In the late spring of 2006, I posted this entry to my blog after sustaining a stress fracture of my left pubic ramus in the process of marathon training. I am posting a follow-up entry now because I have been amazed at the number of emails I have received from some of you out there about this topic. I don’t mean I’ve gotten hundreds or anything, but probably about a dozen or so since I wrote about my own experience.
As you may have read in subsequent posts, I had a baby in July 2007, a little over one year after the fracture. I became pregnant about five months after the injury, and about one month after feeling that it had recovered. I had initially wondered if the pain from the fracture would return as the pregnancy progressed, but it never did. Even at the end of the third trimester, I never would have known the fracture existed – it was a non-issue.
Another question I receive with some frequency is what I did to get better. The answer: I removed myself from all exercise for three months. It was irritating, because at the time I was quite fit from training, but every time I would attempt to do anything even as low impact as using the Elliptical trainer, the pain was back within minutes. Riding a stationary bicycle doesn’t help, because it requires sitting on the affected area. I finally had to use crutches for several weeks to keep weight off of the left side because it just was not healing.
This does not seem to be as uncommon of an injury as I initially thought – now that I’m aware of it, I have met many people who have friends or acquaintances who have had the same injury. I have not yet met a man with the injury – it really seems to hit women.
I have not run a marathon since the injury, but this is more for reasons of time and motivation than anything. I think I will wait until after I am finished having children and they are all done breastfeeding before attempting another one. 
I think that’s all I have to write for now about this. Please feel free to email me if you have further questions.
Sorry-just had to leave a comment. Injured myself running 5 months ago…and after 10 weeks of physio for an “adductor strain” I had an MRI which showed a healing inferior pubic ramus fracture. Just about starting back to running and was googling return to running and found your site. Just found it funny when I was flicking through and found references to radiology. I’m a radiology registrar (resident) in Ireland! Newly identified risk factor perhaps?!?
Gráinne
Comment by Gráinne — March 5, 2008 @ 2:59 pm
hey i got a stress fracture in october 2007, but my doctor said it was just overuse. I continued gymnastics on it until december and then finally got a boot on my right foot. I got the boot off in February 2008, all i did for that month was upper body strength at my gym. I started working back out in february very slowly, and then competing again in the middle of march. During my competitions i did very basic skills not what i used to do. Now its April 2008 and i have been experiencing some pain in my foot again. I went back to the doctor and he put the boot back on for this month. I’m competing in my state meet on May 3rd 2008 and the doctor said after that i have to take a break so it can heal, my only worries are that its gonna get worse while i’m working out for this month. Whats possible of happening to it?
Comment by jessica — April 4, 2008 @ 9:31 am
I am a cross country runner and in my last season of competition I got a pubic ramus stress fracture and was having problems with the left side of that whole region. I competed in two more meets (extreme pain) and then took 4 months to let it heal. When all pain was gone I began running again and it felt great for about two months. Then slowly I felt some similiar pain in the right side. After continuing to run about one more week, I started feeling more of the same symptoms as I had on the left side. I am extremly dissappointed to be back in the same position! I have once again reverted to no exercise, but I was wondering if you had any suggestions to stay in shape? I am a competitive collegiate runner and hate to think what kind of shape I will be in after this. I was also wondering if you had any suggestions as to why the injury proceeded from the left to right side, after prolonged rest and then returning to running?
Comment by Bailey — May 28, 2008 @ 12:13 pm
Dear Jodi,
I am a physiotherapist and my area of speciality is lower limb overuse injuries. I am currently researching pubis ramus stress fractures.
As with all overuse injuries the cause is multifactorial and the treatment needs to address and at best resolve/eliminate as many of these factors as possible. Such that when treating someone with a pubic stress fracture I resort to “micromanagement”. The process is very frustrating for all involved. Fractures do occur in males but it is much less common. The specific cause of the injury has not been identified but it is thought to due to how the adductor magnus pulls on the pelvis. I am pleased to hear that you have experienced a pregnancy and birth without any problems from the healed pubic fracture. I’d be happy to converse some more and offer you any assistance I can, however we are limited on the blog. The most helpful I could be at this stage is to recommend you have someone look at your running technique with particular reference to lumbopelvic stability, stride length and the vertical alignment of your leg as you land and take off.
regards,
Sarah
Comment by sarah — July 20, 2008 @ 3:51 pm
[...] – By the way, thank you for all of the comments about pubic ramus stress fractures. I still continue to receive emails from people (all of them have been women, I think) with either [...]
Pingback by Jodi’s Running Blog » And I’m back again — July 27, 2008 @ 10:14 am
Well, here’s your first male with a stress fracture of the superior pubic ramus. Starting in April, I ramped up my training for an 18 mile trail race with the help of a running coach. The onset of symptoms kicked in right after my first hill sprint day. (Aug.) I am supposed to use crutches for a month, then no running until January. My biggest concern is how to keep it from happening again….
Comment by Daniel — September 20, 2008 @ 5:49 am
hi, i would like to know more about what sara has to say…i had the famous left pubic ramus fracture,and, it was missed diagnosed as a groin tear…i am a p.s.w…that means i work with long term care seniors so i worked for 4 months lifting and walking to work thinking it was a groin tear…any help for my recovery would be appreciated..i’d like to take this info to take to my specialist who tells me im his “first”….thankx….D
Comment by diane richardson — September 20, 2008 @ 3:25 pm
P.S…i once read a small article on pronaters and suponaters….that people who are pronaters tend to have stress fracture more than suponaters…does any one know of this???
Comment by diane richardson — September 20, 2008 @ 3:30 pm
Jodi,
I am 55 and have been running for about a year and really enjoying it until I got two stress fractures of the public ramus. I was wondering what all you did for healing. I still have pain walking after 8 weeks. My orthopedic doctor did not suggest crutches and I do have to walk a lot being a teacher. Did you take anything particularly to help with your healing? I want to think I can run some again. I want to heal as quick as I can. Running was the first sport I really enjoyed and could do with my husband.
Comment by Debbie — October 2, 2008 @ 9:40 pm
I was diagnosed in early June 2008 with a left inferior pubic ramus stress fracture. I had pain on both right and left side several weeks after the MRI. I took 5 weeks off after the initial diagnosis and tried to swim and bike for 2 weeks, but the pain was too much. I’ve done NO exercise since 8.2.08. As of 10.26.08, I’m still dealing with it. My pain has gone away, but I still feel like I’ve got inflammation. Anyone else experience this or have any ideas?
Comment by Jason — October 26, 2008 @ 12:53 pm
I too suffered from a pubic ramus fracture two years ago, and after having my daughter four months ago, I’m again experiencing pain as I am trying to get back into running. It’s on both sides. I started taking Glucosamine DS, but wondered if anyone has heard if this is supposed to help. My knee dr. recommended trying it. (I’ve had five knee surgeries, but have running “in my blood.”)
Comment by Gina — November 2, 2008 @ 3:19 pm
Hello! I have been suffering from a strss injury on my left pubic ramus. The pain has been unbearable at times. I beleive it was from pregnancy/chilbirth, and then jogging did not help. I just got my MRI results today, so i am trying to lppk into the healing process. It seems rest and crutches is what helps? Thank you for sharing Jodi, i appreciate it. I am looking forward to getting this taken care of!
Comment by elicia — November 10, 2008 @ 2:32 pm
i believe my male friend has had a pubis ramus stress fracture that has also caused some nerve damage via nerve impingement. Muscle activation with right glute, right gastrocs and right hamstrings is minimal. bladder control is minimal. some numbness and tingling in left foot. Anyone have similar experience?
Comment by michaela — November 13, 2008 @ 11:43 pm
Hello all, unfortunately I was hit with this injury three weeks before the NYC marathon in Nov 08. I have 2 stress fractures in the inferior and superior pubis ramus on the right side. Still no running but hope to be back at the end of January. No crutches for me but physio rehab work 3 times a week with a new running technique advised. Cause of fractures has been pin pointed to poor core stability so all rehab work has focused on pilates and controlled core stability excercises (all micro managed by the phsio). Sarah’s comments in point 4 match my treatment and although frustrating in the length of time the recovery is taking it seems to be going in the right direction and working for me
Comment by Zoe — January 10, 2009 @ 6:46 am
I’m pleased with all of the comments that continue to come in about this topic, but sorry that pubic ramus stress fractures are out there, alive, and well! While I have not been marathon training since the fracture, I have been running, but intermixed with a lot of walking as my husband and I take our son out in the stroller. I have this tendency when I run to overuse certain muscles while neglecting to build up others. When I walk three miles, I can tell I have been exercising certain groups that are not used as much while running. I used to have knee issues too, but I’ve found that taking long walks intermixed with regular running seems to have struck a better balance. I’m wondering if others out there have attempted cross-training as a secondary form of prevention, and whether it has worked?
Thanks, and keep the comments coming!
Comment by Jodi (keeper of the blog!) — January 10, 2009 @ 12:49 pm
One point to add – my experience is similar to those described above (inferior pubic ramus stress fracture while marathon training), but my doctor also ordered a bone mineral density test. I was found to have osteopenia, or low bone mineral density. I’m a 36-year-old female but was surprised to learn I have the bones of the average 70-year-old woman.
So, regarding the pregnancy, I ran two injury-free marathons before having children, then had three kids in about three years and breastfed. Then my troubles began. My advice, be diligent in maintaining your calcium intake while having kids.
I’m now training for my second post-children marathon but have the feeling my stress fracture symptoms may be returning (hence I found this thread). I’m trying to cross-train as much as possible and found water running to be really helpful last time. My treatment also included pilates and core stability exercises, similar to Zoe’s comment above.
Good luck everyone, this is a frustrating injury. Thanks for sharing your info.
Comment by Jodie — January 12, 2009 @ 3:41 pm
Hi. Long time athlete, but not a runner… My experience has been that a hairline fracture of the pubic ramus causes all sorts of other problems with other muscles and tendons compensating and twisting to try to take up the slack left by the weakened bit of bone, leading to nasty strains and bursitis’ all around the hip complex. Unless you want to spend year after year after year in pain as you re-aggravate the same injury and stress out the same tendons, muscles and joints as your body attempts to compensate, I say take up swimming and tai chi and stretching for a few years… enough time that not only has the bone definitely healed, but all the surrounding soft tissue has as well in relation to the healed bone and the dynamic interactions of all these tissues has been restored as well. (I know, I’m a heretic). I also found that a sacro-iliac belt (mine’s homemade) can keep the pelvis together as its healing. Simply walking without pain is very very underrated as “one of the good things in life.”
Best to you all and good luck with healing.
kev
Comment by Kev — January 16, 2009 @ 11:46 am
Hi guys I would love more information on pubic ramus sfx. I suffered injury mid-sept. Now we are nearing mid Jan. Still have pain in buttock and groin area. Can I do any cross training other than swimming? Spinning and epplitical seem to cause pain!
Thanks for any suggestions!
Comment by Jonathan White — January 17, 2009 @ 3:15 pm
Hi! I am so glad to have found this blog! Thank you for posting this, Jodi! I have a stress fracture in my right pubic ramus, due to frequent jogging and low bone density. I have stopped exercising for 6 months, but it still has not gone away. The pain goes away, but comes back once I do any sort of physical activity. I live in NYC and have to walk everywhere, so I’m afraid I’m not giving it enough rest to heal. Though I don’t know how I will be able to get to and from work on crutches. If anyone has any tips for healing, I would love to hear them. I hope all of you are feeling well and are healing!!
Comment by El — January 20, 2009 @ 8:28 pm
I also wanted to add that I tried to do low-impact exercise like the elliptical but that even causes pain. If anyone knows any good exercises that we can do while healing, I would love to hear about them!
Comment by El — January 20, 2009 @ 8:40 pm
Wow this website came at a perfect time. I just got back from my dr. who confirmed that I have a inferior pubic ramus stress fracture on the left hand side. I too was training for a marathon for the last few months. Prior to that I had been doing cardio and strength training 4/5 days a week. I am so frustrated. Any info on healing and low impact exercises that can help create some of that runners high will help immensley. Thanks again for this blog!
Comment by Shannon — January 21, 2009 @ 1:20 pm
El – I also live in NYC and find it difficult to get around without constantly using the leg. I injured myself 2 months ago, but was just diagnosed with my stress fracture yesterday. I found a new dr. and I was told by to do avoid all excercise below the waist – completely. I am going to listen to him because I really want to get back to running eventually. It is frustrating, but will never heal if I don’t rest. He also has diagnosed the cause, which is a combonation of leg lenth discrepancy and over-pronation. He said I will need running orthotics to balance out my gait. I trust this dr as he is the “running doc” on runnersworld.com and the official dr for the NYRR.
Comment by Kerri — January 22, 2009 @ 7:19 am
Kerri, that is great that you have such a well known and respected dr. Do you mind me asking for how long he recommended no exercising below the waist? Also what did he say was ok? Can you do upper body strength training? Swimming? stretching?
Thanks
Shannon
Comment by Shannon — January 22, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Hi all,
Really happy to have found this blog. I am a modest runner, having never run more than 5 miles at a time and now averaging 2. I am also 64 years old and was in relatively good shape until Dec. 25, 2008, when I slipped on ice and fell, fracturing my left superior and inferior public rami.
I get that folks are recommending no running for at least 3 months. Is swimming ok once the pain has subsided? My osteopath told me that he thought I could begin swimming about 7 weeks after the injury, but I’m not sure he really knows what he’s talking about. I don’t want to jeopardize my ability to run in the future.
Also, any comments on how soon to resume intercourse?
Comment by Judy — January 23, 2009 @ 2:59 pm
Corrections:
I’m aware that I inadvertantly misspelled “pubic” rami. Also, my accident occurred on December 15, 2008.
I’m now walking normally with a little pain in my groin and low back on the left with pretty much any exertion. I’m scheduled to return to work on February 5 — 7 1/2 weeks after the accident and 2 weeks from today. I’m wondering how much I should restrict my activities now in terms of walking around or sitting and if it is wise to return to work (I work as a family nurse practitioner and so am on my feet a lot.) as long as I have any pain at all.
Grateful for any suggestions.
Comment by Judy — January 23, 2009 @ 5:46 pm
El – my dr said that had i been resting for the last 2 months, it should have been healed by now. He said to avoid all lower body exercise for the next month and then I will have to go back to him for a follow up. I think because we live in NYC, it may take longer to heal because it is very hard to avoid using the leg. Dr said anything with only the upper body was fine to do, like using arm weights while sitting, etc. am finding though, that walking and standing feel more comfortable than sitting or laying down. Is anyone else feeling that way? I am finding it hard to “rest” when it is more painful to sit than to stand.
Comment by Kerri — January 24, 2009 @ 12:56 pm
Hey everyone I too am finally stopping all lower body activity to speed healing. My question is has anyone’s docs metioned problems with standing for long periods. I have noticed I start to ache after standing for a while. I would love your feedback. Best wishes to everyone I know we will be back on the road or trails soon!
Comment by Jonathan White — January 25, 2009 @ 8:17 am
Kerri, thank you so much for your help! I agree that living in NYC is not helping the healing. I have to walk at least 1.5 miles each day to/from the subway, along with any other errands, etc, and I notice that on days I’m walking around a lot, the pain comes back fairly severely. Has your doc mentioned anything about having to go on crutches? Mine said that would be the next step if it does not heal, but I am trying to avoid those…I am not sure if I will be able to for much longer though.
Jonathan, I notice pain when standing for long periods as well. I never asked my doctor about it though.
Comment by El — January 26, 2009 @ 2:24 pm
Hi guys, I am ecstatic to have found this blog. I am extremely frustrated and feeling alone with this “Inferior public ramus stress fracture” on left side. I got it from running Berlin marathon end of September 2008 (nearly 4 months ago). A few weeks after marathon pain persisted. Went to doctor then onto physio… tests and MRI scans confirmed pubic ramus stress fracture, severe inflammation and muscle avulsion tears. I was running 50-60 miles/week in training before marathon – 25 yr old female.
I did not know anything about this type of injury or how serious it actually was so when physio advised few months rest I took this as meaning “no running” and only little exercise. Running movement was impossible anyway. Therefore, I continued in gym doing low-impact such as elliptical – cross training machine and cycling / spinning to maintain fitness and condition. As I was taking diafen anti-inflammitory tablets, these were masking the pain that was really there so I got by in gym for too long under illusion of being OK. For about 2 months (near end November) I could do 30-60 mins exercise in gym before pain was very bad and limping downstairs to go home. (silly I know). Separate to this I managed to get cellulitis infection in foot (unrelated) which meant I was bed bound with awfully painful swollen right foot for over 2-weeks and on crutches for 3-weeks. This was absolute enforced rest however hopping on crutches on the stress-fracture side. When I got off crutches from that it was Christmas and I spent the entire 2-week holiday trying to make-up for lost time which involved 2.5 hour cycles almost everyday (50-60km /day). The pain was still there but it was minimal and tollerable… but still not runnable!
So at the start of January (this month) when returned to work after Christmas I also returned to gym for elliptical machine and sometimes spinning class. I lasted about 10 days before pain just as bad as was when first got it. I have been completely inactive since. Physio referred me onto orthopaedic surgeon last week and he further clarified how my continued efforts of exercising through this have dramatically set me back. Tomorrow I am going for Isotope bone scans. This should identify what stage pubic ramus stress fracture is at now and if the persisting pain is result of suspected muscle avulsion tears also. Orthopaedic surgeon has said I must now take at least 12-weeks ABSOLUTE rest and possible going on crutches to ensure absolute no weight on injury.
My apologies for very detailed post but it feels great to explain all this to people who actually know and interested as my family, friends and colleagues have never heard of this & think it’s just a regular injury and attitude of “ah you’ll be fine after a few days/weeks rest”! I will post later in the week when receive outcome of isotope scans tomorrow. Fingers crossed!! PS: Does anybody know if surgery could be a solution? I am in dire need of a quick fix or ANY solution at this stage to save my sanity!!
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — January 26, 2009 @ 3:24 pm
….sorry just in addition to my previous post: I am now 100% willing to follow all advice completely including this absolute rest. Yesterday I suspended gym membership for 4-months (that was painful!) and gave my bike to friend to ensure I don’t be naughty and try exercise when no one watching! I now understand the severity of this type of injury and as much as I hate the word – rest MEANS REST! I have been fooling no one but myself & just prolonging recovery all this time
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — January 26, 2009 @ 3:32 pm
El – my doc said crutches were possible if I didn’t rest it. I have to say that since I have stopped all excercise and have been mostly resting, I am really feeling much better. I am still having to walk to the subway and some walking during the day, but I can tell it is healing. I am not going to mess with that now. It has been less than a week since I have stopped using the eliptical and going to PT. I still am having some pain, but it is minor and getting less each day. So, my advice is to rest up and just accept that you have to do it in order to heal. I am thinking of it as storing up for my next training!
Lizanne, it sounds like your injury is more severe, sorry to hear that. Good luck.
Comment by Kerri — January 27, 2009 @ 10:05 am
Lizanne, I know how you feel! No one seems to understand this injury and everyone is shocked to hear that I stll haven’t healed. They think after a few weeks rest it should have been gone. I had felt very alone with this injury, and I’m so glad to have found this blog too!
I did the exact same thing as you – continued exercising through the pain, which I think made it MUCH worse. Running was WAY too painful, so I stoppped that. But for months, I still did the elliptical, and would be sore and limping the whole evening after. I know what you mean about it sounding stupid, but at the time, I just didn’t want to sit around and do nothing and figured it would go away. Now, here I am almost a year since then and still have pain when I walk around a lot. (It has been 6 months since I stopped exercising, but I still have to walk around all the time living in NYC.) I think I need to go back to the doc and possibly get crutches since it just isn’t healing.
My understanding is that there is no surgery for this, it must heal itself. My doctor did scare me saying that if it gets worse, it could become a full fracture instead of just a stress fracture. Did any of your docs say this?
Definitely let us know how the isotope scans go! I had to take a bone scan test and found to have very low bone density for my age, which I think contributed to this.
Kerri, I’m glad to hear that your pain is starting to subside and that you are healing. Thanks for the advice!
Comment by El — January 28, 2009 @ 2:13 pm
Lizanne let us know how the test goes. I am in my third week of no lower body exercise. I am still swimming though. I volunteered at a local trail race this passed weekend. I had to get around some of my runner friends to feel better. Went back to different doc today he took another x-ray and said if he did not have my mri he would have said I didn’t have a stress fracture. I explained I am still having dull pain if I try any exercise. He told me what I guess we all know in the back of our minds and that is to be patience these take time to heal. I will be thinking of everyone, I know we will get back on the road in the near future.
Later
Comment by Jonathan White — January 28, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
hello I read peoples comments. I got my inferior pubic ramus stress fracture in may 2008 got pregnant the same month and now I’m two weeks from delievering and the pain is horible my doc wants me to do a c-section but I’m terified of the whole idea just thinking about it makes me panic. What all can go wrong if I do it vaginally? And how do I deal with the pain now espiecally when I’m lying down and try to move I feel pops and cracks that make me want to cry?
Comment by Sam — January 29, 2009 @ 11:45 pm
I like many others have incurred a fracture of my pubic ramus – though not from vigorous exercise but after falling on some ice this winter and loosing my footing. I was instantly aware of an injury and was immediately following the incident non-weight bearing (for 4 weeks). I am now in physical therapy with weight bearing again per my doctor and thought things were going well but by the end of the second weeks’ aquatic PT, my entire groin/inner thigh area is hurting something awful. I have followed all the guidelines of the physical therapists but I am now wondering if their exercises are stressing the area way too much too soon – I am only at 6 weeks since my injury. Wondering if anybody on this blog can comment on how long before the discomfort resolves or how long have you been no activity to be pain free.thanks!
Comment by Debby Ryan — February 1, 2009 @ 7:01 pm
Hi all, just as I thought I was close to full recovery I had another MRI scan to check all was healed before I started running again(after 4 months out). I had a slight discomfort on the treadmill after only a few minutes running. The good news is the 2 stress fractures have completely healed and the torn muscle has fully repaired. The bad news is they found a 3rd stress fracture which they didn’t detect in the first MRI scan. Thankfully they have said it is healing but I can’t stress how important it is to listen to your body and if you have any pain take the advice and rest up.I have found it so hard not to get out there and run! So in total 3 stress fractures in the right inferior and superior ramis – I have continued to walk, swim once a week(no breast stroke and if in any pain I use a float inbetween my legs and use upper body only), cycle once a week and supervised pilates with the physio. Who knows if I would have healed sooner if I had complete rest all I know is I would be stir crazy! The consultant and physio both thought 6 weeks out from ruuning, it will be more like 6 months. My next part of recovery is to video my running style and stride length to see if there are fundamental problems with my running style and to wear a flotation belt in the pool. Will keep you posted. Sadly had to pull out of the London marathon but still planning to run the NYC marathon this year
Comment by Zoe — February 2, 2009 @ 1:16 pm
Hi guys, well I just got the results of the isotope bone scans today and news not good at all! Over the past few weeks the pain is constant, even while sitting. Walking is painful and upon orthopaedic consultants instruction, I am now in forced rest and have cancelled gym membership a few weeks ago. No option, can’t walk properly! The results of scan show severe and extensive damage to this inferior “pubic ramus stress fracture”. I got it from the Berlin marathon (end Sept 2008) and following MRI scans in Oct-2008 it was diagnosed. I continued exercising (cycling and cross-trainer) despite advised to “rest” but have not been able to run, or tried since then (4 months ago). I took “rest” to mean no running or similar impact exercise (explained in my previous post # 28) The pain got very bad a few weeks ago. The isotope bone scan results show that the severity of injury is now more extensive. I am limping and advised to go on crutches for few weeks. But – here’s the important thing: The ONLY way for this to heal is AbSoLuTe and CoMpLete rest. That means even avoiding walking from A-to-B if possible – for at least 3 months. If I was told this a few months ago I would have laughed! My problem is dealing with this in the head. Total physical limitation is ultra frustrating but can be dealt with if only for few weeks. But for this extent of time…. well i’m sure you all understand. Otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this wonderful blog Jodi setup! To read my experiences of this, my blog is about “A passion for health and fitness” – how we deal with the mind when injury occurs etc – link below.
To any of you in similar situations – please understand that this is a very problematic injury. Pubic ramus stress fracture is exceptional to your standard injury that puts you out for a few weeks. Heed my advice and don’t ignore it like I have been doing for so many months! I have not only further damaged the injury but for every time I exercised through it I was simply pro-longing recovery time too! I think I have made my point now! Good luck to you all and do keep in touch. We are all affected differently of course (physically) but we are in a similar boat mentally with this frustration I think! My Blog on this: http://lizannebarnwall.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — February 5, 2009 @ 5:43 pm
hi all. thought I would update. I am feeling a lot better after following the dr’s orders of complete rest. I am still feeling an ache when sitting and he wants to give it another 4 weeks, but I think I am progressing. I have started PT, on day one so far. So for those of you who are feeling frustrated, know that with rest, you will see progress! Good luck!
Comment by Kerri — February 13, 2009 @ 4:37 am
Hi everyone. I have a stress fracture of the pubic ramus. I had been running with this problem while training for the Houston marathon. I also masked the pain by taking Lodine, an anti inflammatory. I was able to run 2 marathons and countless 20 milers with little pain during the run, but major pain when I was finished. A day off and Lodine and I was ready to do it again. Needless to say, after anti inflammatories and sport pack meds, my stomach said,”uncle”. I stopped taking everything after Houston and thought I would give it time to heal. I then became aware that I had been masking the pain. A bone scan initially before the first marathon did not show a fracture. We figured it was a groin strain. I have now had an MRI which showed the stress fracture as a circle shape. I have had some physical therapy and 4 weeks so far of no running. I was told walking would be good. While I walk I feel it, but not too bad. Afterwards it is painful, but no where near like when I was running. Spinning is great, but again afterwards I have a discomfort. I don’t know if any of this exercise is slowing down the healing. I have osteopenia, which was downgraded with fosamax from osteoporosis. I am getting frustrated. One day you think it is a little better, the next just as bad. I am going to have another MRI in 4 weeks to make sure that it is healing. I would like to train again in a couple of months so I am not sure what is the best thing I should be doing. I also don’t want to lose the cardio. Heart disease runs in the family. If anyone has any suggestions, or moral support for a fellow runner, it is always appreciated. Thanks.
Comment by Lisa — February 15, 2009 @ 3:14 pm
Hi Lisa, your story sounds very like mine both physically AND mentally in our attitude to exercise and running. I won’t repeat my experiences here again but you can read in previous posts (36 & 28). I have had pubic ramus stress fracture nearly 5-months now and exercised through it about 3 months while masking with anti-inflamms and painkillers which of course worsened and prolonged severity. The only way you/we will ever heal from this taking a minimum of ABSOLUTE rest. This even means the most movement will be when need to walk from a-to-be when necessary. Sounds crazy but I finally understand. The main challenge is to teach our mind how to accept and deal with this dramatic lifestyle change. I have documented this in my blog from when I got diagnosed up to current experiences with it. Happy to keep in touch. It’s reassuring to know I’m not “suffering” alone with the frustration!
See here: http://lizannebarnwall.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — February 16, 2009 @ 2:58 pm
Hello All. Very comforting to find a small community of fellow sufferers, however, a little concerning that the posts are mainly positive thinking people embarking on rehabilitation. There’s a worrying dearth of success stories
Brief synopsis from me – groin pain nearly 2 years ago. Tried to train through it by compensating and anti-inflammatories for c.8 months. Finally succumed and MRI scan showed stress fracture to right inferior pubic ramus.
Rested – 2 months.
Physio (core stability) – 1 month.
Started training again but soon found the pain returning.
Rested – 2 months. Started cycling hoping low impact would help stave off the reoccurence. Built up to c.60 miles a week. Felt low-ish level pain. Had MRI which showed a stress ‘reaction’ on the bone.
Rested – 1 month.
I’ve now started a core strengthening and flexibility program, but am feeling the knowing dull ache returning. I’m finding i’m going a little crazy trying everything from standing on one leg whilst cleaning teeth, sitting on physio ball, raised insoles, left glute strength, right hamstring fleixibility… arrghh!!!
It seems as though full rest, and maybe crutches, with micro-managed rehabilitation maybe the only way to go. It’s been 2 years!
Best of luck everyone. I look forward to reading some success stories.
Any help or advice would be very gratefully received. Thanks… Andy
Comment by Andy — February 21, 2009 @ 3:26 pm
Hi all, still limping and pain when do so. On Week-5 of absolute rest now. I found this interesting research article on “stress fractures of the pubic ramus” which is current as of 22nd February 2009: http://www.ejbjs.org/cgi/reprint/36/3/573.pdf
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — February 22, 2009 @ 7:27 am
Hello everyone. I pulled out of training for the Dublin Marathon back in October due to an inferior pubis ramus injury. Needless to say I was devestated and didn’t handle the lifestyle change very well!
What was initially suspected as a stress facture was confirmed in the MRI as a full fracture (so that explained the pain!)
Zero activity for 2 months with a slow return to walking and swimming. Absolutely no running until mid-January but starting to build back up now. Had an easy paced 8 mile on the beach yesterday and felt great.
Some days I get a real ache in that area and panic. I just try to take some extra rest even though it’s hard when I have so much work to do to regain my fitness. Any pain I do experience now feels almost gynecological, like something has fallen out of place. I think that’s illustrating the remaining weakness and imbalance in the muscles so I need to address that.
Anyway, four months on and I’m feeling soooooo much better. Everyday activities no longer cause pain and please God I’ll continue to get stronger and get back to peak fitness without injury.
Key message is take full rest when this type of injury occurs. I did get warning signals last Aug / Sept and ignored them. It was only at the pre-stress fractre stage then so I could have saved myself a lot of pain and tears.
Best of luck everyone.
Comment by Lila — February 23, 2009 @ 4:03 am
test
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — February 24, 2009 @ 4:04 pm
Hi Lila, great to see another Irish female victim (no offence!) to this awful injury. I also had to pull out of Dublin marathon last year too as it happened just a month before it. Walking was painful yet alone even attempting to jog.
I’m shocked but also delighted to see that only 2-months of full of rest saw you returning to exercise again. And then just a few weeks after this – back running pain free? I’m only about 4-weeks into this ABSOLUTE rest business now however don’t feel any improvement yet which is disheartening. But staying positive & keeping faith in the ‘time is a healer’ mantra.
During this total-rest time did you experience the same this – The irritation is still very much there but not very ‘bad’. However I’m barely ever moving nor do I ‘test’ it anymore to ensure constant rest. I’m limping but mainly to ensure as little weight bearing on it as possible. If I walked proper and asserted full weight on it I would definitely feel it, which would just irritate and prolong recovery again. When limping and sitting I feel the dull pain and in certain movements (sitting or turning suddenly) and the presence of it is very much there even though not actually ‘painful’ but more of an uncomfortable ‘sensation if that makes sense? I would really love to know how long this absolute rest took you before it was completely healed?! Lizanne
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — February 25, 2009 @ 10:45 am
Hi Lizanne. Just looking back over my diary…
> Injury happened on 28/09 (although realistically it probably happened a week before).
> Crutches for about 2.5/3 weeks.
> Then only minimal walking without crutches(just to and from the bus stop until late Nov. Some swimming (arms only).
> Introduction of more walking in December & met with a physio who felt the muscle had healed well (muscle tore off the bone when it broke). She said a little running on grass in late Dec/Jan should be ok so did very easy 10min runs twice a week. The sports physician disagreed but I felt he was being too conservative (please god don’t make me regret that!).
> Jan – back to light weight training (no squats). Few easy miles couple of times a week (max 15 miles a week).
> Feb / Mar – max of 3 runs a week with at least 1 on grass or sand. All at a pretty even pace so far. Plan to re-introduce intervals soon.
I know I took a risk in going back a bit sooner than recommended but I just listened to my body (which I should have done in the first place). I tend to heal quickly on the outside so I hope that applies to the inside too. Can be a bit tender when sitting at the desk all, particularly when I cross my legs. Apart from that all good thank god.
If it hurts AT ALL when you’re running stop and rest. I’m also considering getting a dexa scan in a few months just to reassure myself that my bone health is ok. Good luck!
Comment by Lila — February 26, 2009 @ 5:38 am
My daughter has incurred double ramus fractures from boot camp. She has been taken off active duty (was set to deploy with Army Reserves) and has been basically ignored by the Army since. But to the point, I read two or three articles on the internet from the Armies in UK and Australia, who have extensive experience with women and this type of fracture. What they have done to reduce the problem is to reduce recommended stride length from 30″ to 27″ and have had a reduction in incidence from about 12% of recruits down to almost nothing. (I’m thinking that women, who are mostly shorter with lower bone density and shorter men would have this problem more than taller people.) I couldn’t find any info on the American Armed services having recognized or dealing with this problem. I hope some of you of you can use this to help in your recovery. My daughter has been off duty 7 months and the injury does not seem to be healing. I’m going to recommend crutches.
Tamara’s mom
Comment by Betty Marsh — February 26, 2009 @ 3:29 pm
Andy, It has been about a year for me, with no complete healing, so I know your pain. I think the next step is to go on crutches to have COMPLETE rest of the affected area. I did not want to have to succumb to crutches, but I think it might be necessary to finally heal. Like you, every time I even start up a mild exercise, the pain comes right back. This is the most frustrating injury imaginable!
Comment by El — February 26, 2009 @ 4:17 pm
Wow- I don’t know whether I am
encouraged but I sure understand a lot better. I have fractured two bones on the right side of my pubic ramus in a full force fall on my right hip on a tile kitchen floor. Shock of my life I didn’t bounce. I have Ms and have taken quite a number of falls over the years. I always prouded myself on bouncing – no damage. I mastered controlled falling and work diligently to maintain my strength and mobility. I walked on a readmill 1.4 mph max for 1/2 mile six days a week as part of my self created and managed program. So I am bummed- no treadmill for 6- 8 weeks.
I am reading with trepidation all these posts but I am getting the message loud and clear. Patience, minimal exercise, upper body hand weights only, and rest. Chair yoga is okay too use your common sense.
I thank you all for explaining that the pain I am experiencing is normal but will get better with time. I am using my traveling walker in the house and carefully putting weight on the right leg. any suggestions for sitting? does putting your feet on a cushion to make sure the feet are level help?
Ah life is fun I am going to go find a good joke! Kathy
P. S. seriously three months to heal?
Comment by kathy lowry — February 27, 2009 @ 10:12 am
Thanks El.
The concern for me is that the underlying cause is not known. Core stability? Inequality of left to right leg strength, flexibility etc…
I has an MRI at Christmas and it showed a low level ‘stress reaction’ so it was near as damn it healed. I can’t being myself to go for the crutches option when i think it’s my own sitting / walking / running style causing the problem in the first place.
I’m trying to work out who’s best to help me get to the ‘bottom’ of that.
Best of luck. Let me know how you get on.
Comment by Andy — February 28, 2009 @ 4:17 am
Following on from my comments in 36, I am finally back to running
. The biggest help to finding the root cause and getting my technique right was video motion analysis with the physio. This has resulted in a strength training programme and new running technique.
The pain from 3 stress fractures lasted 4 months in total and I was never in a position to run through the pain – it was too severe. I was limping for about 4 weeks but the pain gradually eased. A 2nd MRI scan showed the fractures healing so the final test before running was to walk for 1 hour. No pain meant I could start running but the process is still very slow, currently restricted to running on the treadmill, 5 times a week 3 x 10 minute sessions with strength training inbetween. If no pain after 3 weeks I am then allowed back to road running. Same advice as everyone else rest despite how frustrating it is. I never used crutches and was encouraged by the consultant and physio to keep walking and cycling all of which left a dull pain, running through the pain was never an option. My physio did say that sometimes the fractures never fully fuse back together but if your core stability is strong and you are pain free (apparently possible without them healing) you can get back to running.
Good luck to everyone who is still in pain and stick with the advice you are given!
Comment by Zoe — March 6, 2009 @ 9:42 am
Hey again everyone, Zoe I have a question. Was the dull pain somewhat in your bttocks area. If I have to stand for a extended period of time I have a dull ache in my right bttock area. The last x-ray no fracture showed up that was in January. Thank you for any advice Zoe you could offer. I am just swimming and lifting weights at the present time.
Thanks,
Jonathan White
Comment by Jonathan White — March 6, 2009 @ 12:59 pm
Hi all, on both crutches now. Update of “recovery” on my blog, below. Everyone please note that ANY exercise prolongs recovery further. This includes upper body only also such as sit-ups and press-ups as this is contracting pelvic muscles bigtime. Why do I now learn this in my 6th wk of ‘TOTAL REST’!
Well done Zoe, cherish you’re recovery. It gives me soMe ‘hope’!
Blog progress here: http://lizannebarnwall.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — March 9, 2009 @ 3:28 pm
Hi all, on full crutches now. Even limping with 1 crutch these past 5 weeks of Total rest was too much pressure – the pelvis supports entire body weight and muscles. Also, orthopaedic consultant said that any upper body attempts (eg: sit-ups and press-ups) hinders healing as these movements contract pelvic muscles big-time. To maintain SOME form of tone, I tried to do some sit-ups and press-ups most evenings – as only form of possible exercise. But now that too must cease. At this rate I should just lie in bed and not get out for another 6 weeks. Life and work must continue but seriously losing heart & hope in ability to self heal now. Got this 5-months ago but admittedly only on 6th week of this absolute rest now. Update of progress on my blog here: http://www.lizannebarnwall.blogspot.com
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — March 10, 2009 @ 3:48 am
Hi the doctors have diagnosed my 9 year old son with either a stress fracture in the pubic rami or a pulled tendon. and they just took more xrays and said he has pulled tendons in his knees. The doc said it is very common in children. I have never heard of this. Anybody got any idea about this??? Thanks!
Comment by Teri Dick — March 10, 2009 @ 2:10 pm
Hi Jonathan, that was exactly where the dull ache was, it almost felt like it was in the ‘sitting bone’ area. It has only really been the past three – four weeks that the pain has completely gone and it was like a sudden switch to being pain free. Core stability seems to be working for me,at anytime I have felt pain from an excercise it has been removed from my programme and re-introduced a week later and so on.
I was encouraged to use a flotation belt in the swimming pool to help with fitness levels, also to cycle and walk but no other aerobic excercise.
Was your x-ray an MRI scan? If not it may be worth getting one done
Comment by Zoe — March 11, 2009 @ 2:17 pm
Hi again everyone, I was number 39 in the postings. I had a second MRI last week after 9 weeks of no running. I was walking 4 miles for mental stability every other day. Relatively no pain during. Some after. I was kidding myself thinking this was ok because I wasn’t running. MRI showed still significant edema in the bone of the pubic ramus. I was now told 30 min. walking everyother day at the most and nothing else. I have another MRI in 6 weeks. Sometimes opening a jar of spaghetti sauce hurts.I guess anytime you engage the abs. Having always been active and alot of nervous energy makes me count the days until the next MRI. It is hard to see an end to this and wonder if it will actually heal. I think the absolute rest and staying off my feet is the best idea. It is great to read your stories and have the support.
Comment by Lisa — March 22, 2009 @ 7:07 pm
Just had a chance to read Lizanne Barnwall’s posts on her blogspot. You are an inspiration to all of us. I hope to focus my thinking more on a positive future. I agree that sometimes we need to slow down and appreciate what we can do. Thank you Lizanne.
Comment by Lisa — March 22, 2009 @ 7:24 pm
Thanks a lot Lisa for sharing your story. My only comment is that I can relate completely: The frustration, nervous energy, anger etc towards this uncommon, vague, misunderstood & unsupported injury which is notorious for it’s very slow recovery process… it is all about: rest, rest, time, time & more rest & time….! There is huge support & more knowledge to be gained about this injury from the runnersworld link on my blog. Lisa, I too am looking forward to your next MRI scan & result… but remember that the best result will only come from you RESTING as much as possible until then. Trust me, I understand how really tough this is from our hyper energy & pumping adreniline us folk have. But just visualise your long-term life, one day running again & for every 1-day you walk/exercise now = 1 day extra adding on to injury. Best wishes to all. You’re not alone.
http://lizannebarnwall.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — March 23, 2009 @ 3:39 pm
Lizanne, I admire you for your strength and courage. My injury is not as severe as yours, but there are days when I lose my mind. I think reading your blog and other stories does help you understand alot more about how long pelvic injuries can take to heal. Is there any chance that you will run again? You are so young. Even if not to the same intensity, just to run to be at peace with yourself in the fresh air. Up until 4 years ago I was a gym rat. Since I started running, I couldn’t get my behind back in the gym. I do realize the lack of crosstraining was part of my downfall. Running is so addicting. It gave me the confidence and self assurance that I never felt before. Hang in there. Your in my thoughts and prayers! Take care.
Comment by Lisa — March 24, 2009 @ 2:42 pm
Hi Lisa, Great to hear your injury not as severe. Yes I agree that your lack of cross-training would definitely be a contributing factor to constant overuse of same running muscles but no work given to core strength training therefore, weaker bones particularly pelvis as a female (biomechanically wider etc). My whole pelvis is very strained & in knots now where the sharp pain still resides within pubic ramus. But apparently this is all ‘normal’! Yes there is now apparently a chance I’ll run again following correct posture & form work, biomechanics etc…. physical theropists who have worked with this are participating in the runnersworld forum. I have been since in contact with so many experienced people in this area who are also joining our new community blog which is great to offer support & advice to people like us. The runnersworld groups of people with this injury are joining the “pelvicstressfracture community group blog” we’ve setup this week. The more who join, the bigger it will become & more people will find so everyone here welcome to hop on board by clicking here: http://pelvicstressfractures.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — March 25, 2009 @ 4:02 am
Thanks Lizanne. I will check into that blog. Keep us posted on your progress and so will I. Your advice is priceless.Take care and talk soon.
Comment by Lisa — March 26, 2009 @ 7:44 am
Hello everyone, I have Lupus, APS and polymyalgia rheumatica, so I am not an active person in any sense. I sustained severe pain on my left side about 10 weeks ago, and after 2 weeks of agony went to the GP in case I was developing necrosis from prolonged steroid therapy. REsult, # of pubis ramus. I was told to keep moving on it (I don’t exercise because I can’t, I am registered disabled), and I have no idea how I did this. 7 weeks after that Xray I am still in severe pain, the analgesics don’t touch it, I can barely sit down, it throbs, I have pain on walking, can’t lie on it at night, the whole leg aches but I suffer an intense exacerbation of the pain when I move it in certain directions. I am feeling really fed up, I was told 6 weeks to heal, and I am supposed to be going on holiday to China in 10 days time! I am wondering if they missed anything and should I go back to the hospital? But reading your blogs maybe I just need to rest it more and disregard what the doctor said!
Comment by Tricia — March 29, 2009 @ 2:23 am
Hi, it’s Jodie (not Jodi keeper of blog) from way back in comment #16. I found this blog then as I was training for the Tokyo marathon and thought I might be having pubic ramus stress fracture symptoms again. I had previously fractured in June 2007 (see Lizanne’s blog http://lizannebarnwall.blogspot.com/ for lots more detail).
Anyway, I held back on my training until the symptoms felt under control and did much cross training – swimming and cycling. I still kept up two shorter runs plus one long run a week and often felt some groin pain the night after a long run.
However, I’m happy to report I finished the Tokyo marathon in 3:52 with no stress fracture recurrence. I wanted to post this comment to let you know it can be done!
Training with the threat of stress fracture looming was quite an anxious time, but I found that listening to my body was the best way to deal with it. I really have no idea whether I was close to re-fracturing, but whenever the symptoms crept up I’d hold off on running until they faded. Even though my fracture healed well, I have osteopenia and am at risk of re-injuring. It’s hard to know how far you can push your body, but I’m just happy to be running at all. I think the key is to let it heal and then start from scratch. Good luck everyone!
Comment by Jodie — April 4, 2009 @ 1:50 am
Well done on Tokyo marathon Jodie, that is such a great result… and after suffering so long with this horrible pelvic fracture, Wehey, there IS hope for us! My update is on the Group Blog with other people’s updates too. Perhaps when you have time (not running!) you can post your good news there also to brighten up other sufferers day’s too
Chat then
http://pelvicstressfractures.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne Barnwall — April 10, 2009 @ 9:53 am
Jodi,
I like you was lead to believe that this type of stress fracture was uncommon. In fact, after the initial injury during an army physical fitness test, I stopped all training (I am a triathlete) even swimming because the pain was so intense. After treating it as a strain on my own for about 2 months, I referred myself to a sports medicine orthopedist who immediately told me it was my back and sent me to a PT. After the first apptmt, he told me it was not my back, but ischial tuberosity bursitis and referred me back to the orthopedist who without ever examining me and as I tried to explain to him that the pain was in my crotch and I could point exactly to wear the pain was, he injected the bursa with an analgesic/steroid which did nothing. Several specialists later, I was referred by a pain specialist who believed that my pain was not in my head as one doctor had told me, but in my crotch as I reported, to a different orthopedist and sports medicine doctor who immediately sent me for a bone scan. Needless to say after 5 months of no activity and no improvement, a stress fracture of the left pubic ramus was discover, an MRI followed showing the jagged edges of the bone and I was placed on crutches and off of work for a month. I was at first like many worried about my training and being out of shape, but now I only wish to be able to sit comfortably again and to heal. If an athlete returns to activity too soon, they can worsen the fracture and cause the blood supply to the area to be diminished causing “avascular necrosis” which is not reversible with subsequent bone death. As it sounds, this is not good and depending on the bone affected could mean bone grafts or joint replacements. I read an article about stress fractures and it pointed out that the closer to the core the fracture, the longer it takes to heal. It also suggested that the cause be discovered once the fracture had healed, athletes should restart activities slowly and only after a gait analysis was completed by a sports professional. Although my injury most likely occurred due to a very sudden and quick change in direction during my PT test, I understand that shoes and how a person runs can stress the adductors which can pull on the bone stressing it over time. I have also learned from experiencing and during physical therapy that stretching the area (remember, I first thought it was a strain) can actually worsen the fracture and keep it from healing.
Advice to others…coming from a health practitioner suffering as you did…be persistent in seeking a sports medicine professional who understands runner’s injuries and take ALL the time necessary to heal completely. The body remembers the shape it was once in, so returning to health will come easily in time, but you must heal completely to prevent future issues that can plague you for years. Return to workouts cautiously, on soft surfaces with good shoes and slow increases in mileage. Eat fewer calories using nutritionally high powered foods including those with calcium and vitamin D, to minimize weight gain and maximize bone health. Finally, get a professional gait analysis by a physiotherapist so that any posture or misalignments can be discovered and corrected. This will possibly prevent reoccurrence or fractures of the opposite side. May we all heal fully and quickly.
Comment by Bridget — April 14, 2009 @ 9:07 am
Hi All, I had a pubic ramus stress fracture when I WAS 19. I am NOW 39 and live with the pubic pain everyday. Its as if I never healed but x-rays and scans show differently. There is no arthritis or other problems seen on my x-rays. I was a x-country runner in high school, immediately after joined the Army. I ran and marched every day. Intially I was told I had a pulled groin muscle and I continued walking, marching and only did limited running. I had pain for 4 weeks before a scan was done. I had marched, ran and continued my training for these 4 weeks. Ortho prescribed crutches for 4 weeks, then I was told I could go back to walking and stretching for a month then “return to full activity.” I returned my crutches and they handed me my rifle. I still had pubic pain, noticed numbness on my thigh to my foot, pain in my buttocks and hips, lower back pain. I was healed in the x-rays 3 months later but the muscles and tissue hadnt, I know now. Today I have the same pain, even as I type. I have started physical therapy, but it hurts. I limp everyday, cant ride a bike, cant push things with my foot to move them aside, even using a shovel hurts in my groin. I havent quit trying to get better after all these years. I receive free medical through the military and am on pain relievers permanently and now have stomach problems from the pain meds. I recommend all activity be stopped!! Avoided! Sit, soak in hot water, dont stretch, walk only as necessary then sit again. I had a job to perform and gave it my all. Now, I have the daily reminders. My Honorable Discharge is hung next to an appointment slip for my next physical therapy session. I cannot emphasize “NO ACTIVITY” enough. Limited activity has a different definition in the military. I marched and ran in combat boots daily and this surely provoked the fractures nor did boots help with my healing. I am happy to hear that some of the civilian doctors take this seriously. I didnt know that I would deal with this for the rest of my life. I read the posts and wish I had followed all the steps others had taken. I knew a few female soldiers who also had a stress fractures. They had the same problems as I, I dont know how they are doing today and can only hope they healed well. I am learning more about this fracture and its connection to tendons and such now. I am told that I have neurological problems, muscle and tendon issues too. I just think “if only…..” My situation is different because of my military assignments but these are the results if care is not taken.
Comment by Dee — April 14, 2009 @ 7:11 pm
My 82 year old husband fell twice within 5 days and suffered a non-displaced left ramus fracture. Any type of movement is extremely painful. He was admitted to the hospital after the second fall and I question what the prognosis will be since he has infarc dementia and many other problems. It is one thing to have the ability to understand a situation but when one is incapable to communicating…heaven help us.
Comment by Dolores — May 13, 2009 @ 6:30 am
This seems to be a recurring theme with army women. I was also discharged 4 years ago for the injury. for the past 3 years Ive had the pain on and off but bearable. for the last week its at its worst. My entire leg hurts, my back,.. Im really in some pain. For some reason Im afraid of going to the docs.all the prior docs have said that it has healed. so i dont want to waste my time.. should I see yet another doc?
Comment by Jen — May 20, 2009 @ 4:56 pm
Hi,
I am in New Zealand and I am so glad to have found others with the same injury!!
My main question is: how long after your inferior pubic ramus stress fracture were you able to get back to running?
Mine went undiagnosed for months and although I didn’t run I walked without crutches. I am now confined to the bed and to the couch and am not supposed to be using it at all until it heals. This is apparently 4-6 weeks and then another 12 on crutches!
Comment by Anna — May 22, 2009 @ 4:21 pm
hi Jodi & everyone
i am an amatuer triathlete and took a nasty wipeout on my bike yesterday and broke my helmet, collar bone and fractured my pubic ramus (i dont know superior or inferior yet — have to go to orthopedist tomorrow)
i was reading on the internet that although walking is painful, it will not arrest the healing process but it sounds like all your bloggers have found differently….does any one have any insight?? thank you all so much. Eli (female)
Comment by eli — August 2, 2009 @ 1:31 pm
Hello,
I am so glad to have found this blog. I just found out 2 days ago that I have a pubic ramus fracture to my right side. I have been in a police academy and the training has been intense. My doctor has told me nothing so far as to my treatment or prognosis but reading the other posts has helped me out a lot on what I should expect my next few months to be like. My co-workers all think it is a minor injury. Thank you for your help.
colleen
Comment by colleen — August 5, 2009 @ 9:37 pm
Hi Anna,I am soooo happy for you! Sounds funny to say but I mean that you have an awesome doc now. You need to stay in bed. Do not do stretches. Do use crutches for those 12 weeks. Tendons are connected to the pelvis and you will just damage what you have. After the crutches please go very slowly…I was told to return to previous activity/running levels. It was terrible. PAIN, NUMBNESS! I will be 40 soon and still walk with a limp, back pain, shooting pain from the pubic bone to my foot. Rest, Rest, Rest! The excess weight you gain is worth it. You will be able to wear heels, garden and dance when you are older. I have run only a few times in all these years only to have my foot go numb. Dont do like I did PLEASE! Presently, I have been slow since my brain surgery 8 months ago. I know the extra weight is well worth it. Today may be monotonous but you will be great in the future if you take care of yourself.
Comment by Dee — August 11, 2009 @ 6:02 pm
Eli, do update us on what the doc said. Sorry I havent been checking in…
Comment by Dee — August 11, 2009 @ 6:23 pm
Jen, Do see a doc. Its important to document all this. You may have problems 10 years from now and need to show evidence to Veterans Affairs Hospital. You may be able to work a full time job, have beautiful babies and travel the world but there are additional things to consider. You are eligible for care, benefits and disability through the military. I dont have to pay for my medical care at the VA hospital and they even paid for my brain surgery. WE are VETS and we deserve care for the damage we incurred. I get free Physical Therapy for my leg/pelvis! The Physical therapist has found weakness and damage to my tendons (comparable to a stroke patient). She has a light exercise program in place for me and I get free regular sessions in the VA clinic. Just something for you to think about. You can find a VA clinic or hospital near you for more info. http://www2.va.gov/directory/guide/home.asp?isFlash=1 This is where you can look for a VA doctor near you. Years ago I submitted a claim for my pelvic pain, I was rated and now get free care. I dont get money but by having just done the forms and saw one doc in the city, I now have a 0% rating. I dont get money…no biggie but I do get VA care. My ID says “Service Connected” when I go in for appointments. I can go in for ear infections, stitches, cough syrup, and even free brain surgery, all for free now. I get free shuttle service from my home to the hospital and free shuttle rides from one city to the next. A 4 hour rountrip ride to San Francisco was free. I even receive free hotels during my stay if needed. It is all because of my pelvic fracture rating. I dont have medical insurance so I am blessed to have served and even fractured my pelvis.
Comment by Dee — August 11, 2009 @ 6:50 pm
Hi Dolores, (my name also) So sorry to hear about his fall. What has happened since then? Has he improved any?
Comment by Dee — August 11, 2009 @ 6:54 pm
I’m one of the few men with this injury. Like Dee, I got my stress fracture in the service. That was in ’04, and was discharged on medical after a year of rehab. Really after the first year, I had no problems (except occasional pain) until a couple of months ago. My stress fracture recurred because of my job (10 hours of walking/continual heavy lifting) I could no longer do my job, and since it was a preexisting condition, I got nothing from my job. I have been out of work for a couple months now. At least I am being treated for free at the VA. Has anyone else had recurrent stress fractures?
Comment by David — August 13, 2009 @ 11:13 am
Count me in as one with this affliction. Hurts to run. Hurts to sit. Hurts to stand after sitting. Accupuncture, two active release therapists, osteopathy, anti-inflamatories, yoga, cross training don’t seem to help. Really want to run Nike Women’s half marathon in October then rest but am afraid that I will damage myself forever if I continue to train and do the race.
Comment by Esther Jurasek — August 14, 2009 @ 2:44 pm
Hi all, as you might have seen from my posts here quite a few months ago, I have inferior pubic ramus stress fracture to left side. This is 11 months later now. Despite recent MRI saying bone now fully healed, the groin burn/pinch continues, mainly sitting down and increasing activity. Many of us ‘pelvic stress fracture’ sufferers are actively sharing our stories & advice on our group blog. You are welcome to come join & learn more here: http://pelvicstressfractures.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne — August 15, 2009 @ 3:21 pm
Lizanne, Thank you for the information. I will go there and maybe others will do the same.
Comment by Dee — August 17, 2009 @ 1:21 pm
David, It stinks that you had to be one of the few men that have the fracture. I have had many x-rays in the past 20 years but I am still healed.
After my initial fracture and supposed healing, I went to a German doctor because of the limping and numbness. The ER doctor at a German hospital said I had nerve damage. He used a needle on my thighs. This was within a year of it happening. The discharge note is in German and wasnt useful when it came to filing a claim with the VA. Imagine that. Only accepting doctor notes in english when I had been stationed in Germany.
I had an ECT or EMG? The test that tests electrical conduction in my legs. I have a slower response on my fractured side. Peroneal nerve damage. I was told by Walter Reed Hospital that it is normal to have one side less responsive than the other but “damaged” nonetheless. Something I should research online…
I think the pre-existing condition problem stinks but common. I receive SSI for epilepsy and Medi-Cal. You would qualify if the pain interfered with all types of jobs. Those that require sitting without pain, standing without pain. If you cant do substantial gainful activity, have a record of continuing care, not trainable for a new career you would be eligible. Granted, I still live at poverty level but I do pay my rent and get free medical. You have lost a job because of it, I would think that shows it interferes with your life and lingers. You should contact Veterans Advocacy Office. You would get disability pay through the military and the federal government. You have the documentation to support it.
When you have an appointment and are asked the pain level from 1 to 10, always say over 5. Even if you are having a good day. I am a happy person and take pain meds so am not taken seriously when I say 8.
I have problems sleeping at night because of the shooting pains thru my groin. 20 years of this pain gets me down but I have seizures to distract me. Take care…Dee
Comment by Dee — August 17, 2009 @ 1:57 pm
Hi all,
I am a 31 year old male and just found out i have a stress fracture of my left pubic ramus. i was meant to run the NYC marathon with the elites on 1 nov. Not going to be doing that now…
Wondering if any of you have an approximate recovery time to normal speed work again…
thanks, n.
Comment by noah — September 8, 2009 @ 1:46 pm
I have had this injury for 24 weeks now. I have been on 2 crutches most of this time and have finally decided to do couch arrest 6 days a week and work 1 day a week with PT for e-stem and gentle stretching. I am basically doing nothing and pain is less. I went on 1 crutch and aquajogged and cycled back in June but that made me basically start over with this injury. Haven’t done exercise since July. Obviously everyone is different but the least you do maybe the quicker the recovery.
Comment by bobbi lou lineham — September 9, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Hi fell from a height of about 4 feet onto a hard surface nearly five weeks ago. Took three doctors two sets of xrays and finally an MRI to diagnose two fractures of the pubic ramus. Nearly five weeks on I am still in AGONY. I can’t put any weight on the right side, am walking with a zimmer frame only. Sitting is agony, I can’t lie on either side in bed at night. The pain in my groin/buttock is just a nightmare. Pain killers do nothing. I have osteoporosis and am 59. I feel as though it will never heal and I will never be freee from this pain. Any suggestions?
Comment by Sue — September 12, 2009 @ 10:35 am
Hi Jodi,
Thanks for your response and kind words. I am pretty sure my stress fracture was from speed work as well. I began training in april, and knocked 2 minutes off my time over the course of a few months with some intense VO2 training. I think between that and a 96 minute NYC half on concrete, my body had enough. The long runs were always smooth, but speed + distance needed a bit more prep work.
I’ve recently gone back to a 20 minute elliptical/ 40 min swimming/ aquajogging per day, reversing the next. Doctors seem to think non-weight bearing exercise is fine, and my coach made a good point – injury down time is perfect to do core strength work. it keeps your cardio up and you return to running stronger (hopefully!)
Anyway, thanks again. I appreciate it.
Best, n.
Comment by noah — September 14, 2009 @ 9:52 am
Hi. I was diagnosed 2 weeks ago with a stress fracture to my right inferior pubic ramus, which was quite a shock. Unlike most of you, I am not a marathon runner. I have been running for about 20 years (am 35), but I am generally a 3 to 5 mile 3 to 5 times a week runner. I have 2 small children close in age that I breast fed and my Dr. is sending me for bone density testing as my MRI showed “degeneration” of the bone. I have always eaten well and had no idea that pregnancy and nursing could be weakening my bones, although I have read that damage from this is reversible in 6 months or so. I also have bunions and had a bunionectomy on my right foot 15 years ago and wonder if my running style to compensate for my bad feet could be the culprit? I guess I will eventually have my technique (or lack thereof) analyzed. It is been 5 weeks since my injury and I have not run and done any sports, but I live in a big city where I have to walk lots and have to pick up my kids and push them in their stroller, etc. which I guess will slow the healing? My pain is now not significant but I am aware of the injury and limp and cannot put my weight all on the right leg. It feels better for a few days and then a bit worse. At first I could hardly put on underwear or pants. My Dr. says it would be ok to start swimming soon, but I am afraid to do much of anything for fear of making things worse. I always imagined that I would continue to run into old age and now worry that may not be possible. Thank you all for your stories and encouragement. I will let you know how my healing progresses when I get any news, but would appreciate any insight if anything I write strikes a cord with anyone. Thanks.
Comment by Heather — September 21, 2009 @ 5:37 am
Hi all, inferior pubic ramus stress fracture (left side). Almost one year now. The best advice I have received and finally fully understand is this; CALCIUM + VIT-2 supplements. We’re almost ALL deficient in calcium – especially if a runner which is a key reason for this sfx in first place and slow recovery. You’re welcome to join our Community blog for ‘pelvic stress fractures’. Here:
http://pelvicstressfractures.blogspot.com/
Comment by Lizanne — September 23, 2009 @ 2:37 pm
I was just diagnosed ……I have been training for a marathon and now I can’t walk without extreme pain……how long is this going to take?
Comment by Linda Gomez — September 24, 2009 @ 5:38 am
Hi everyone, I am so grateful to have found this blog. Got a pubic ramus stress fracture the first week of april while training for my 3rd marathon. I didn’t get a diagnosis until a few weeks ago after an mri, and was relieved to finally know what it is. I was not able to bike for the first few months after but now am. The stairmaster is one thing i’ve been able to do for a few months now. I never stopped walking on it – if i’d had a diagnosis and read this blog I would have. The doc who diagnosed it said to try running 30 seconds at a time. I have pain within 15 seconds – not intolerable but that feels like I should stop. He also advised water running but I am confused about how this works. Does anyone do this? Do you run in place or do laps? my doc said something about using a weight belt and wearing something on your feet so the bottom of the pool doesn’t scratch them, but when i googled water running it seems like most people use a floatation belt. ? Any advice would be welcome. And are there people out there who have recovered fully and can run marathons again? I just need to know I will get back there.
Comment by wren — September 24, 2009 @ 11:37 am
This is week 27 for me and I am finishing up 6 weeks of couch arrest (finally just decided to do very little and sit at home for 6 weeks while going to work once a week). I have been on 2 crutches all this time and almost got better in June until I went back to square one by going in the ocean 2 days–the current getting out was too much and also doing one grocery shopping with 1 crutch and the cart. As the cart got heavier the pull to the groin got worse–especially around the corners with the cart. At that time I was also aquajogging, working and cycling. Now I have been doing stretching (gently that doesn’t pull at the groin area), mild crunches, leg lifts laying on my back, and 5 lbs dumbells for arm work. Got this injury running down the ravenel bridge in Charleston SC–my full story is on my blogsopt at http://www.blineham.blogspot.com. Please look me up if you wish. I had an xray yesterday that shows healing of the superior fracture. Can’t see the posterior well so I will have a CAT scan of the pelvis tomorrow. As of yesterday I am doing more stretching and walking around my house without crutches for the first time in 27 weeks. Still having pain of a 2 in the groin area. I will do some short walking without the crutches if all continues to go well.
Someone asked about aquajogging—when pain is much decreased you go the a pool and get in the deep end. Use a flotation device, belt or life preserver and tread water for about 15 minutes.
I am hoping to run again but I have learned the hard way to not rush things so I don’t go backwards. Walking and cycling first. Any pain—stop. I won’t run until I am pain free.
Core exercises have kept me sane as long as I do exercises that don’t pull at my groin.
I am 52 years old and went on fosamax for osteopenia 16 weeks ago. I also take 1200 calcium, magnesium, baby aspirin, and try to eat right. All this time I have only gained 6 pounds trying to eat right. I remember getting this injury from pounding hard on the concrete going down the bridge–trying to beat my time. Others have returned to running after time–I hope I will too.
Comment by bobbi lou lineham — September 29, 2009 @ 8:38 am
Its now been 21 years since I fractured my pubic ramus. It happened during my military service. The fracture is common in new recruits. Mainly women. Supposedly, the longer strides women take during running and marching to keep up with males is what causes most of problems. Research shows that shortening strides when running will reduce fractures to the pelvis.
This didnt and doesnt work for me. I have had the pain since the age of 18 and just turned 40. My efforts through the years have been fruitless. Walking, jogging, pushing, cycling are out of the picture for me. Yes, even grocery shopping is still a chore. Sorry folks..but some people have this problem for the rest of their lives. I am not trying be a pessimist but just today I broke down crying from the pain because I was sitting down for too long.
I wish you the best and hope you all do have a speedy full recovery. But if you dont, you arent alone.
