What is Osteitis Pubis? How to Treat it Successfully.

Osteitis Pubis is a common cause of chronic groin pain in the football codes. It is an overuse injury. That is, it is caused by repeated trauma rather than a specific incident. However, it is not uncommon for a specific incident to trigger the symptoms. Diagnosis is usually made in the advanced stages when the pubis bones have began to erode at the pubic symphysis. Early diagnosis can prevent the condition progressing beyond the stage of "bone stress". What Causes Osteitis Pubis? The main cause is instability of the pelvic bones and in particular the pubic symphysis. The instability is aggravated when asymmetrical loads are placed through the pelvis such as when running or kicking. These activities are normally well accommodated in the normal "stable" athlete but with poor lumbopelvic control the additional forces are uncontrollable and will cause injury. Associated Conditions Due to the instability in the region it is not uncommon for the athlete to have experienced a previous history of groin strains, a "sportsman's" hernia or low back pain. How to Diagnose Osteitis Pubis Pain is usually experienced over the pubic symphysis with referred pain into the inguinal region and the groin. Palpation of the pubic symphysis and the pubic ramus is acutely tender. Resisted muscle contraction of the hip adductors and flexors will elicit pain. Likewise stretching into abduction and extension can elicit pain in the acute stage. Coughing, sneezing and performing a sit up will reproduce pain. This athlete is often unable to lie flat on their back or prone. Bone scan will highlight advanced uptake at the pubis symphysis. X-rays will shows cysts and erosion of the pubic symphysis in advanced cases. MRI will show the bone stress injury and swelling present. Treatment for Osteitis Pubis A thorough rehabilitation under the guidance of an experienced Sports Physiotherapist or Sports Physician is highly recommended. The return to sport should be totally guided by their experience to avoid a future reaggravation.  Treatment Stages and Aims of Rehabilitation Read full article about Osteitis Pubis Contact PhysioWorks or Book Online

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