Hip flexor muscles are utilized during bending and hip flexion (the movement of the knee bending towards the abdomen). They connect the femoral head to the lower back, pelvis, and groin. Included in this group are the psoas minor, iliopsoas, and rectus femoris.
The psoas minor adheres to the psoas major directly below it at the point where the hip flexor muscle attaches to the spine. The iliac on the outside attaches to the psoas minor to form a triangular shape through the pelvic bone, but around the sacrum, before attaching to the rectus femoris at the inner thigh of the femur.
Due to their location in the body, the hip flexor muscles play a significant role in daily activities. This puts them at risk for injury, fatigue, and damage. Too much cycling, strenuous dancing, or rigorous martial arts may produce pain in the lower back and quadriceps due to the following potential causes:
