Iliopsoas Tendonitis and Iliopsoas Syndrome are conditions that affect the iliopsoas
muscle located in the anterior region (or front) of the hip, causing hip pain.
What are Iliopsoas Tendonitis and Iliopsoas Syndrome?
Technically, they are two separate conditions, but it's not uncommon to hear the
term iliopsoas tendonitis or iliopsoas syndrome being used to describe the same
thing.
Iliopsoas tendonitis refers to inflammation of the iliopsoas muscle and can also
affect the bursa located underneath the tendon of the iliopsoas muscle. Whereas
iliopsoas syndrome refers to a stretch, tear or complete rupture of the iliopsoas
muscle and / or tendon.
Anatomy of the Hip Joint
The iliopsoas muscle is actually made up of two separate muscles located in the
anterior (or front) of the hip area.
The Iliacus and the Psoas are responsible for lifting the upper leg to the torso,
or flexing the torso towards the thigh (as in a sit-up).
Although the two muscles start at different points (the psoas originates from the
spine, while the iliacus originates from the hip bone) they both end up at the same
point; the upper portion of the thigh bone. It is at this point; the insertion,
that most injury and hip pain occurs.
What Causes Iliopsoas Tendonitis and Iliopsoas Syndrome?
Iliopsoas tendonitis is predominately caused by repetitive hip flexion or overuse
of the hip area, resulting in inflammation. Iliopsoas syndrome, on the other hand,
is caused by a sudden contraction of the iliopsoas muscle, which results in a rupture
or tear of the muscle, usually at the point where the muscle and tendon connect.
Athletes at risk for hip pain include runners, jumpers and participants of sports
that require a lot of kicking. Also at risk are those who participate in strength
training and weight lifting exercises that require a lot of bending and squatting.
Symptoms
Pain and tenderness are common symptoms of both conditions; however the onset of
hip pain associated with iliopsoas tendonitis is gradual and tends to build up over
an extended period of time, whereas the pain associated with iliopsoas syndrome
is sudden and very sharp.
Treatment
Iliopsoas tendonitis and iliopsoas syndrome is a soft tissue injury of the iliopsoas
muscle and therefore should be treated like any other soft tissue injury. Immediately
following an injury, or at the onset of pain, the R.I.C.E.R. regime should be employed.
This involves
Rest,
Ice,
Compression,
Elevation, and
Referral to an appropriate professional for an accurate diagnosis.
It is critical that the R.I.C.E.R. regime be implemented for at least the first
48 to 72 hours. Doing this will give you the best possible chance of a complete
and full recovery.