Pelvis Sighting

Continued...

Orthotics - shoe inserts intended to correct biomechanical foot problems - can help with this syndrome, but a correct diagnosis and fit is important. Anti-inflammatory medication may be prescribed.

In difficult cases, an injection of cortisone in the soft tissue next to the ITB, not in the band itself, can help. No more than one or two injections should be used.

Shorten your stride and avoid downhill running, or any running at all, if you feel the area being irritated. Switch to bicycling or swimming to maintain aerobic fitness.

The most serious overuse injury to the hip area is a stress fracture of the upper part of the femur (the neck of the femur), where it angles inward to the hip joint. Stress fractures are microscopic fractures of the bone that result from overuse, not direct trauma.

Symptoms of a hip stress fracture include aching pain deep in the hip joint that gets worse with activity. Women with a history of amenorrhea (cessation of menstrual periods) or anorexia are at greater risk for stress fractures at any site because, with estrogen loss or inadequate calcium intake, their bones are more fragile. Women who abruptly and excessively increase their mileage also are at risk.

A femoral neck-stress fracture is the most serious stress fracture because, with continued weight bearing, it can progress into a complete fracture and require surgery. A stress fracture can be diagnosed early with a bone scan; it may not show up for many weeks on regular X-rays. Treatment of a femoral neck-stress fracture includes the use of crutches until pain is resolved and the bone shows evidence of healing.

Because hip and pelvic pain can be indicators of a grave injury with serious consequences, seek medical care early. If you have a broad pelvis, an increased Q angle or a prior history of hip or pelvic injuries, see a sports medicine specialist for a complete biomechanical evaluation and a program of balanced stretching and strengthening to reduce your chance of injury.

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Foreword: Billie Jean King

Comments by Barb Harris
Editor in Chief,
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