Comment by Dee — September 29, 2009 @ 3:04 pm
I have been diagnosed with the same thing. I am in week two of crutches……………how do you handle not exercising! I am about to lose my mind!
Comment by Linda Gomez — October 3, 2009 @ 2:04 pm
I am #86 and just wanted to let you all know that I had my bone density scan and turn out to have excellent bone density despite the 2 kids in a row. So I am still looking for a reason. My pelvis appears aligned properly, so maybe it will be my running technique? It is frustrating to have doctors say that I may just have been “unlucky.” I am not sure I am healing. Despite no running I am still having pains that say all is not well. I will let you know if I get an answer and when I am finally running. I will try to start some swimming, as advised, next week and see how it goes.
Comment by Heather — October 8, 2009 @ 7:45 am
Great to find this site. I am now in complaint mode with GP and physiotherapist after suffering differing levels of pain from severe to a dull ache for 3 months. GP offered pain killers and thought I was making quite a fuss insisting on a second xray whilst waiting 7 weeks to see a phisiotherapist. The second xray came back – yes the calcification adjacent to the IPR COULD represent a healting fracture. Talk about covering their backsides! Not once have I been given advice on how to heal this injury; upon reading the websites it is now obvious that I should have been resting and not walking, thinking that keeping my leg moving would help! Watch this space I will let you know what the GP and Physiotherapist’s response to my compaint is.
Comment by pauline — October 8, 2009 @ 3:20 pm
I used to run and miss it. I fell on ice in January resulting in two hairline fractures of the superior and inferior pubic rami. My bones mended well in 4 months. While I still can not sleep on my left side, the contusions are 90% better. A recent dexascan only shows osteopenia. About 5-6 weeks ago, the painful, pulling sensation started again. Is this a sign that I re-injured my pelvis or a sign of a weak area that I pushed too hard? I was routinely lifting 40lbs on my job.
Comment by Arleen — October 9, 2009 @ 5:51 pm
I am #90 also on this site. I had a pelvic xray that the doc thought was a 2 healed fractures. I was told the pain was now from none use of my muscles and to stretch, get rid of the crutches, etc. After 2 days of that I had a CAT scan that showed the superior fracture is healed but the inferior fracture is healing–not healed. Remember doc–pain is whatever the patient says it is. Went back on 1 crutch and doing gentle stretching only. After 2 weeks of that I am now crutchless in the house and for short spurts. Pain is a 2 but still there–and certainly there at the end of a day of use. Working 3 days a week now and trying to do less walking around until pain is gone. I will start minor flat surfaces, small distance cycling this week and less use of any crutches. Can now stand if 2-3 seconds on the leg to put my pants on—yea baby!!!
Last time the pain–for me–did signify the fracture was not healing and I went back to square 1. It is so hard to not be running–or even power walking, while I watch everyone else doing it. Tomorrow will mark 7 months for me. I refuse to go backwards again so I will take this slow.
Comment by bobbi lou lineham — October 17, 2009 @ 9:30 am
I am #91…I go in on Friday for a bone scan…my injury sounds much like what all of you are describing only it changes. I ran last Friday and was fine the next day (minor tightness.) Did the elliptical, and ran on Sun. Now I can barely walk again, and at times the pain is a sharp stabbing pain right in the pubis ramus vicinity and at other times it is more like high hamstring muscular pain. Is this like what any of you experienced?
Comment by Shelly — October 22, 2009 @ 5:00 am
#91 again…my main problem is being able to bear weight on that leg to put on socks and pants–that particular movement is almost impossible—besides sleeping, walking, and any spontaneous movement! I am considering crutches today…gotta get info. from Doc. Does any of this sound like your injuries?
Comment by Shelly — October 22, 2009 @ 5:03 am
I injured my inferior public ramus while training for track..worked out this summer doing running..jumping..lifting and only had minimal discomfort. Went to the orthopedic doctor because the pain wasn’t going away..he told me to take it easy…. do not do any physical exercise…6 weeks later I was walking in a store and reopened it. …after 6 weeks of inactivity I am more fragile than when I was working out…the fracture seems to have gotten worse doing nothing and the pain is greater from a lack of physical activity..is it possible that stronger muscles support the pelvis and take the stress off the bones where as when you stop exercising there is more stress placed on the pelvic bone itself. My dilemma is how do I strengthen my muscles without doing further damage to the pelvis..has anyone experienced anything similar? I also went to other orthopedic surgeons and they seem clueless about the situation..none of them recommended crutches which I am finding out now is mandatory to get the fracture healed. Has anyone been tested for any nutritional deficiencies..parathyroid problems…hormone imbalances…anemia…bone resorption ..vitamin D etc…? Has anyone healed up in two to three months using crutches? Is it possible to ever get back to the physical shape that you were once in after having this problem..Can someone help me…feeling alone.
Comment by Lewis — October 26, 2009 @ 4:45 pm
Forgot to mention that I had osgood slaughter on the same leg…does anyone think there is a connection?
Comment by Lewis — October 26, 2009 @ 4:49 pm
I am #83 and #90. To answer # 91–yes that pain sounds the same as the pain I have had–and still have but the pain is a 2 now out of 10. I went to crutches for months and more rest–less work. Rest days and worked from home at times. This all helped so that now the pain is less and I can now stand on my left leg to put my pants on or dry my leg. I can walk without crutches but not for long walks–just around the house and short walks and short walking at work. The crutches and decreased exercise helped. I started cycling yesterday–no resistance for 2 1/2 miles. I am amazed how out of shape I am. I want the pain to totally go away–but that has not happened yet. I have a bog at http://www.blineham.blogspot.com to help me vent.
Comment by bobbi lou lineham — November 8, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Hello everyone
Thank you all very much for the outstanding discussions and real stories of struggle after injury. I am a triathlon coach and long course triathlete who just received MRI results for healing fractures of the right and left superior pubic ramus and mid segment of the left inferior pubic ramus. During a 70.3 (1/2 Ironman triathlon) on October 25, 2009 in Austin, TX another cyclist took me out as I passed him. We believe it caused me to do a high side flip and break my pelvis on the bike as it smashed into the ground. To read the follow account of the accident, please click here: http://www.efcpowerlog.com/index.php/site/comments/longhorn_ironman_703_october_25_2009/
After a life flight to the ER, CT and X-ray stated no broken bones. The advice was to take it easy and ease back into training. I rested most days but did do the Elliptical for short bouts a couple days, tried running 10 days later and was in tremendous pain so stopped that and rode my bike on the stationary trainer and it seemed to make it feel better. Well, after 3 weeks of twinges and complications, several doctor visits and “taking it easy” I had a full work up with an MRI. This time it came back finding the fractures and saying they were healing. For more details on the MRI, please click here: http://www.efcpowerlog.com/index.php/site/C2/
I was not able to swim due to the open wounds, but finally I’m ready to get back to swimming. I’m interested in understanding if cycling is okay? Is the Elliptical okay if there is no pain? I seem to have the most discomfort standing on the left leg only or laying in bed?? It’s wild.
Again, thank you very much for all your words of wisdom and willingness to share your experiences. Wishing you all the best!
-Kelly
Comment by Kelly — November 14, 2009 @ 8:44 am
This is Dee (#91)and I now have a definitie diagnosis and confirmation of my pain!! Wahooo! I had an EMG performed and I have nerve damage and MUSCLE damage from my pelvic fracture. I was told that if I had gotten the correct care I may not have had this permanent damage. The pelvic pain caused me to limp which in turn damaged the nerves throughout my pelvis, hips, back. I will begin physical therapy again but the damage is irreversible after 21 years. Please, dont be passive like I and suffer. Demand an EMG and demand care for your back too! A fracture of the pubic ramus affects your gait.
Comment by Dee — December 4, 2009 @ 11:52 pm
Hi. 86 & 93 back for an update. It is now 4 months since my fracture and I am sorry to say that I am still not 100% better or ready to run. But I am definitely improving, although it is slow and frustrating and I do have setbacks where I seem to get worse. I never used crutches or stopped lifting my 2 small kids or walking the long distances I do as part of my daily routine so I knew that it might take longer to heal. I stopped running and any other exercies for 2.5 months until my Dr. said I could swim. Now my Dr finally gave me the go ahead to start physio and I will do so next week. I hope it helps as I feel that things have really atrophied in addition to the fracture. Also, I was not happy with swimming or using the stationary bike as suggested and so I have started yoga, bikram or hot yoga particularly 2 or 3 times per week, and I think it is helping me. I have to say that after the months of no activity I was really stiff and out of shape and kind of depressed and the yoga has helped me feel more energized and more fit. It has been a great cardio work out with no impact. I do definitely feel a difference between my 2 sides when I stand on 1 foot, but there is no pain. I did not start until I felt fine with all my weight on 1 leg. I have no real “pain” now, but do have discomfort or aches and think I have also some muscular injuries too. Nothing to stop me in my tracks but I never make it a full day without remembering that I am injured. The few times I have run a little bit, to catch the bus for example, I feel the pain and weakness in my pelvis and know that I am not ready. I just hope that I will recover fully and be able to run again. I will post again when I am recovered or have other news. Good luck to all of you! It is a frustrating injury.
Comment by Heather — December 17, 2009 @ 7:43 am
I saw my doc today and we discussed my nerve conduction study and pain control. Lumbosacral plexus damage from the pubic ramus fracture. I had testing done on my nerves and then out of curiousity the tech then tested my muscles. The tests revealed 3 “dead” muscles that can most likely never work again even with physical therapy. The plexus (nerve trunk that runs thru the pelvis)was damaged. Google sacral plexus and pubic nerves for more info. 22 years later and still in pain. My pain is so severe that I now have to take Percocet everyday.
My pain limits standing on one leg, pushing with my leg, walking in a straight line, and loss of sensation and loss of strength on the injured side. No dashing to the bus for me. I avoid public places because of my pronounced limp. Hopefully the percocet will give me some relief and I can go out again.
Comment by Dee — January 8, 2010 @ 1:40 am
This blog is a gem as there is not much info on the web about recovery from this injury – thank you all! For those New Yorker’s out there, contact Access-A-Ride which is part of the MTA: 877-337-2017 and
http://www.mta.info/nyct/paratran/guide.htm. The ride costs the same as a bus or subway ride, you’ll need to request an application, make an appointment interview and bring a passport size photo and your medical paperwork to the interview. It will take a few weeks processing time but it will surely beat taking 3 buses to work with crutches.
Comment by Susan — January 29, 2010 @ 2:00 pm
It’s been 3 months of no running, since my diagnosis. Now I am able to run in the pool, swim and do the elliptical. I am in pt for strength training, taking loads of vit. D and calcium, and looking forward to Mar. 1st when I can attempt to run on the treadmill again. Long haul, but worth the strengthening part…
Comment by Shelly — January 30, 2010 @ 7:19 am
Hello everyone I have left comments before, but it has been almost a year. In Sept. ’08 suffered a pubic ramus stress fracture, now in Feb. ’10 still have mild ache in groin or thigh area. Use elliptical twice per week have the ache after riding in the car for extended periods. Would love any more advice you guys might have for me. I am open to anything, I eat right and take calicum and vit D. Thank you for any help. Jonathan White
Comment by Jonathan White — February 3, 2010 @ 11:40 am
Unlike most of you, I am not a runner. I actually have never been able to run due to severe shin splints whenever I try. I do however enjoy walking and lots of it. I have Graves disease that has been in remission for nearly 2 yrs but the steroids I toke to help get me there have taken a toll on my body. After having pain in my hip and groin for over a year I finally had an MRI because my doc thought I had AVN due to steroid use. To my surprise they instead found a stress fracture of the pubic ramus on my left side. I was put on crutches Dec 18, 2010 and order to avoid walking and prolonged standing. I was even issued a handicap sticker. At 38 yrs old I am having a tuff time with lack of activity. I was told just last week I could I could walk short distances without my crutches since the pain had subsided. I was thrilled!! I did some laundry and a little cleaning and felt great! The next day I could barely move! So, I am back on the crutches again and miserable! After reading everyones posts I am starting to get a little depressed. I am finding it very hard not to be active but with three kids and a husband who depend on me it is difficult. How much longer is this going to take. I have been on total rest since Dec 18th. and the pain I had the other day was as if I was right back where I started. I am pain free as long as I stay on the crutches but I really hate them. Not to mention the jokes are really getting old. I am sure you have heard them all as well. I pray for healing for us all.
Comment by carol — February 6, 2010 @ 7:05 pm
Does anyone else have pain in the thigh, behind the knee, and bottom of the foot when standing?
Comment by chris — February 19, 2010 @ 8:55 am
I suffered a stress fracture of the left inferior pubic ramus whilst marathon training in 2007. I was at peak fitness and the psychological effect (and the fact that it took three months to get the correct diagnosis) was pretty hard to bear.
I think the only way of getting over this injury is to rest, which I did for 16 weeks – eventually. However, I did swim a lot but used a pullbuoy to immobilise the legs (front crawl) at least swimming maintains good cardiovascular fitness. The whole thing took about nine months to get over, that was when I could run again, pain free. Though even now I get the odd twinge but I’ve run a marathon and several other races since.
