Hip Pain: Tight Tensor Fasciae Latae
Tensor fasciae latae (TFL) is a small muscle that originates from the anterior iliac
crest, merges with iliotibial band, and attaches to the lateral condyle of the tibia.
The primary functions of the TFL are flexion and abduction of the hip. It also helps with lateral rotation of the tibia.
When the TFL is tight and locked up, it may cause pain in the hip joint, groin, buttock, lower back (over sacroiliac joint) and even the lateral aspect of the thigh. The most common reason of tight TFL is sitting for long hours at a desk or commuting in cars, which causes shortening and tightness of the hip flexors.
Tightness of TFL is also common among athletes involved in horse riding, running, and cycling.
Other causes of tight TFL are:
1) Over-striding. It is running with a stride that is longer than optimal for your body length.
2) Running on crowned roads.
3) Bow legs for any reasons.
4) Shoe factor: worn out running shoes or shoes without beefed up heels.
How to Relieve Tightness:
or palpable hardening of the muscle. Cramps are most commonly seen in the leg muscles, especially in the calves. They are painful and last usually few minutes. A leg cramp is sometimes known as “Charley horse” among public. Some people may experience it nighttime, which is called “nocturnal leg cramp”.
which causes Botulism. Since normal bowel flora in children under 12 months old has not yet fully established, this bacteria could colonize and produce a toxin, which causes “infant botulism”. The most common form of botulism in the USA is infant botulism with about 100 cases per year.