Sports Medicine: Osteitis Pubis

Osteitis pubis (Aa-stee-ai-tuhs  Pyoo buhs) is an overuse injury at the front of the hip at the symphysis pubis joint. The symphysis pubis connects 2 of the main bones of the pelvis. The symphysis pubis is made up of the pubic bones, cartilage, a joint capsule, and joint fluid. The cause is most likely due to repeated stress over time.

Signs and Symptoms

  • Pain, soreness or ache, and tenderness over the bone in the front of the pelvis
  • Symptoms start off slowly after activity and get worse over time
  • Pain gets worse with stretching, mainly moving the legs apart or bringing the thighs and legs together
  • Pain can spread to the front or inside of the thigh
  • Pain gets worse with twisting on one leg, kicking, sprinting, jumping, climbing stairs, or sudden changes in direction while running
  • Walking or running with a limp
  • Hearing a clicking sound in front of the pelvis

Increased Risk

  • Sports with recurring kicking, jumping, or skating (soccer, football, hockey, weightlifting)
  • Poor warm-up before practice or play
  • Poor physical conditioning (strength and conditioning)
  • Stiffness or loss of motion of the hip

Treatment 

  • Medicine
    • Anti-inflammatory medicines, such as ibuprofen (Motrin® or Advil®) or naproxen (Aleve®) may be recommended. Take these as directed by your health care provider.
    • Other minor pain relievers like acetaminophen (Tylenol®) may be taken.
    • Steroids may be injected into the area to help with pain.
  • Use of cold and heat
    • Cold should be applied for 10 to 15 minutes every 2 to 3 hours for swelling and after any activity that makes symptoms worse. Use ice packs or an ice massage.
    • Heat may be used before performing stretching and strengthening activities ordered by your health care provider or athletic trainer. Use a heat pack or warm soak. Apply for 10 to 15 minutes.
  • Rest
    • Rest from activity followed by a slow and gradual return to sports after symptoms have gone away.
  • Rehab
    • Exercises to improve strength, flexibility, and proper body mechanics are important, especially for the hip muscles. These can be done at home, but often a referral to a physical therapist or athletic trainer may be advised by your health care provider.
  • Surgery
    • If symptoms continue after at least 6 months of treatment, surgery may be needed.

How to Prevent

  • Avoid trauma to the hip.
  • Use proper sports technique.
  • Maintain proper conditioning, cardiovascular fitness, pelvis and hip strength, endurance, and flexibility.

When to Call the Doctor

Call your doctor, health care provider, or the Sports Medicine team at (614) 355-6000 if:

  • Pain, tenderness, or swelling gets worse, even with treatment.
  • New, unexplained symptoms develop.

 

Sports Medicine: Osteitis Pubis (PDF)

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