Mine was caused by new trainers which changed my gait and meant the adductor magnus was exerting more pull on the pelvis and over the course of a very hilly 18 mile run the pelvis finally gave way to the very strong pull of the adductors.
The symptoms were not being able to weight-bear, pain getting in and out of the car, pain at night – like an electrical pain, pain with any lateral movement and pain whilst standing on the UNinjured side in the shower (not that the shower has anything to do with it, it’s just that’s when i remember it!)
My advice would be don’t despair, you WILL get over it with proper rest, although at the time it seems like a disaster.
Comment by Sally Pinnegar — February 24, 2010 @ 6:05 am
wow, glad people are still posting to this… I am in Army training and sustained a bilateral IPR stress fracture two days ago trying to sprint. I tried not to cry, but let’s face it, I was in great pain! I am awaiting bone scan results. So far, this is all that has been identified from the xrays. Thanks everyone for your messages, they are encouraging.
Comment by AJ — February 26, 2010 @ 2:56 pm
My granddaughter, who lives with us, was just diagnosed with a pubic ramus stress fracture. She will be 15 this month and is a competitive figure skater. It happened in mid November 2009 when learning a Russian Split Jump. She skated her usual 3 hrs. a day and as much as 6 during December to practice for an ice show. She was told it was a quad strain and has been on many weeks of PT with no improvement. Finally had an MRI where they picked up the stress fracture. She’s scheduled for a bone scan next Monday. She has not skated at all for 2 months and is depressed about it. This is her career, and this will set her back a whole year. It’s not very incouraging reading how long the recovery has been for all on this blog! She is even home schooled so she can focus on skating, which has now been forbidden! At least your blogs have confirmed what we have been told to do – nothing! Thanks for letting me vent!
Comment by Karen Frary — March 3, 2010 @ 10:44 am
For all those with pelvic fractures: there is only one thing that healed my fracture..Cissus Quadrangularis extract. It can be purchased from bodybuilding.com or other reputable suppliers. In India they use it for bone healing and tendon healing. I have nothing to gain with giving this information but I feel sorry for all those who have to live with the pain of a broken pelvis. All the physical therapy and painkillers will not help in the healing. Cissus has remarkable properties. Take 1/2 hour before food..and within several weeks you will make great progress. Slowly start strengthening your muscles, watch you diets, don’t eat acidic foods. Stay away from grains and sugar. Please research yourself. It works!
Lipo-nano C builds collagen and assists in the healing process as well as cutting inflamation. I purchased from supplementclinic.com.
Good Luck. Please respond to this board and let me know if you try this and if it works for you.
Comment by George — March 3, 2010 @ 6:55 pm
Hey George could you please send me any more info on the Cissus I am very interested in exactly what product you are using. Thank you for letting everyone know about this product.
If you don’t mind posting more on that product.
Thanks,
Jonathan
Comment by JWhite — March 10, 2010 @ 11:38 am
I so don’t want to be part of this blog, but find myself coming back to this often over the last 9 weeks, hoping to hear a inspiring recovery…hope.
Wiped out downhill skiing 9 weeks ago. After 20 runs or so, on the “last run” (would have been, no matter what)I looked up at the chair lift, looking for my teenage son as I was going down, and that is all I know. Next thing I remember is finding myself lying on the ski hill, knew I hit my head hard (glad I had helmet on) praying I could move my arms and legs. Realizing I wasn’t paralyzed, I went to get up to get my left ski that came off in the crash, and couldn’t move my left leg and could hardly breathe because my left side rib cage was fractured. Thinking I had a severe groin pull and possibly a pneumothorax, and not a ski patrol in sight, I somehow put my ski on , and made it to the bottom of the ski hill after praying I would make it. Couldn’t walk when I got the skis off, left groin full of pain, convinced I had a big time groin pull. Refused to go to ER. Next day taught my power yoga class, and the next day taught a 2 hour power yoga immersion class, limping around with my self diagnosed “groin pull”.
Monday, 2 days later, my coworker in the CV surgery department (I’m an RN) tells me; “you have a pelvic fracture, I can tell by the way you are walking”. All doctors I work with failed to believe it, as it “never” happens by a skiing wipe out, only from high impact crashes, like side impact car accidents.
5 days later, I can’t walk at all, and am wheel-chaired to xray dept and told I have a left superior ramus fracture. Got crutches, told to not do any weight bearing for 3-6weeks, and come back then.
Now it is 8 weeks later. Back to work at my nursing job after taking 6 weeks off. Never complied with doing “nothing”, except for the first week after diagnosis, as I am OCD about “working out”. I rode airdyne bike and did modified yoga. xray last week showed a healing superior ramus fracture, so I have been trying to not use crutches, but the pain in my left groin and hip is bad. Worried I will never be able to take a walk again. I look out the window and see people taking a walk and am flooded with fear that I am now disabled and will never be able to do that. I have learned a lot and have cultivated compassion for people with disabilities through this injury, and try to focus on the belief that we are right where we need to be. However, I feel very alone, and know that all of you do too.
What about accupuncture? Have any of you tried this? Cissus sound encouraging….want to run out and get some…anything!! I just can’t rest and do nothing. I am 48yo and have been a fitness freak since 16yo. Thanks for this blog. Depressed in Madison.
Comment by jackie — March 13, 2010 @ 11:57 pm
I crashed my bike training for the MS 150 on 2.20.10 and have just finished my third week of couch confinement for a minimally displaced superior pubic ramus fracture. Previously, I was attending spinning classes 4-5 times a week. I am in a job where I walk a lot – outside sales. My orthopedic said four to six weeks of recovery. Will I be able to go back to my normal routine after four to six weeks of working and spin classes? The doctor told me no outside riding for four to six months. I am going crazy!
Comment by Lisa Schwartz — March 14, 2010 @ 11:36 am
Hello George I have ordered the cissus quadrangularis and I am about to start taking it. I was wonder if you could post more info on this product. Did you experience any side effects? Can you take it with other supplements? Thank you for your help!
Jonathan
Comment by jonathan white — March 15, 2010 @ 7:29 am
I am #83,90,96 and 101 and today is my 1 year anniversary from my injury. I started exercising by aquajogging and swimming in January (did it way back in June and reinjured with ocean swimming and pushing a full shopping cart). In February I started cycling–no hills and only 1 day a week with swimming twice weekly. 3 weeks ago started walking 3-5 miles and last weekend I started running/walking. Today I will run. Next week I will run–and walk a little due to not having the stamina yet–in the Charleston 10K bridge run. It’s been a long process but the pain is only when I sit a long time now. Let there be light!
Comment by bobbi lou lineham — March 18, 2010 @ 4:40 am
Hi All:
I am a 60 years old triathlete and I was training for Ironman Japan. When bike training , in a curve my front wheel found a stone that punctured my tire and I went hardly to the pavement. I went to an orthopedist and after the X-Rays they found a broken ( in two different parts) left pubic ramus. My problem is that this is not an stress fracture, but a displaced fracture. I have been laying down in bed since then ( two days ago) trying to be as quiet as I can, and found this blog looking at the internet. My Dr. says that it will heal , but is it possible to heal when the bone is not in the correct place? I would like to visit another orthopedist and get a MRI to get a better vision of the situation. Any recommendations , more than rest as much as I can ? I have a picture of the X-rays and the injury can be appreciated there. Any suggestion?
My best wishes to all of you
Humberto
Comment by Humberto — March 18, 2010 @ 4:06 pm
I have been reading all of the posts with great interest. I am not a runner. I bike very frequently, generally 2000 miles each summer. When biking season was over this year, I began walking in our local reserve. Returning to my car after a walk, I slipped and fell on ice. It originally diagnosed as a pulled muscle. I then went to a sports medicine doctor and had an MRI. I now am dealing with a stress fracture of the pubic ramus. I am frustrated because I am certain my physician is not familiar with this. He had mentioned bones healing in 6-8 weeks but with my age (60) it could take longer. No kidding. I am stunned at the length of time for recovery. I am hoping that since I have never run and don’t intend to begin, I will be able to ride my bike when this school year is finished (I teach) in June. That will be 20 weeks. Is this a realistic goal?
Comment by Tina — March 28, 2010 @ 1:07 pm
Thanks to everyone who continues to participate in this discussion. When I sustained my inferior pubic ramus stress fracture, I could not find anyone with whom to correspond about continued training, healing, prognosis – nothing really. I’m glad that people are in touch with each other on this issue, and that when someone does sustain this injury, he/she is able to readily find others who may be able to help, even if just with moral support.
To Depressed in Madison: This injury is so frustrating to fitness fanatics. When I have suffered other injuries, I could still use the elliptical trainer or ride the stationary bike, but with a pubic ramus fracture, since it is so proximal, these forms of exercise exacerbate the pain associated with it. As upsetting as it may be, the only thing that helped (in my case – I acknowledge everyone is different) was taking myself out of exercise for several months. Then, slowly working myself back up to elliptical training for several months (and then I was pregnant and not in the mood to start distance running again) was the next step. It is a very slow process, but at least in my case, it was worth the effort because I am fine now. I’m training for a half-marathon at the moment.
A couple of other comments:
- A bone scan may be appropriate if there is concern for an underlying process, such as osteoporosis or osteopenia. However, this fracture can be diagnosed with a simple pelvic xray. MRI can be useful if it is small and missed on the xray (although, even though mine was a stress fracture and nothing big and traumatic caused it, it was still very clearly visible on the xray).
- Skiing accidents most certainly can cause this injury (as you now know). Mine felt like a groin muscle injury at first too – then it localizes over time to the bone, but the perceived location of the pain can be misleading initially.
Thank you again to everyone for posting.
Comment by Jodi (keeper of the blog) — March 28, 2010 @ 1:42 pm
Thanks for this blog. I’m not sure if I have a pelvic fracture yet, but am going to the doctor on April 7. I think all the signs are there though.
My problems started in late January (2010). I was running on the treadmill when I noticed a pain in my upper right inner thigh, where the leg meets the pubic area. The pain wasn’t severe, but I decided to do the recumbent bike for a month. I then seemed OK. I did some self-tests beforehand (leg lifts, etc) and didn’t feel pain.
I then tried to ease back into running slowly, but that didn’t work and I started experiencing groin, inner thigh, and upper hamstring pain.
The fact that my pubic area hurts too makes me think a pelvic fracture is likely. It’s like a mild pain in the right labia. The other thing that’s weird is that these pains kind of come and go, and change places. My pain is low (maybe a 3 on a 1-10 scale), but when walking, I don’t feel “normal”.
As it stands, I haven’t done any cardio (running, biking, elliptical, nothing) since St. Patrick’s today. I had tried to do some upper body and slow walking, but then stopped that as of last Friday (3/25). I’m going to try to do as little as possible, and see what the doctor says.
The worst part is that I’m supposed to go to Europe in a month on an “adventure trip” that involves biking, hiking, etc. However, if I have this kind of fracture, I don’t know what I’ll do.
It feels like a no-win situation. Resting doesn’t feel good and working out doesn’t feel good.
Comment by Sue — March 31, 2010 @ 7:31 pm
Hi, I suffered a inferior and superior pubic ramus stress fracture. It was not diagnosed until I had an MRI. I am an aggressive female runner who perhaps is on the lighter side. I recovered fully by taking 5 months off. To keep fit I swam once a week and cycled 2 to 3 times a week. I just decided if I was to get over this and then get back to running I had to rest. Because running on it for 6 months-was never going to get better – my husband was wondering if running was good for you at all. I just recently did a PB 6 months after returning to training pain free of course 10km in 45 minutes and I am very happy indeed. My suggestion is rest till theirs no pain and then take it up slowly
Comment by Vikki — April 5, 2010 @ 12:30 am
Since I know others read this blog to help self-diagnose, I thought I’d update my blog comment at #123 (3/31).
Sports med doctor thinks I have a possible superor pubic ramus fracture. Didn’t show on the X-ray, but he’s sending me for an MRI, which I’m having done tomorrow.
He says I’m off cardio for a while no matter what, but have to get the MRI back before I’ll know specifics of the recovery plan.
FWIW, I’m 35, never had kids, and my weekly mileage was never higher than 25 (mostly, I jogged easy in the 10-15 mile a week range). Ran a 1/2 marathon a year ago and tried to incorporate speed work over the summer. But otherwise, nothing overly strenuous.
Comment by Sue — April 7, 2010 @ 2:46 pm
I am in the “research” stage of my injury. I have only been running since January 2010 and immediately was hooked into the high of completing long distance runs. By mid-March was up to running 12 miles (15-25 miles a week) and had a 25k I was wanting to participate in with my more-athletic sister in May 2010.
I injured myself March 22nd (2 weeks and 2 days ago) and after virtually no healing taking place, I called and made an appointment to see a doctor.
