External Iliac Arteriopathy -

External Iliac Arteriopathy

Description Of The Injury: External Iliac Arteriopathy is a relatively uncommon sports injury. It occurs when heavy and grueling physical activity from activities like cycling, speed skating, and sometimes even running cause unhealthy restrictions of blood flow to the lower areas of the body. External Iliac Arteriopathy is damage to the arteries of the pelvis, groin, and lower leg.

Injury Symptoms: Pain is present in affected leg, often taking the form of a burning sensation. Weakness in the affected leg or legs is also a common symptom of the injury. These symptoms typically become apparent when great effort is exerted and will often recede when the patient relaxes.

Additional Information

Home Treatments:

This complex condition does not afflict its sufferers unless they exert great physical effort, so taking it easy can relieve the symptoms. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to deal with pain.

Professional Medical Treatments:

Professional treatment options fall under the category of surgery. Essentially, the affected arterial tissue must be first removed and then either replaced with a synthetic or patched over with a graft. Other surgical treatments also exist, including bypassing the affected arteries or detaching attached muscle tissue.

Physical Therapy and Exercises:

No proven-effective physical therapy techniques exist to combat this uncommon sports injury.

Exercise Techniques to Prevent Injury:

This condition manifests from high effort being made during repetitive movements like cycling. The only way to prevent this injury then, is to not exert such effort while doing these activities.

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