Learn about the causes and treatments of painful iliac crest, a common medical condition that causes discomfort in the hip region.

The iliac crest, located at the top of the hip bone, is an important structure that plays a crucial role in the stability and movement of the pelvis. This prominent bony ridge can become a source of pain and discomfort due to various underlying factors. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatment options of iliac crest pain is essential for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment of this condition.

Causes: Pain in the iliac crest can be due to several different causes, from minor injuries to more serious underlying conditions. Some common causes are

1. Repetitive strain injuries: Overuse or repetitive movements, especially activities that involve twisting or twisting the torso, can cause inflammation and pain in the iliac crest.
2. Direct trauma: A fall or direct blow to the hip area can cause bruising, fractures or other injuries to the iliac crest, causing localized pain.
3. Structural abnormalities: Certain anatomical variations or misalignments of the pelvis or spine can place additional stress on the iliac crest, leading to chronic pain.

Note: It is important to consult a medical professional for a complete evaluation and accurate diagnosis of iliac crest pain. The underlying cause may require specific treatment approaches on a case-by-case basis.

Understanding the iliac crest and its role in the body

The main function of the iliac crest is to provide stability and support to the abdominal region. It acts as a base for the attachment of important muscles that contribute to the stability and movement of the trunk. Abdominal muscles, such as the external and internal obliques, transversus abdominis, and rectus abdominis, attach to the iliac crest. These muscles play a crucial role in maintaining posture, stabilizing the spine, and contributing to movements such as trunk flexion, rotation, and lateral bending.

Key function: The iliac crest provides support to the abdominal muscles, contributing to stability and movement of the trunk.

Muscle Attachment: Several important abdominal muscles, such as the obliques, transversus abdominis, and rectus abdominis, attach to the iliac crest.

Maintaining posture: The iliac crest helps maintain correct posture and stabilize the spine.

In addition, iliac crest is used as a reference point in various medical exams and procedures. It serves as a reference point to determine injection points and perform diagnostic tests, such as lumbar punctures or bone marrow biopsies. In addition, iliac crest can play a role in bone health evaluation, since changes in their shape or density may indicate certain conditions such as osteoporosis.

In general, understanding the importance of iliac crest is crucial for both health professionals and patients. Its function of providing support to abdominal muscles, acting as a place of muscle fixation and serving as a reference point in medical procedures highlights its importance in the structure and function of the body.

Common Causes of Painful Iliac Crest: An Overview

1. Muscle imbalances: The muscles surrounding the iliac crest, such as the major buttock, the hip flexors and the abdominal muscles, can be unbalanced due to factors such as bad posture, excessive use or sitting in excess. This imbalance can increase tension on iliac crest and cause pain and discomfort. A combination of specific stretching, strengthening exercises and corrective techniques can help solve muscle imbalances and relieve the pain of iliac crest.

• Treatment options:
• Physiotherapy to improve muscle imbalances and strengthen surrounding muscles.
• Postural adjustments to correct bad postures that contribute to pain.
• Masotherapy to relieve muscle tension and promote relaxation.

2. Iliac crest syndrome: also known as the sensitivity of the iliac crest or iliotibial band syndrome, this condition occurs when the iliotibial band (a thick fascia band that runs through the outside of the thigh) is irritated and inflamed, causing pain along the iliac crest. The iliac crest syndrome is usually observed in athletes, especially runners, due to repetitive movements and excessive use. The treatment usually consists of rest, ice, physiotherapy and the use of no n-steroidal ant i-inflammatories (NSAIDs) to reduce inflammation and relieve pain.

1. Key signs and symptoms of iliac crest syndrome:
2. Pain and sensitivity on the outer face of the hip.
3. Difficulty walking or running.
4. Pain that worsens with activity and improves with rest.

Important note: It is essential to consult a healthcare professional to obtain an accurate diagnosis and a personalized treatment plan if you experience persistent or intense pain in the area of the iliac crest. They can evaluate their ailment, identify the underlying cause and recommend adequate interventions to relieve their discomfort and promote healthy recovery.

