Pelvis Sighting

Continued...

An angle greater than 18 degrees suggests an alignment that increases injury risk. The broad pelvis also produces more tilt and swaying during activities such as jogging, walking and some types of aerobics.

The swaying is a factor in inflammation and overuse in the muscles around the hip. It is worsened if one leg is longer than the other or if activity is done on an uneven surface.

If you have these problems, don't lose hope - certainly don't quit exercising. A sports medicine specialist can help you reduce the risk of injury

Injuries

Traumatic injuries to the hip are not common but can be devastating. Bo Jackson had a partial hip dislocation, which disrupted the blood flow to the hip and caused necrosis, or death of the bone and cartilage. These structures do not heal completely when their blood supply is interrupted.

Overuse injuries are far more common. Distance runners, race walkers, jumpers, soccer players and aerobicisers may develop an overuse injury at the pubic symphysis called osteitis pubis.

The pain of this condition is felt directly over the front junction of the pelvic bones and can radiate to the groin. As an athlete runs, jumps and kicks, the sway of the pelvis transmits shearing forces to the symphysis, causing microtrauma, bleeding and inflammation.

Rest, ice and anti-inflammatory medication applied early will usually slow down this process. People with limblength discrepancy are more prone to this problem.

The iliotibial band (ITB) is a thick strip of fibrous connective tissue attached to the top rim of the pelvic bone (anterior superior iliac crest). It runs along the lateral side of the leg to just below the knee, where it attaches to a bony protuberance of the lower leg (Gerdy's tubercule on the tibia).

As your knee flexes, the ITB rubs over the femur (thigh bone). With increased mileage, a lot of knee lifting or a new training regimen, it can fatigue, tighten and rub excessively. The more you lift your knees, the more it rubs.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
Shape Magazine

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