Robert L. Burke, board-certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip and musculoskeletal injuries.
