The purpose of the following is to provide the reader with information regarding treatment of minor medical issues. The purpose is not to provide medical advice and is not meant to circumvent the need for diagnosis and treatment of medical problems by trained medical professionals. Many more serious medical problems may only be capable of diagnosis by these trained professionals.

Hip/Torso

Groin Strain

Cause: Groin strain is caused when an athlete puts too much stress on the groin and thigh muscles. This typically occurs when an athlete plays a sport that involves a lot of running and jumping, such as soccer, football, and hockey.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. If you have taken time off from sporting activities due to injury or other causes, gradually ease back into your routine. Make sure your athletic shoes fit correctly. If you experience groin pain, stop your activity as continuing may worsen your groin pain.

Treatment: Rest the area for a few months. Compress your thigh while icing the area regularly to reduce the pain and swelling. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If the pain does not cease, surgery may be needed so contact your doctor immediately.

Imaging: MRI may be done to evaluate for any soft tissue injury.

Sports Hernia

Cause: A sports hernia is not a true hernia, but a tear of the attachments of tendons to the bony lower part of the pelvis. It is caused when an athlete continuously does too many twisting-and-turning movements. This typically is seen in athletes who play sports such as soccer, tennis, and hockey.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. If you have taken time off from sporting activities due to injury or other causes, gradually ease back into your routine. If you experience groin pain, stop your activity as continuing may worsen your groin pain.

Treatment: Rest the area for a few months and ice it regularly to reduce the pain and swelling. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If the pain does not cease, surgery may be needed so contact your doctor immediately.

Imaging: MRI can be done to evaluate for the presence of a sports hernia.

Hip Bursitis (inflammation of fluid-filled sacs near the hip joint)

Cause: Hip bursitis occurs when the hip joint is overused or under pressure for long periods of time. This is most common for sports in which athletes need to make sudden movements, including jumping, baseball, and tennis.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine. Take breaks during practice. If you have previously suffered from bursitis, work with a health professional to determine ways to change your activity so that you don't experience a recurrence.

Treatment: Use compression while applying an ice pack to the hip area and rest the muscle until the bursitis subsides. Elevate the affected area as often as possible. Take anti-inflammatory medicine such as Advil, Aleve, or Motrin to reduce inflammation. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. If the bursitis does not subside or if you experience other symptoms, seek medical attention.

Imaging: MRI can be done to evaluate for bursitis.

Femur Stress Fracture (upper leg bone)

Cause: A femur stress fracture is a hairline crack in the femur that is caused by overuse over a long period of time. It is frequently seen in long distance runners.

Prevention: If you decide to increase the intensity of your training, do so gradually. Talk to an expert to determine if you are wearing the correct type of shoes. If you have had a stress fracture in the past, they may suggest that you wear orthotics or tape your foot before training. Change your shoes often as many running shoes lose their shock absorbency after 400 miles.

Treatment: If you believe you may have a femur stress fracture, seek medical attention immediately. You most likely will need an x-ray. Typically, the stress fracture will heal on its own as long as you rest for approximately two months. For major fractures, surgery is sometimes necessary.

Imaging: Radiographs may show the abnormality. You often need an MRI to show subtle fractures.

Labral Tear (cartilage on the hip)

Cause: A labral tear can be the result of continuous trauma to the hip, typically sudden stops and turns. Labral tears are most common in sports such as soccer, volleyball, and basketball.

Prevention: Develop a daily stretching and strength training routine for your lower extremities. Always wear appropriate protective gear when participating in athletic activities.

Treatment: If you believe you have a labral tear, contact your doctor immediately as you may need surgery. In order to ease the pain and decrease swelling, apply an ice pack that is wrapped in a towel to the area. You may also take nonprescription medicine such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen, or Aspirin. Make sure to follow the directions on the bottle and check with your doctor before taking any new medications. Seek medical attention if the pain does not cease.

Imaging: MRI or MR arthrogram (an MRI after having contrast injected into the joint space) are the studies of choice to evaluate for a labral tear.