Osteitis pubis can cause symptoms such as groin pain, swelling, and restricted movement. This condition occurs due to the accumulation of micro-injuries in the joint caused by repetitive stress and muscle tension. It can become chronic and may require long-term rehabilitation.
The diagnosis of osteitis pubis is made based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination, and medical imaging tests (e.g., X-ray, MRI). Treatment begins with conservative methods such as rest, ice application, physical therapy, and anti-inflammatory medications. In severe or chronic cases, corticosteroid injections may be required. Surgery is rarely needed for osteitis pubis.
What is the Pubis?
The pubis is one of the three distinct bone structures that form the pelvis. Together with the ilium and ischium, the pubis creates the right and left pelvis.
What is the Symphysis Pubis?
The right and left pelvic bones join at the front of the body, forming a joint called the symphysis pubis. Unlike highly mobile joints such as the knee or elbow, the symphysis pubis has very limited movement. It acts as a shock absorber while transmitting the load from the upper body to the legs.
What is Osteitis Pubis?
Osteitis pubis is a painful inflammatory condition affecting the symphysis pubis joint, which connects the right and left pubic bones at the front of the pelvis. It is commonly seen in athletes, especially soccer players and runners, but anyone can develop osteitis pubis.
This condition causes pain and tenderness in the pelvic region. Patients often complain of pain in the groin area, which may radiate to the lower abdomen and thighs. Activities such as walking, running, and leg movements can significantly increase this pain.
What are the Symptoms of Osteitis Pubis?
The symptoms of osteitis pubis can vary depending on the severity of the condition.
Groin Pain: Osteitis pubis typically causes pain in the groin area. The pain may occur in the symphysis pubis joint and the surrounding muscles and ligaments. It often worsens during or after physical activity and increases with movement.
Swelling and Tenderness: Swelling and tenderness may be observed in the groin area. Patients often feel pain when pressure is applied to the symphysis pubis joint.
Restricted Movement: Osteitis pubis can cause difficulty in movement and restrict the mobility of the pelvis.
Difficulty Walking and Running: Pain and restricted movement can make walking and running challenging, posing significant problems, especially for athletes.
Throbbing Sensation in the Groin: In some cases, a throbbing sensation may be felt in the groin area.
What Causes Osteitis Pubis?
Osteitis pubis is often associated with activities that place repeated stress and load on the pelvis and groin area.
Main Causes of Osteitis Pubis:
Sports Activities: Osteitis pubis is more common in athletes involved in sports requiring repetitive kicking motions, such as soccer, basketball, dance, and martial arts. These sports put continuous stress and load on the pelvis and groin, leading to micro-injuries and inflammation of the symphysis pubis joint.
Repetitive Stress: Repetitive movements, especially activities like running and jumping, can cause stress and overloading of the symphysis pubis joint, contributing to the development of osteitis pubis over time.
Pregnancy and Childbirth: Some women may develop osteitis pubis during pregnancy or postpartum. This can occur due to pelvic expansion during pregnancy and the stress exerted during childbirth. The symphysis pubis joint is most mobile during labor.
Trauma: Direct blows or falls to the groin area can damage and inflame the symphysis pubis joint.
Surgeries: Osteitis pubis can develop following surgical procedures performed in the pelvic or groin region. Surgery can damage tissues near the joint, leading to inflammation.
Infection: In rare cases, osteitis pubis can result from an infection affecting the symphysis pubis joint.
How is Osteitis Pubis Diagnosed?
The diagnosis of osteitis pubis is made after a detailed patient history, thorough physical examination, and sometimes additional imaging tests.
X-Ray: X-ray imaging evaluates the structures of the symphysis pubis joint and identifies possible damage. Common views include pelvis AP (anteroposterior) and a single-leg stance pelvis AP stork view.
MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging): MRI provides detailed images of the symphysis pubis joint, the pubic bone, and surrounding soft tissues. It helps detect inflammation and assess the severity of osteitis pubis.
Conditions Commonly Misdiagnosed as Osteitis Pubis
Athletic Pubalgia (Sports Hernia)
Stress Fracture of the Pubic Bone
Inguinal Hernia (Sports Hernia)
How is Osteitis Pubis Treated?
The treatment of osteitis pubis varies depending on the severity of the condition and the patient's specific characteristics.
Rest: The first step is to rest the affected area. This helps reduce pain and inflammation and initiates the healing process. Patients should avoid activities that trigger or worsen the pain.
