What is Iliopsoas Tendonitis? Iliopsoas Tendonitis Symptoms, Causes, & Natural Treatment for Iliopsoas Tendonitis

Iliopsoas tendonitis is a condition that can impact anyone, although it’s the main cause of groin pain in 12% to 36% of athletes suffering from chronic groin pain. Iliopsoas tendonitis symptoms are commonly experienced in the hip and pelvis. This condition most commonly occurs in the groin or hip and is intrinsically linked to iliopsoas bursitis because the inflammation of the one will cause the other due to the proximity of the two. In this blog, we will discuss the causes of iliopsoas tendonitis, symptoms, and what natural treatment for iliopsoas tendonitis is available that may help. 

Causes of Iliopsoas Tendonitis

Typically, the cause of iliopsoas tendonitis is inflammation that occurs in the iliopsoas tendon. The tendon runs on top of the hip socket and can become aggravated from overuse or injury. There are also cases where the hip bone was too prominent, causing rubbing on the tendon and eventual inflammation.

The tendon will start to catch on the hip bone, which produces the clicking that is painful and may also be heard.

Repeated hip flexion or acute trauma to the tendon are the most common causes of iliopsoas tendonitis. Athletes are more prone to the condition because of their repetitive motions. When an athlete's form is off or repeatedly performs a similar movement that puts a strain on the tendon, it will eventually inflame the tendon. 

Iliopsoas Tendonitis Symptoms

While the iliopsoas tendon runs over the hip, it will also cause groin pain in some sufferers. The two most common areas of pain are:

• Groin
• Front of the hip

Sufferers often experience pain when bending from the hip. Pain intensifies when resistance is present when bending. The tendon isn't far beneath the skin, so it’s not uncommon for the area to be tender to the touch. 

When the hip flexor is used, the following symptoms will be present:

• Snapping in the groin
• Clicking in the groin
• Snapping or clicking of the front hip

Pain and inflammation are the two key symptoms people notice first. When the pain isn’t present and there’s only a clicking or snapping sound, doctors will recommend sufferers keep a close eye on the issue and visit again if pain occurs.

Identifying the condition is often done by simply telling the physician the symptoms a person is experiencing. MRIs and x-rays are not required in most cases.

Traditional Treatment for Iliopsoas Tendonitis

Traditional treatment for iliopsoas tendonitis depends on the severity of the inflammation and the damage that has occurred to the tendon. If the issue is caught early on and is in the mild stage, the most common treatment options are:

• Anti-inflammatories
• Modification to your activities
• Cortisone injections

Activity modification reduces the strain on the tendon in hopes that it will heal and that the symptoms will subside. When these treatments are not successful, surgery is often recommended, which includes removal of tissue.

When the snapping isn’t accompanied by pain, doctors often won't intervene aside from recommending activity changes that may help.

Natural Remedies and Treatments for Iliopsoas Tendonitis

Calming the inflammation and alleviating the pain is the main goal of treatment. The options available include many natural anti-inflammatories, such as turmeric and white willow. Additional options include:

CBD

CBD has been widely studied for its ability to alleviate pain. One study involving joint pain and inflammation found that CBD was highly effective at reducing pain. Even when trying to treat pain that is traditionally difficult to treat, CBD has shown promise.

CBD oils and creams can be applied to the area to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

Since CBD has been shown to be effective versus chronic pain, it is an option for anyone with significant iliopsoas tendonitis.

DMSO

DMSO, a solvent that is has shown promise in numerous medical applications, is known for its ability to help other drugs or ingredients penetrate the skin. Deeper penetration allows for an increase in the effectiveness of many ingredients, which can accelerate the healing process.

For instance, when combined with aloe, DMSO is able to help aloe produce even stronger anti-inflammatory and antiseptic properties.

Aloe vera is even used in the treatment of bowel disease because it is so effective at reducing inflammation. Sufferers from tendon-related issues can use a gel or cream containing aloe and DMSO to reduce inflammation and alleviate pain.

Anti-Inflammation Treatments

Natural anti-inflammatory treatments may also relieve symptoms and stop potential tendon damage from occurring. Numerous studies have been conducted on herbs that can be applied topically to the skin.

Since the tendon is close to the skin, some of these treatments may be even more effective. A few natural remedies for inflammation include:

• Turmeric, or more precisely curcumin, has been shown to alleviate pain and inflammation in several studies.
• Ginger, which may be able to limit cytokine production.
• Green tea, especially when infused with thyme or white willow bark, can help disrupt inflammation.

Iliopsoas tendonitis requires you to reduce inflammation and to modify your activities to allow the tendons to heal. Continuing to do the same activities or movements that aggravate the condition can lead to persistent pain and potential surgery as a last resort treatment.