(HealthDay News) -- Injury, overuse and overstretching are common causes of hip strains, which occur when the muscle fibers near the hip are stretched or torn.

The American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons says warning signs of a hip strain include:

• Pain that worsens when the hip muscles are used.
• Swelling, if the strain is more severe.
• Loss of strength in the muscle.