Tensor fasciae latae strain

Findings

Mainly found in long-distance runners but also in some martial arts with high kicks like kick-boxing, karate, savate, muay thai and taekwondo. Resisted abduction of the thigh is painful, and it is locally tender to palpation under the iliac crest at its origin. The clinician should check for oversupination, camber running, downhill running and, in martial arts, "round the head" kicks. Piriformis and other hip stabilizers might be weak.

Cause

This is a rare injury, caused by a strain of the muscle origin under the iliac crest, owing to overuse, but can be a 

secondary injury to "running round" a primary problem elsewhere.

Treatment

Electrotherapeutic modalities, such as ultrasound and laser, will settle inflammation, as will local cortisone. Reduce the amount and intensity of training and correct the skill faults.

Sports

a) Mainly found in long-distance runners when the other hip stabilizers are weak and a supinated foot strike is strong.

b) Round the head and abduction kicks may cause problems in martial arts that include high-kicking.

A rare problem that does well with cortisone, but correction of hip stabilizer weakness is essential.

"Concise guide to sports injuries, 2^nd edition",Churchill Livingstone, Malcolm T.F. Read,  foreword by Bryan English