Traumatic injuries to the iliac crest: Signs and symptoms

Symptoms:

• Located pain: Traumatic lesions on iliac crest usually cause localized pain, which may vary in intensity depending on the seriousness of the lesion. This pain is usually described as acute or sharp and can be aggravated by the movement or direct pressure on the affected area.
• Sensitivity and swelling: In addition to pain, people with lesions on the iliac crest may also experience sensitivity and swelling in the place of injury. This may make it awkward touch or apply pressure in the affected area.
• Moratones: trauma on iliac crest can cause bruises, known as equymosis, which occur due to blood output from damaged blood vessels. Hematomas may not be evident immediately, but may appear over time after the injury.

Note: It is important to differentiate the lesions of the iliac crest from other sources of hip or lumbar pain, such as muscle distensions or spine conditions. To accurately diagnose the lesions of the iliac crest, an exhaustive evaluation by a healthcare professional is necessary.

Signs:

1. Restricted movement: People with iliac crest injuries may experience an amplitude of limited movement in the hip or the lumbar zone affected. This restriction of the movement may be due to pain or structural damage in the bone or surrounding tissues.
2. Abnormal march: serious lesions of the iliac crest can affect the march of a person and cause an abnormal marching pattern. This can manifest as a limp or an altered posture when standing or walking.
3. Irradiated pain: In some cases, the pain of an iliac crest injury can radiate to surrounding areas, such as the lumbar zone, the abdomen or the groin. This may be due to a referred pain or the affectation of a nerve.

Recognizing these signs and symptoms can help the early detection and rapid treatment of traumatic lesions of the iliac crest. It is important that people who experience persistent pain or get worse in the hip or in the lumbar region go to the doctor to obtain a precise diagnosis and proper treatment.

Overuse Injuries and Painful Iliac Crest: What You Need to Know

The iliac crest plays a crucial role in the stability and support of the torso and the lower part of the body. However, excessive and repetitive tension in this area can cause ailments such as iliac crest or iliotibial belt syndrome. These conditions are characterized by the inflammation and irritation of the soft tissues that surround the iliac crest, causing discomfort and limiting mobility.

Important information:

• The pain on the iliac crest is usually observed in athletes who carry out activities that require repetitive hip movements, such as running, riding by bicycle and kicking.
• Symptoms of lesions due to excessive use of iliac crest may include acute pain, sensitivity, swelling and difficulty in carrying out activities that involve hip and trunk movements.
• It is vital to seek medical attention if you experience persistent pain on the iliac crest, since unrelated excessive use injuries can lead to chronic conditions.

To prevent and treat pain on the iliac crest due to excessive use, it is essential to understand and address the underlying causes. The factors that contribute to these lesions may include an inappropriate technique or form during physical activities, inadequate heating or cooling routines, muscle imbalances and oversight.

1. Appropriate training and techniques: Ensure that athletes and people are trained in the right manner and technique for their specific activity can significantly reduce the risk of overcourse.
2. Heating and cooling routines: incorporating stretching and dynamic exercises before and after physical activities helps prepare muscles and reduce tension on iliac crest.
3. Muscle strengthening and balance: performing muscle strengthening exercises directed to the trunk, hips and buttocks can help improve general stability and reduce the risk of lesions due to excessive use.
4. Gradual progression and rest: allowing sufficient rest between training sessions and gradually increasing the intensity or duration of activities can avoid excessive tension on the iliac crest.

Medical conditions and painful iliac crest: Exploring the link

A disease that can cause pain around iliac crest is the apophysitis of the iliac crest, also known as the hip pointer syndrome. This condition usually affects athletes who practice activities such as running, jumping or contact sports. It occurs due to a repetitive effort or a direct trauma on the iliac crest, which causes inflammation of the growth cartilage. Symptoms may include localized pain, sensitivity and swelling around the area of the iliac crest.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Apofisitis of the iliac crest is more frequent in adolescents and young adults, since their growth cartilages are still open and are vulnerable to injuries.

Another possible cause of pain in the iliac crest is the dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint. This condition implies the alteration or abnormal movement of the joint between the sacrum (a bone located at the base of the spine) and the illion (part of the pelvic bone). When the sacroiliac joint is affected, it can cause pain that is radiated to the iliac crest region. This pain is usually aggravated when performing activities such as walking, standing or changing posture.

