Fixed flexion deformity

[loverunning]

Hey

Have been told that I have a fixed flexion deformity of both hips I was just wondering if anyone could enlighten me as to exactly what this means? and if there is anything that can be done about it?

Cheers

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[pudding_bowl]

It means your hips don't extend properly. Flexion is the forward movement - bending to touch your toes, or bringing your knee up like marching. Extension is teh opposite - bring your foot backwards behind your bottom.
If you have a fixed flexion deformity then try to stand straight and bring your leg behind you - hold something for balance support - and see if you can do this without leaning forward. You will be unable to if you have the deformity. - there are other ways to test this but just get someone to look at you while you do that and tell you.
it's often seen post hip replacement or in the elderly. generally it's a result of tight anterior structures or flexors of the hip - tight iliopsoas for example.
If you want to fix it then stretching is the way to go (depending on the exact cause for your deformity)... depending on your ability you could lie on your stomach with a pillow or 2 under your chest so your back is slightly arched, let your hips sink into the floor/bed, this will stretch the hips.
You can also try lying flat on your stomache and actively attempting to raise your leg off the bed - this strengthens the gluteals and and would help with any muscle inbalance.
In standing you can stretch one at a time - but you need to learn to do a posterior pelvic tilt (tucking your tail bone under)... let us know if you want more info

[loverunning]

Thanks for all the information. After doing your test it appears that i definately have a fixed flexion deformity, although I'm only 23 so definately don't fit into the categories of elderly or had a hip replacement. Is it ok to continue running, as it is completely asymptomatic? I generally do about 50 miles a week.
Thanks again

[pudding_bowl]

WOW! 23... thats terrible buddy - definately get stretching. if your asymptomatic you'll be fine... actually come to that i got another mate whose 24 who has very tight iliopsoas and as a result has an increased lumbar lordosis (sway back). means he gets back pain when he runs though... hense he doesn't run. So guess your not alone.

You need to stretch them out - I assumed you were elderly so didnt say probably the best stretch. you'll be fine to try this one.
Do you know how to kneel and stretch your quads? get down onto your knees and put 1 leg forward. grab your heel of the leg thats on it's knee - amazing quad stretch... but what you can do is if you push into that front leg and lean backwards (or posterior pelvic tilt) you'll get an amazing iliopsoas stretch.
Who told you about your fixed flexion deformity - physio? get them to show you stretches and check your doing it right.
In the mean time... if you haven't got any symptoms then go for gold... beware your more likely to get back and hip pain.

[loverunning]

cheers for that! Was told by a student physio who came to stay with me last week - unfortuately she's gone home now! I do suffer with back pain occasionally but its never been bad enough to do anything about but if it could all be linked then I'm thinking it is probably worth a trip to see a physio. Thanks

[pudding_bowl]

Never a bad idea to get it checked out. Try that stretch I mentioned however:
go into kneeling put 1 leg foward. Put hand on hip of kneeling leg and push forward into that front leg whilst leaning backwards feeling the stretch in the front of your hip. Hold that stretch and push hard for a few seconds then release, do it 10 times.
So basically your rocking forward onto that leg and then rocking back. Do it for both legs and dig in doing it every 2 hours. after 4-5 days see if you'v made huge improvement.
If you find your Range of motion increases and your back pain decreases as well then you can avoid visiting the physio