Although physical activity and exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle, injuries can occur if the activity is too extreme or performed improperly. These injuries can occur anywhere in the body, including the pelvic area. Because they can be extremely painful and debilitating, it is important to understand what types of injuries can occur and how they are treated and prevented.
Symptoms
Injuries to the pelvic area due to exercise can be accompanied by a variety of unsettling symptoms. These can include mild to extreme pain, inflexibility, weakness of muscles, swelling, skin discoloration tenderness, and abnormal positioning of bones, muscles or ligaments. In addition, mobility loss, bruising and stability problems can occur. Pelvic exercise injuries can make daily activities --- even simple movements such as walking --- difficult or painful.
Types
Pelvic exercise injuries can occur with overuse, causing damage and trauma to the ligaments, bones, tendons, cartilage and muscles in the pelvic area. According to the Merck Manuals website, this is one of the most common causes of injury related to athletics. Other injuries, such as fractures, blunt trauma, dislocations, sprains and strains, can occur due to high-impact with an object or sudden, abrupt movements. Muscle spasms and cramps can also occur due to poor conditioning and improper hydration during exercise.
Treatment
To treat exercise related pelvic injuries, wrap the injured with a bandage or elastic wrap if possible. Temporarily stop exercising to allow the injured area time to heal. If the pelvic injury is inflamed or swollen, apply ice for approximately 15 minutes at a time throughout the day. The Harvard Health Publications website suggests elevating the pelvic area if possible to allow blood and fluid to drain, helping to reduce pain, inflammation and swelling.
Prevention
To prevent pelvic injuries while exercising, the FamilyDoctor website recommends wearing orthotics to keep your feet aligned. Be sure to stretch before and after exercise, elongating the pelvic muscles until you feel tension without pain. The groin stretch, which involves sitting with your feet together while gently pushing down on your knees with your elbows, can be especially beneficial to the muscles and tendons of the pelvic area.
Considerations
For chronic or painful pelvic exercise injuries, it is important to seek the attention of a doctor. He can diagnose the injury through a physical examination and diagnostic testing, such as an X-ray or bone scan. Because additional injury and pain can occur, it is important to avoid whatever exercise caused the injury until after it has completely healed. However, the Merck Manuals website recommends maintaining good range-of-motion if possible to encourage blood flow and healing in the injured area.
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