• The dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint may be due to various factors, such as trauma, pregnancy, repetitive stress or underlying inflammatory diseases.
• Table: Common signs and symptoms of the dysfunction of the sacroiliac joint:

Recognizing the symptoms and understanding the underlying medical conditions associated with pain in the iliac crest is vital for adequate treatment and management. If you experience persistent pain or worsen around the iliac crest, it is advisable to go to the doctor to perform an exhaustive evaluation and a personalized treatment plan.

Diagnostic Techniques for Identifying the Source of Pain

1. History and physical examination: The initial step in diagnosing the source of iliac crest pain is to obtain a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. The healthcare professional will inquire about the duration, intensity and location of the pain, as well as any additional symptoms the patient may be experiencing. During the physical examination, the healthcare professional will assess the area for tenderness, swelling, or deformities, as well as the patient’s range of motion.

Note: It is important for the healthcare professional to distinguish between pain originating in the iliac crest itself and pain referred from other regions, such as the lower back or hip. This can be accomplished by carefully evaluating the patient’s symptoms and performing appropriate physical tests.

2. Imaging studies: In cases where the cause of iliac crest pain is not immediately evident, imaging studies can provide valuable information.

• X-rays:

These traditional x-rays can help visualize the bones and identify any fractures, tumors, or other abnormalities. However, soft tissue injuries may not be easily detected using x-rays alone.

• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI):

This imaging modality uses powerful magnets and radio waves to generate detailed images of soft tissues. An MRI can reveal any abnormalities in the muscles, tendons, ligaments, or nerves surrounding the iliac crest.

• Computed Tomography (CT):

A CT scan provides cross-sectional images of the body, allowing for a more complete evaluation of the iliac crest and its surrounding structures. It is especially useful for detecting fractures or other bone abnormalities that may not be visible on other imaging tests.

3. Diagnostic injections: In certain cases, diagnostic injections can be used to determine the source of pain in the iliac crest.

1. 4. Local anesthetic injection:

A small amount of local anesthetic is injected into the suspected source of pain, temporarily numbing the area. If the pain is relieved after the injection, it suggests that the injected structure is indeed the source of the pain.

1. Steroid injection:

Similarly, a steroid injection may be given to reduce inflammation and relieve pain. The improvement in pain after the injection indicated that inflammation was contributing to the patient’s symptoms.

Management and Treatment Options for Painful Iliac Crest

Conservative treatment: Non-surgical approaches are usually the first line of treatment for painful iliac crest. This includes rest, modification of activities, and avoidance of aggravating factors. A structured physical therapy program focused on stretching and strengthening exercises for surrounding muscles may also be beneficial. Additionally, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) may be prescribed to help relieve pain and reduce inflammation. Emphasis on patient education regarding proper ergonomics and posture is essential to avoid further exacerbation of symptoms.

Note: Conservative treatment should always be attempted before considering more invasive treatment options.

Treatment options for painful iliac crest:

1. Injection therapy: In cases where conservative treatment does not provide adequate relief, injection therapy may be considered. It consists of the administration of corticosteroids, local anesthetics, or a combination of both, directly to the affected area. The goal of these injections is to reduce inflammation and temporarily relieve pain. However, it is important to note that the effects of these injections are usually temporary, and the procedure may need to be repeated periodically.
2. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy is an emerging treatment option that can be used for painful iliac crest. This procedure consists of injecting a concentration of platelets, derived from the patient’s own blood, into the affected area. Platelets contain growth factors that promote healing and tissue regeneration, which could provide long-term pain relief. However, more research is needed to establish the effectiveness of PRP therapy specifically for iliac crest pain.
3. Surgical intervention: Surgical intervention is often considered the last resort for the treatment of iliac crest pain. It is usually reserved for cases in which conservative, non-invasive treatments have not provided relief. Surgical procedures may involve removing excess bony prominence, releasing tight muscles, or treating any underlying structural abnormalities or impingement. The specific surgical approach will depend on each patient’s condition and the underlying cause of the iliac crest pain.

LikeDislike

Author of the article

Dr.Greenblatt M.

Medical oncologist at the Robert Larner College of Medicine, MD, at the University of Vermont