Pain around iliac crest/TFL area

I forgot to mention that even though symptoms are similar, it's probably not iliac apophysitis, since I'm in my late 20s and done growing.

just do some self massage (stick, foam roll, thumbs, etc) of the TFL and ITB and ice the achy area after you run. if the pain isn't decreasing after a week or so, then go see someone.

my opinion is that if your injury isn't causing anything on the opposite side to compensate, then it's fine to keep running.

thanks. anyone else?

Try rolling your hip on a softball very hard 2-3 times a day for a week. I had chronic and at times very acute pain in the TFL / ITB and that regimen fixed it. It may sound counterintuitive, but the worse the softball hurts, the better your hip will feel.

I have EXACTLY the same thing you described: fairly sudden ache around illuac crest ( left side) causing grief AFTER run. It's dull and achy. It's been 3 months. I've stopped running, began swimming instead, seeing a sports therapist and am going for MRI. NOBODY KNOWS WHAT IT IS OR HOW TO FIX IT. I am doing exercises to stretch hamstrings and strengthen glute med and as I said, I'm in the pool 5 days a week. Prior to this ( I'm 48) I ran 12 km trails 5 days a week and split it up with some cycling. In nov, I moved inside to my tread and bike trainer and within a month, after a few very fast paced runs, I felt this coming on.

I am beyond frustrated. Can you tell me if you solved this problem back in 2012 when you posted it and what on earth it was?

I would be SO GRATEFUL!!!

Try rolling the area on top of a lacrosse ball

Yes- I have done the lacrosse ball- also foam rollers along outside of leg and tennis balls at the / TFL area. It isn't helping. Despite no running, had a massage yesterday and RMT told me the ITB is very tight. It's as if something is pulling in that area and I can't get it to release.

My hope is MRI will tell me what it is.

Since it came on in early dec, I have not run with the hopes of it improving with rest. Despite stretch/ strengthening routines, chiro, massage and sports therapy it hasn't improved. I'm swimming to keep up my cardio and because it doesn't ache afterwards. Very frustrating. I may try my bike trainer again today. I left that behind due to achiness after workouts too ( had my bike set up checked as well to make sure it wasn't contributing to imbalances etc. there has to be an explanation???

I have the same issue. I went to acupuncture and my symptoms were relieved after 4-6 sessions. However, this only a temporary fix. It has been over a year and is now just flaring again.

I have this same problem. I had a possible stress fracture/serious inflammation in my hip area/on the pelvis a few years ago at the end of cross country season. This summer I recently increased my miles too quickly, and I've been dealing with problems since. I'm trying to decide what the best road to take is, since I'm going to be running for a very successful varsity XC team and I don't want to hurt my possibilities in the future season. My coach suggested foam rolling the IT band (because if it is tight it can pull on the iliac crest.) This was 3 days ago. I have started rolling morning, twice mid-day, and right before bed, and slightly decreased the intensity of my workouts, and it has like-to disappeared. Many say not to roll the IT band, but it has worked miracles for me! Stretching is also vey beneficial for me. I hope you find a solution!

I have this same problem. I had a possible stress fracture/serious inflammation in my hip area/on the pelvis a few years ago at the end of cross country season. This summer I recently increased my miles too quickly, and I've been dealing with problems since. I'm trying to decide what the best road to take is, since I'm going to be running for a very successful varsity XC team and I don't want to hurt my possibilities in the future season. My coach suggested foam rolling the IT band (because if it is tight it can pull on the iliac crest.) This was 3 days ago. I have started rolling morning, twice mid-day, and right before bed, and slightly decreased the intensity of my workouts, and it has like-to disappeared. Many say not to roll the IT band, but it has worked miracles for me! Stretching is also vey beneficial for me. I hope you find a solution!

I have the same thing. I will be getting an MRI soon to see what is going on. The Sports Medicine doctor noticed that I have a bone spur on my anterior iliac crest but that may not be what causing the pain. He told me the MRI will give us more information. He thinks I might have a stress fracture. However, it feels worse when I am NOT running which doesn't coincide with a stress fracture symptom. The more I run the worse it gets after the run. I've tried rest (6 weeks) three times. Apparently, 6 weeks is not enough. I remember having a nice 4 mile run only to be limping horribly afterwards. This is a weird injury. I am now on another break from running and plan not to run for as long as it takes.

Anyway, I'd like to know if any of you got you MRI result back? What did it tell you, and are you better now?

Sick of not running and missing cross country season :(.

Old thread I know, but I have the same problem and reacted the same way as others on this thread - believing my issue was muscle or ligament related.

It took an MRI for a doctor to diagnose the symptoms are caused by arthritis in the facet joint between l4 l5 vertebrates. Facet joint injections, glute strengthening exercises and Pilates work have helped the most so far - as well as using a lumbar support cushion whenever I sit in my car or in any chair.

I had this problem for 6 months (December- mid june). Iliac crest/tfl area was sore/achey. Never hurt when i ran though. I took all of February off in hopes to be 100% for spring track (I'm in hs) but the pain return. Toughed it out during spring track and finally got an mri in early june. Up to this point i had been doing some hip strengthening exercises, but the pain was still there. Mri revealed some inflammation around the iliac crest. Doc didn't really have much to say besides to take time off. I read something about single leg squats and started doing those, and bam one day the pain was gone. Idk if that is what actually helped, but that's what it seemed like. Now 3 months later no pain whatsoever, had a good summer training and am running xc.

I’m currently having this issue — right iliac crest/Psoas pain when walking/running (I kickbox but taking time off) and when I bend to the left or push my right hip forward. X-ray & mri show nothing but there’s clearly something. Went to chiropractor & physical therapy- heat & electro stim & deep tissue treatments. No change. Started acupuncture today and looking for the right exercises to help!! Do you cross your left leg over your right knee to do the single leg squats?

Adding, it’s bern about 6 months!

Been*

Did anyone who has experienced this find a solution? I have the EXACT same issue -- achy spot against bone on anterior iliac crest. It fits exactly the descriptions I've found of iliac apophysitis but I am 27 and thus it doesn't seem likely. I have had hip issues on the other side (surgery twice) but this is supposed to be the good side, and before this flared up, I was healthy, strong, running reasonable 40ish mile weeks without anything crazy and with regular strength training, stretching, etc. I took 15 weeks off running entirely and it did not help. Because of past hip issues I'm religious about strength training and doing general hip PT type exercises. I saw PT and they refused to see me again until I see a doctor because they suspect stress fracture due to the fact that the really sore spot is on the bone but from what I've read online stress fracture seems unlikely (appointment is not til next week). Anyway, has anyone found an explanation or a successful way to get past this? Thank you in advance. (And, sorry that anyone else has experienced this!0

Did anyone find a solution? How much did your x-ray or CT or MRI + visit cost? I have this exact same pain. I have not met my deductible for insurance yet and the office I called would not tell me the cost, however they said standard is x-ray and visit and MRI or CT if needed.