The pain is typically sharp, sudden, and differs in intensity. It can be experienced along the iliac crest. However, it can also spread all the way to the spine, along the sciatic nerve path, through the hip and all the way to the groin region.
It is crucial to identify the exact reason and location if the pain. This can enable the patient to be on the right track and speed for recovery.
Southern California Hip Institute (SCHI), led by board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Tigran Garabekyan, provides orthopedic surgery to patients in Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and surrounding locations.
What can be done for Iliac Crest Pain?
Certain people go straight to the physician’s office at the first indication of pain. Yet others seek ways to treat their condition at home. There is no right approach here.
The patient can try and assess their general condition at home and decide whether they need professional help, or whether they want to try at-home treatment.
Some things that the patient can undertake are as follows:
Discontinue the pain-causing activity
While this may seem intuitive, there are many instances where people force themselves to endure the pain (like runners trying to finish a race). Doing so is not a good idea.
Rest
Resting will give the patient some time to assess their condition, and determine whether the intensity of the pain is increasing or reducing. In case it does not resolve on its own, patients should contact their doctor. This will also allow the body time to heal itself.
Icing
Icing the impacted area will settle the swelling down, reduce the inflammation, and relieve pain. The patient should ensure that they do not apply ice directly to the skin, and wrap it in a piece of cloth and then apply; nearly 15 minutes, around twice daily.
Stretching
Patients should approach stretching cautiously, depending on the reason for the pain. They should gently stretch the muscles of their core and leg and stop if they feel any pain before the condition worsens.
Best Iliac Crest Pain Exercises and Stretches – Iliopsoas Muscle
Iliac crest pain may occur due to issues with the Iliopsoas muscle. The video below offers more information on the muscle as well as the anatomy. It also features some good stretching exercises which can release the pain and tension:
Medical Treatment
The patient should contact their GP for help if the pain does not resolve after a couple of days, or it becomes worse. Some common medical treatments for iliac crest pain include:
- injections to the affected region
- anti-inflammatory medicines
- physical therapy
- electrical stimulation
- range of motion exercises
- surgery
If the pain is severe and sudden or persists for more than a few days, the patient should contact a doctor. Medical treatment options for this condition include:
- lidocaine injection
- physical therapy, particularly when the pain is caused by the iliotibial band
- corticosteroid injection to decrease inflammation when other treatments have been unsuccessful
- physical therapy can also address pain issues in the running gait
Board certified orthopedic surgeon Dr. Garabekyan receives patients from Los Angeles, Century City, CA, and nearby areas for orthopedic surgery.
Dr. Tigran Garabekyan is a board certified orthopedic surgeon specializing in hip preservation. To learn more about Southern California Hip Institute or to schedule a consultation, click here to contact us or call:
Century City / Los Angeles: 310.595.1030
Serving patients in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Santa Monica, Century City, West Hollywood, North Hollywood Encino, Sherman Oaks, Van Nuys, Burbank, Glendale and other neighboring cities in the greater Los Angeles, California area.
Also visit http://www.drgorthopedics.com/
