Possible Iliacus pain?

Question
Hello, I just started experiencing pain in my anterior right hip, inferior to my iliac crest. It hurts when I run, walk, and put weight on it, even when I stand up out of a chair. It does not hurt when I twist in either direction. I can raise my knee in a high march without any pain. There is a little pain with hip abduction, but still anterior to my iliac crest (I hope this is making sense). It started today during track practice when I was running intervals at a slightly faster pace than in previous workouts.

Does this description indicate which muscle this is? Is the remedy just ice and rest? How long can I expect this to last?

Thank you,
Lucy

Answer
Lucy, I'm sorry I'm just now responding to your inquiry. I'm normally much faster, but this weekend took me away from the internet.  My initial hypothesis is a rectus femoris strain, but there is more info I'd like.  If it is rectus femoris and not a serious injury, then just ice, rest, and stretch for a few days. Since you wrote this a few days ago, if you've been resting, you may be able to start jogging tomorrow.  If you are a distance runner then just ease into your intervals better from now on.  Finally, try the following test. Sit on a firm chair or bench and place your hands on your belly button. Twist as far to the right as you can and then as far to the left as you can.  If you are able to twist within an inch of each other each way and they feel the same then you're done.  If one side goes farther or is easier then twist to that side 3 times for 20 seconds.  I've seen this help situations like the one I think you have.  

Please let me know what helps and if you have any more questions or any other info that might help me help you.  I hope you can compete without pain soon! I'm a track coach so know the importance of getting athletes back healthy!