Condition

Osteitis Pubis

Pain in pubic bones and surrounding tissues

What is osteitis pubis?

Osteitis pubis is a painful condition that affects the pubic bones and surrounding tissues. It occurs when there is inflammation or damage to the joint (pubic symphysis) where your right and left pubic bone meet or the attachment of the muscles and ligaments that support it. 

This condition is common among athletes who participate in sports that require repetitive twisting, turning, and kicking movements. In some cases, the pain can be severe and may limit your mobility.

pelvis
Osteitis pubis occurs when there is inflammation of the pubic symphysis.

What causes osteitis pubis?

Osteitis pubis is caused by inflammation of your pubic bone and surrounding tissues, this inflammation is caused by:

  • Sports: the most common cause of osteitis pubis. Certain sports such as football, hockey, tennis, and running can cause strain to the pubic symphysis, which can result in inflammation.
  • Pregnancy: pregnancy and labour puts a lot of strain on the pelvic region, particularly the pubic symphysis, giving rise to inflammation and osteitis pubis.  
  • Surgery: surgery near your groin or lower abdomen, such as urological surgeries, can cause inflammation of your pubic symphysis, resulting in osteitis pubis.
  • Arthritis: psoriatic arthritis and ankylosing spondylitis has been known to cause osteitis pubis.

What are the symptoms of osteitis pubis?

Symptoms of osteitis pubis include: 

  • Pain in your groin area that worsens if left untreated
  • Pain in your lower abdomen, hips, and inner thighs
  • Pain during and/or difficulty performing daily activities such as walking, climbing stairs, or getting in and out of a car
  • Pain during exercise
  • Pain when trying to sleep
  • Stiffness in your pelvic area
  • Clicking or popping sensation in your pubic area
osteitis pubis
Osteitis pubis is characterised by intense pain in the groin area.
If you notice any of the symptoms, make an appointment with an orthopaedic specialist to get an accurate diagnosis and treatment.

Dr Puah KL is our Senior Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon at Artisan Sports & Orthopaedic Surgery. He used to serve the sports service of Singapore General Hospital - the highest volume trauma centre for orthopaedics in Singapore.

Is osteitis pubis painful?

Yes, osteitis pubis is painful. The pain is usually felt in the pubic bone area and may spread to your groin, hips, lower back, and thighs. The pain can be sharp, stabbing, or dull and may increase during physical activities like running, kicking, and changing directions. 

The pain may also become worse when coughing, sneezing, or doing sit-ups. The intensity of the pain can range from mild to severe and may be accompanied by tenderness and swelling of the affected area.

Who is at risk of osteitis pubis in Singapore?

Anyone can get osteitis pubis, however, some common risk factors may include:

  • Athletes: individuals who participate in sports that require quick and sudden movements, are particularly at risk. 
  • History of pelvic surgery: individuals who have undergone surgery in the pelvic region may also be at risk of developing osteitis pubis.
  • Pregnancy: women who have been pregnant are at an increased risk of developing osteitis pubis.
pregnancy
Pregnancy and subsequent labour can put a lot of pressure and strain on the pubic symphysis and surrounding tissues.

How is osteitis pubis diagnosed?

Osteitis pubis is diagnosed in the following ways:

  • Physical examination: your orthopaedist will usually perform a physical examination to check for tenderness or swelling in your pubic area. 
  • Imaging tests: x-rays, computed tomography scan (CT-scan), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may be used to confirm the diagnosis and to check for any fractures, infections, or other underlying medical conditions. 
  • Blood tests: to check for inflammation and/or infection in the affected area. 

You will also be asked about any physical activities or sports that you regularly engage in to help with the diagnosis and to build a treatment plan. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to ensure proper treatment and prevent complications from arising.

What are the treatment options for osteitis pubis in Singapore?

Your treatment plan may vary from others depending on the severity of your condition and individual needs.

Some treatment options for osteitis pubis may include:

  • Rest: rest or modify the activities you engage in to reduce pain and discomfort.
  • Physiotherapy: physiotherapy involves gentle and therapeutic exercises to help strengthen the muscles around your pelvis.
  • Medications: pain relievers and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) will be prescribed to manage pain and inflammation.
  • Injections: such as corticosteroid injections or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) can help to reduce inflammation and promote healing.
  • Surgery: in rare cases, surgery may be required if the pain is persistent and has not improved with other treatment methods. 
Frequently asked questions
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Feeling aches and pains?

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Feeling aches and pains?

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For emergency appointment, please call or Whatsapp us at (65) 8909 8877. We will arrange for a limousine to send you to our clinic.
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