Ice Application: Applying ice to the groin area can help reduce pain and swelling. Ice packs can be applied 4-5 times a day for 20-30 minutes.
Anti-Inflammatory Medications: These medications help reduce pain and inflammation but must be taken under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Cortisone Injections: In cases of severe pain and inflammation, corticosteroid injections can be administered into the symphysis pubis joint under ultrasound guidance. These injections provide rapid relief from pain and swelling.
Physical Therapy: A personalized exercise and stretching program designed by a physiotherapist helps strengthen the muscles in the pelvic and groin regions, improve flexibility, and enhance the range of motion.
Physical Therapy Exercises for Osteitis Pubis
Physical therapy exercises play a crucial role in the treatment of osteitis pubis. These exercises aim to improve flexibility, reduce pain, and strengthen the pelvic area.
Pelvic Tilt Exercises: These exercises help strengthen the abdominal muscles.
Groin Stretching Exercises: These stretches improve flexibility and help alleviate pain.
Regular practice of these exercises under the guidance of a physiotherapist is essential for optimal recovery.
Osteitis Pubis Surgery
If non-surgical treatments fail and the condition does not improve—which is extremely rare—surgical intervention may be considered. Surgery aims to:
Remove damaged tissues and excess cartilage in the symphysis pubis joint.
Stabilize the joint by fusion.
Surgical treatment is reserved for severe and persistent cases.
Osteitis Pubis Recovery Process
The recovery process for osteitis pubis requires patience and consistent effort. Rest and physical therapy are key components of recovery:
Rest Period: Crucial during the initial weeks.
Physical Therapy: Helps accelerate recovery and typically lasts 6-8 weeks.
Adherence to the treatment plan and recommendations from healthcare professionals is essential for a successful recovery.
How to Relieve Pubic Bone Pain?
Pain management is a critical aspect of osteitis pubis treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications, painkillers, and injection therapies are commonly used. Additionally, cold compress application helps alleviate pain.
Cold Compress: Apply 20 minutes, three times a day.
Medication: Use painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications as prescribed by a doctor.
Which Doctor Should You Consult for Osteitis Pubis?
Orthopedic Specialist: Manages the main treatment process.
Physical Therapy Specialist: Plays a key role in rehabilitation and recovery.
If you experience symptoms of osteitis pubis, consulting an Orthopedic and Traumatology Specialist is the best course of action. Physical therapists also play a significant role in the recovery process.
For detailed diagnosis and treatment plans, feel free to reach out to us through our contact channels.
Osteitis Pubis Patient Testimonials
Here are some testimonials from patients who received treatment for osteitis pubis from Dr. Utku Erdem Özer:
Patient A: "Dr. Utku Erdem Özer's approach truly made a difference. Throughout my treatment process, he was incredibly supportive, and the physical therapy exercises he recommended significantly reduced my pain."
Patient B: "I was going through a very challenging period due to the pain caused by osteitis pubis. Dr. Özer and his team's professional approach and treatment methods accelerated my recovery process. I feel so much better now!"
Pubic Bone Pain in Women
Pubic bone pain in women is often caused by osteitis pubis. During pregnancy, increased pressure in the pelvic region and hormonal changes can contribute to this discomfort. Additionally, intense physical activities, trauma, or postpartum complications may also trigger pubic bone pain.
Management Tips for Women Experiencing Pubic Bone Pain:
Rest: Adequate rest is crucial to alleviate pressure on the pelvic area.
Correct Posture: Maintaining proper posture helps reduce strain on the pubic joint.
Prenatal and Postnatal Exercises: Specific exercises recommended during and after pregnancy can help manage and reduce pain.
Medication: In severe cases, painkillers may be taken under medical supervision.
Women experiencing persistent or severe pubic bone pain should consult an Orthopedic Specialist for personalized treatment options.
Conclusion
Osteitis pubis is a condition characterized by groin pain, swelling, and restricted movement. It occurs due to the accumulation of micro-injuries in the joint caused by continuous stress and muscle tension.
Although more common among athletes, particularly soccer players and runners, osteitis pubis can affect anyone.
Treatment Options Include:
Rest and Ice Therapy
Anti-Inflammatory Medications
Physical Therapy
Cortisone Injections (in severe cases)
Surgery is rarely required and is considered only when other treatments fail.
Thank you for reading our article. For more information, feel free to visit our website and explore further resources.
