The sartorius muscle is the longest muscle in the entire human body. The sartorius functions as an important flexor and rotator of the thigh at the hip joint. The sartorius muscle arises from the anterior superior iliac spine on the lateral edge of the hip bone.

Irritation of this bursa, or pes anserine bursitis, is a chronic knee pain cause. It can also cause an asymmetrical gait. For individuals who sit for long periods, tight hips and tight hip flexors including the sartorius are common. As a result, hip pain or an uneven gait may occur.

This inflammation may be experienced as pain or hypersensitivity on the inside of the knee[1]. Other symptoms of sartorius-related muscle pain can include a burning or stinging sensation at the front of the hip. This pain may be brought on by an overt trauma, such as an athletic injury.

Psoas syndrome is an uncommon condition that can be mistaken for iliopsoas bursitis because it causes similar symptoms. An injury to the psoas muscle can take several weeks to heal. Typical recovery times range between 6 to 8 weeks. Often, people will have physical therapy, take medications, and ice the injury.

Psoas syndrome is best treated with physical exercises. These are often demonstrated by a doctor or physical therapist in the outpatient office and done at home. These exercises will include active and passive spine, hip joints, and psoas muscles manipulation and stretching.

To tell if your psoas is tight or overstretched, stand sideways by a mirror (or even better, have a friend take a photo of you from the side). Note the position of your pelvis—if you were to draw a line along your pelvis from back to front, that line should be pretty straight.

Signs You Have Tight Hip Flexors

1. Tightness or an ache in your lower back, especially when standing.
2. Poor posture and difficulty standing up straight.
3. Neck tightness and pain.
4. Pain in the glutes.

Mild strains may take a few weeks to heal while severe strains, on the other hand, can take up to six weeks or more to recover fully. Failing to rest appropriately typically results in greater pain and worsening of the injury. Nagging hip pain can bring your day to a grinding halt.

In order to fully squat without pain, there is a certain amount of hip flexibility that is required. If the hip is too stiff, there may not be enough room in the hip joint to allow for proper joint mechanics. Conversely, if the hip has too much flexibility, the muscles will have more difficulty controlling the squat.

Done properly, squats take the pain out of your hips: The glute muscles are external rotators and they take the pressure off the hip joint. So if you have achy hips or arthritic hips, stronger butt muscles actually literally open up the hip joint and take the pressure off the hip pinching.

2. Kneeling hip flexor stretch

1. Kneel on your right knee.
2. Put your left foot on the floor with your left knee at a 90-degree angle.
3. Drive your hip forward. Maintaining a straight back, lean your torso forward.
4. Hold the position for 30 seconds.
5. Repeat 2 to 5 times with each leg, trying to increase your stretch each time.

Instructions:

1. Lie on your back with bent knees and your feet in toward your hips.
2. Press your palms into the floor alongside your body.
3. Extend your right leg so it’s straight.
4. Lift your hips up as high as you can.
5. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
6. Do each side 2–3 times.

Lack of exercise Not partaking in regular physical activity can lead to weak hip flexors. Underuse of the hip muscles can cause the muscle to degenerate and become weak, which is known as muscle atrophy.

When a client is walking on their right leg in the stance phase of the gait cycle and their left hip drops down, this indicates a weakness in the right hip abductors. If hip abductors are weak on both sides, it results in a waddling gait, which is reminiscent of the strut of a Vegas showgirl.