Question
Thank You, Dr O'Brien.

The information on IT Bands seems to describe the burning in my thigh and around my knee.  Could this also be the source of the sharp hip pain?  I'm wondering if I should stop exercising, altogether, until I see a physician.  I don't want to make an incorrect move that could cause permanent damage.  I will have Health Insurance in a few weeks, so I'll schedule an appointment before 2007.

Thanks again.

-joe




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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
I'm a 26 year old male in good physical shape - I diet well (80% of the time) and exercise semi-regularly.  I played sports as a kid and teenager, but never had any major pains or injuries.  Since I was 19, I've had a recurring pain (ever 4-6 months) that burdens me for a week or two in my RIGHT hip joint.  It's a stinging pain that gets worse when I turn my hip in certain directions and walk on it, seemingly concentrated in the joint.  I payed little attention to it, as it always goes away, however just after my 26th birthday last week, I started feeling the hip pain, but it's not going away (nearly 2 weeks).  I had no injuries, but recently switched jobs and sit a lot more.  The pain, however, is now not so strong in my joint, but radiating moreso in my thigh and concentrating in my knee and feels more like a burning now, rather than a pinching.  It even, at times, will travel down to my foot (quite often in last few days).  It can hurt to lay, sit, stand and walk at times, however exercise has helped me forget about it for about an hour each time I hit the gym and jog.  The warm throb in my shin and knee is getting to be a bit much, and it is rare that it goes away.  I've heard that it may be a sciatic nerve problem, but it sounds a bit different.  Should I see a doctor or just keep exercising?  What do you recommend?

Thanks.
-----Answer-----
Hello Joe,

   You may have a IT band issue, there are several muscles that surround the hip and can cause the pain you are experiencing.  You may want to see a doctor of chiropractic who specializes in sport injuries as this is a common sports injury, they will locate the exact area of impingement or adhesions in the muscle tissue.  A doctor of chiropractic will also look at the biomechanics of your leg to determine if your gait is normal/straight.  Often a fallen arch can cause your symptoms and orthotics may help.  After a exam your doctor will be able to tell you the cause and establish an effective treatment plan.

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.

Answer
Hey Joe,

   Yeah, take some time off the cardio as this will be the main aggravator.  Stretch a lot, use a foam roller over the IT band, also can use a tennis ball on the TFL muscle located directly above the femur head/hip and rim of the pelvis/Ilium.  You can lay on your side and find the spots/knots that are painful and roll over them slowly.
Ice too!

Have a great day,
Dr. Brendon O'Brien D.C.