Stress Fracture in right hip (Iliac)

[mcgrea]

About 5 weeks ago I was training for a marathon and began to have hip pains. After a long run I came home showered and after about an hour could hardly walk. I eventually had an MRI and was diagnosed with a stress fracture in my Iliac. I have been told this is a non weight bearing bone but to stop running for at least 6 weeks. Since then I have been swimming without pain but I cant walk long distance or even stand for very long without discomfort. The discomfort tho is different from day to day. Sometimes it is in my groin, sometime on my side hip, sometimes in my lower back or upper buttocks. I dont know if this is all from cmpensation from the stress fracture or something else. I am very eager to start running again but know I am no where near able to at this point. What should I do? Do I need to stay off the hip entirely, Physical therapy etc..

Also why did this occur?? I was told it occurs in long distance runners. But if it is non weight bearing, how did it occur??
I am a 41 year old female and am not new to excersize. I had been running 35+ miles a week for over a year, so no major increase in miles.

Any help would be greatly appreciated!!

[Heidi]

Hi

The cause of your stress fracture, if you are sure overtraining is not involved, could be numerus. Stress fractures are more common in women, may be linked to poor diet, low levels of oestrogen, osteoporosis, skeletal mis-alignment, leg length difference, muscle imbalances, or biomechanical faults, to name but a few.

Other things to consider about your training include old trainers (worn out), new trainers, different route (more hills?/difference surface) etc.

Technically then yes the ilium is a non-weight bearing bone. However, this doesn't mean that it is not subjected to forces with every impact during running.
You do need to stay off your feet as much as possible to give it the best chance of healing properly. I would also book in for some physical therapy to address any imbalance or biomechanical issues and get checked out for osteoporosis at your Doctors.

Good luck!