Persistent Left Hip & Groin Pain: Seeking Expert Medical Advice

Question
Dr. Borucki
I'm a 48 year old male with a hip and groin injury. This has been lingering for about a year now where i have lost half of my flexibility to that side. i stay very active and still play competitive baseball. I'm a pitcher and do believe that this injury was subject to that particular activity. I have tried stretching and running along with rest but have not been able to get any better. I do not feel pain when I run or move in a lateral motion. I do not have pain when I pitch only after the fact. It is getting harder to put on my left foot sock and tie my left shoe. I do not believe that is is a groin pull or muscle pull/tear. Can you please advise.

Thank You
Rick Miller
Elk Grove, CA

Answer
It is hard to get a picture of the injury from that description but the hip joint itself or one of the many groin supporting muscles may have been injured... rehab depends on good stretching and strengthening of the muscles or figuring out if there is hip cartilage damage.  Getting a good look at it by a sports orthopedist is indicated after having this for a year.  Also, good rehab... stretching and specific groin strengthening... I hope this helps....