In the meanwhile, I have been trying to self-diagnose while waiting and trying to find online the exact symptoms that one might experience with an injury like this. I am still trying to figure out the difference of a pulled/torn groin vs. a stress fracture of the inferior pubic ramus. Could you be specific of all the symptoms one has with an injury like this? I am praying it’s not, but have a sickening feeling… please be specific of where the pain is, when you have it and if there is any specific movement that may help me pinpoint if this is in fact what you are discussing.
Thank you in advance.
Comment by Jen — April 7, 2010 @ 7:34 pm
I was just diagnosed with a pubic ramus fracture. I’m 46 and a long time runner varying in miles per week based on if I was training for a half-marathon or other. I tried to self-diagnosis and fix but that didn’t work. An MRI identified the problem and now I’m on no activty for at least 2 months. This blog has been very helpful in getting a better understanding of the problem and ways to help the healing process. It looks like swimming and biking will be my friends for the next few months. I think improving core strength and flexibility are also important. I used to work with a massage therapist (who is a runner)and she would always check my alignment. I stopped doing this and think being out of alignment had an impact. So back to the massage therapist and time to start calcium supplements.
Please keep sending information. It is interesting
Comment by Kathleen — April 9, 2010 @ 11:32 am
Glad to find people who are also struggling with this frustrating injury. I was a light runner (~20 miles/week) when I fractured the pubic ramus in early January 2010. I took a week off, tried to run, then took two weeks off, and ran twice more before going to the doctor. He confirmed the stress fracture and suggestion I rest for 8 weeks. In late March, after 8 weeks of rest and 11 weeks since the injury, I was still not healed. It has now been 14 weeks since the injury and I still hurt. No running, no biking, no yoga, no anything. Everything I do, even walking, affects the pubic ramus area and I feel hopeless. Will this ever heal? I don’t know what to do and am growing increasingly anxious and hyper as time passes and I lose fitness. Good luck to everyone. Let’s be positive we all will heal.
Comment by Rachel — April 12, 2010 @ 12:58 pm
I was also recently diagnosed with an inferior pubis ramus stress fracture and a torn adductor brevis tendon on 22Feb10. I’ve been running for approximately 6years now, entering mainly half marathons, doing approx 35-40 miles a week, and have stopped running since my injury on 06Feb10 (2months in total!) I’m extremely frustrated with this injury! This has been the longest time since I’ve stopped running and it’s driving me crazy!!!!!!!!
When I initially did the injury I found it really to painful to walk, so much so I was bed ridden for at least 2 days, getting in and out of the car was extremely painful along with standing/balancing on one leg. Having read all the blog advice, I’ve had complete rest since my injury as I didn’t want to jeopardise and prolong my recovery by cycling etc. Plus the fact that, I haven’t gotten over the first hurdle and that’s walking without pain.
Had my first physio session last Thursday and it was amazing! I am now able to walk without feeling any pain. The physio diagnosed that my pelvis was out of align i.e. lots of movement in my left hip but my right hip was rigid no movement at all. He was able to loosen it by applying pressure to four pressure points, first my hip flexor, then my left inner thigh, above my left buttock and lastly my right side just below my hip. He also told me to get a tennis ball and try to loosen at least two of the pressure points (i.e. above my left buttock and my right side just below my hip)working them for 10mins at least twice a day with 1min on 1min off at first.
I’ve been doing these exercises for four days now and have felt remarkable results. I must admit the exercises are painful to begin with, and can leave you feeling sore but the benefits are amazing, so much so that I can walk without feeling any pain, it’s a miracle! Whereas before I felt the pain was centralized by my pubic bone. I have another physio session next week, in the meantime I must do the exercises, let’s hope I’m on the road to recovery! Can’t quite believe it, I’ve gone 10 weeks with no training!
Just wanted to share this info – as this is definitely easing my pain. Be sure to get a physio to check out the alignment of you hips/pelvis!
Comment by Sharon — April 14, 2010 @ 5:27 am
Hi there.
I’m from the UK and have just been diagnosed with a pelvic stress fracture through running. Whilst searching the internet for info, i came accross this blog, and see i’m not alone!!! My MRI scan showed the problem to be at the front, near the hip joint, which i think is the pubis ramus??
The worst of the initial pain was 8 weeks ago, but i’ve been pain free for the last 5 weeks or so, but then i’ve not done any exercise in that time. I’ve been refered to a physio, but that appointment is not until 1st June, and on reading this blog, i’m not sure i even dare do the gentle swimming/cycling that the doc said should be OK!!
Comment by Michelle — April 22, 2010 @ 8:41 am
I was diagnosed(by MRI) with the same stress fracture in July 2009. I had been exercising a ton(mostly with my trainer in the gym) but actually caused the stress fracture while running outside. I have done NO weight bearing cardio since that time but have continued to do upper body workouts. Had a second MRI at the end of December (6 months post injury) and the stress fracture was healing but far from healed. Sorry to report that currently at 10 months post injury this ailment still dictates my daily movements. Cannot be on my feet for more then 1 hour without aching/burning/pinching feeling in my left upper hamstring area. I have a 3 and 5 year old at home with me so my days do not involve a whole lot of time off my feet(which has probably added to my slow healing time). Have had a bone scan, blood tests to measure my calcium and vitamin D levels and have been going to PT for 6 months.
At this point I am past frustration and just hoping to be able to walk normally and for some length of time in the future. Best of luck to everyone also dealing with this frustrating injury.
Comment by Emily — April 23, 2010 @ 4:48 am
I have been struggling what has now been diagnosed as a pubis rami stress fracture. It has been over a year that I have been feeling pain, walking, sitting, climbing steps and after driving the car for a lengthy period. I’ve had two MRI’s, 2 xrays and finally months later, a bone scan which showed mega inflamation. I’m about to start a prednisone pack and I’ve already had a cortisone shot in the hip, massage, accupunture and chiro. Nothing has helped!!! Any advice on what to do? I’m thinking that I might have to be on crutches, but I’m not sure how long or whether it will help!! I’m a landscaper and it has become extremely difficult to work!!
Comment by laurie hilburg — May 11, 2010 @ 1:22 pm
I think the cissus really works!
Comment by jackie meacham — May 16, 2010 @ 5:52 pm
I think the Cissus works!
Comment by jackie — May 18, 2010 @ 8:31 pm
Hello Jackie I have investgated cissus, what was your results?
Have you had any side effects?
What brand are you using, I have looked at USP Labs brand.
I would really love your feedback.
Thank you,
Jonathan
Comment by jonathan — May 24, 2010 @ 12:49 pm
Wow, I thought my ramus stress fractures were uncommon til I came upon this site. I’ve been running consistently for almost four years in highschool cross country and this year the training was so intense I got my first two stress fractures and they were diagnosed for the longest time as a “groin tear” that will heal itself. It’s been 4 months and I rested for a while, but then started running too soon and now I’m completely off it. Does anyone know the most efficient way to completely heal ramus stress fractures and avoiding it in the future for runners? THanks.
Comment by Teresa — May 25, 2010 @ 2:39 am
Hey Jackie I would love to hear more about your results with cissus. I have checked it out myself, but I still want to know how safe it is.
Did you have any side effects?
What brand and what dosage where you taking?
Thanks for any advice,
Jonathan
Comment by Jonathan — May 25, 2010 @ 6:50 am
Hello. I am looking for an experienced and knowledgeable orthopedist in the NYC area. Does anyone live there that could give me a recommendation? Thanks in advance!
Comment by Emily — June 1, 2010 @ 5:22 pm
Hi;
2 weeks ago I had a cycling crash and was diagnosed with an inferior Pubic Ramus Stress Fracture. This was confirmed by an x-ray. The crash was violent and the brunt of the fall had me land on my thigh just below the hip. I can only guess that the impact was forceful enough to cause the fracture. Its now 2 weeks and I am going to try and start cycling on a stationary bike with low resistance and no torque. As long as I’m not putting heavy stress on the area I’m told it should be ok. Being athletic and just as I was starting to reach peak form the fracture was a huge disappointment both physiologically and psychologically. Sports and the effects therefrom are a huge outlet and thus part of my life. I’m hoping to beat the 6 week cure period that the doctors gave me and I will keep you posted. It’s been only 2 weeks and i’m already bouncing off the walls.
Comment by Avery — June 6, 2010 @ 3:37 pm
I am number 90 and 96. I am totally healed after a 12 month rest. I was on crutches until November and started cycling and swimming in the winter. I started running on a track in Mid March and still had pain on long car rides and when doing too much. I ran the charleston bridge run 10K after only 6 training runs. It was difficult but I did it. Now I run 3-4 times a week 4 miles each day and cycling or work out at the gym. I used a bone stimulator and rest before. What I learned the most was too let it rest. I had reinjured myself from pushing a shopping cart around the corners of a store and swimming in the ocean–trying to get out with all that pull. When i finally did nothing it all came together.
Comment by bobbi lou lineham — June 21, 2010 @ 3:31 am
I just found this blog. My fracture of the right superior ramus just happened last Friday while doing yardwork. I fell and could not get up. I am 72 and in pretty good shape. Rescue squard took me to ER where diagnosis was made. I was kept overnight and released the next day using a walker. I cannot take the pain meds, now using Tylenol but would prefer Aleve – told not to take anything that contains an anti-inflamatory. I was told to see Orthopod in 3 wks and to take it easy prior, not to overdue it, let bones knit back together. What’s enough movement and what’s overdoing it. I’ve been sleeping in the recliner, tried the bed last night hoping to sleep on my left side but it was awful. I want to move aroung as much as possible.
Comment by Dorothy — July 1, 2010 @ 7:34 am
Hi everyone – I wrote over a year ago on this blog about my inferior pubic ramus fracture on the right side. A year later, I was still having pain with only moderate elliptical exercise and yoga, so I decided I needed to go in for another MRI to see what was going on. Well, the doctor said that I am “all healed” now and ready to get back to normal running activity. But, as some others of you have written, I still feel the dull pain even 2 years after the injury, and 1 year after I was supposedly “fully healed.” I am beginning to wonder if this is ever going to go away or if this is something I will need to live with my entire life now.
Btw, I saw your post Heather and I was a “runner” like you were – never going more than 3-5 miles at a time, or running more than 3-5 times per week. I think these types of injuries also come from repetition, especially of an incorrect running gate, which must have been our problem.
I’m really glad that people are still posting on this blog and to have found a community of people to talk to about this. No one else I know understands or has ever heard of this injury.
Comment by El — July 29, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
I wrote back in April when an MRI showed I had the stress fracture. I stopped running and have recently started again but like many, worry that I will end up the same way again. To prevent against this from happening I figured there had to be a cause and I must find that. I’ve been working with a Physical therapist/trainer and have been focused on my alignment (spine, hips), how I walk/run in regards to what side I favor and how my body strides in general. So far so good and I can tell a big difference in how I run now that I have spent time strengthening those weak areas and lots of stretching.
In my mind, the only way to prevent this from happening again is to fix the source of the problem.
In my case it probably resulted from an injury on my left leg several years ago that caused me to favor my right. That wasn’t aligned so I put too much pressure on my pubic ramus. By being more balanced I hope this keeps me healthy. It takes time and effort to do this but the result has been good so far. I recommend you take the time to look at the cause before jumping back into running again.
Comment by Kathleen — August 2, 2010 @ 6:54 am
I’m numbers 123 and 125. My early April MRI revealed that I had a “stress reaction” rather than a fracture. Basically, there was just this one spot on the bone that was troubled. I also was diagnosed with groin strain.
My doctor sent me to rehab and for light activity. Even with just a reaction, I find this whole process frustrating. It’s trial and error to figure out exactly what activity I can handle, what aggravates it, how much I should do etc.
In my follow up in late July, there was no pain when my doctor pressed on the bone, so he says I can slowly build back to running. I’m currently on easy biking, easy elliptical, and selected rehab/strength exercises.
Every day I have pain. It moves around! Some days it’s the groin on the right (where I was injured), or the inner thigh, or the butt, then my left side (uninured) will hurt, the outside of the hips, and even the rectum or tailbone at times. I never know where it will hit.
I’ll walk and feel normal for a few steps, then a twinge will hit. I’m hoping maybe that’s just part of the recovery since it moves around.
Comment by Sue — August 12, 2010 @ 8:59 am
Hi all,
My injury happened 8 weeks ago, the pain first appearing after a pretty long run. Prior to that I was running 40 miles per week. I used the cross trainer and rowing machine as the pain was far less than when trying to run.
Last week I went to a sports doctor and following and MRI scan, haven been diagnosed with a full inferior pubic ramus fracture. It may have started out as less, but my cross training in the past weeks before diagnosis will have made it worse.
To go from such intensive exercise to nothing at all is killing me, but I am determined to rest and let it get better. However in the mean time Im going to talk to a trainer about putting together some sort of upper body workout. Just wondered if anyone else has done this, what sort of exercises were they doing?
Its thoroughly depressing to think that all fitness will be lost and weight will creep up while the bone heals.
Glad to have found this forum, its great to hear from other runners and read their experiences.
Anne
Comment by Anne — August 16, 2010 @ 6:28 am