Apophysitis[1] is a condition in which epiphysis i.e. growth plate becomes inflamed. An epiphysis is the ending point of a long bone such as the shin bone and tibia that is separated by an area of cartilage in the initial phase of life. This cartilage with the growing age either results in ossification or becomes bone. Apophysitis affects younger children and adolescents. A common area that often gets affected with apophysitis is the heel. This heel apophysitis is called as Sever’s disease[2] that generally occurs due to overuse. Another area where apophysitis is commonly seen is below the knee, which shows up as a painful bump.
Ilium apopysitis occurs due to an overuse injury that affects children and adolescents at the front side of the pelvis.
Causes and Risk Factors of Ilium Apophysitis
A growth plate is a region of bone from which growth takes place. This is the last region of the bone to completely harden from cartilage and therefore is comparatively soft in adolescents and children.
Ilium apophysitis is caused in individuals who are engaged in sports and individuals with very tight hip muscles. Inflammation and irritation may also result from the repetitive pulling of the muscles present on the growth plate. This occurs either at the anterior inferior iliac spine (AIIS) or the anterior superior iliac spine (ASIS) present at the front side of the pelvis.
Signs and Symptoms of Ilium Apophysitis
- Dull pain is experienced at the front side of the hip.
- Tenderness on feeling the affected region.
- Aggravation of pain while performing activity.
- Mild swelling.
Treatment for Ilium Apophysitis[3]
- Rest.
- Avoiding activities that aggravate the symptoms.
- Application of ice and cold therapy helps in easing away inflammation and pain.
- Anti-inflammatory medications.
- Stretching exercises[4] for hip muscles must be performed only when the daily activities become pain-free.
- Sports massage therapy helps in relaxing tight muscles like the hip flexors.
- Performing appropriate warm up making sure that it is pain free.
- The condition recovers on its own once the growth is completed and the bone is completely matured.
- Gradual return to sports activities only when the condition is pain free.
Investigations for Ilium Apophysitis
- X-ray.
- Bone scan in some rare cases.