IT band and high hamstring tendonopathy

[Hank7p]

Is it true that if one has an IT band irritation/pain problem high on the leg, by the hip (and not anywhere near the knee), it can lead to a high hamstring injury/tendonopathy on the same side as the IT band problem?

In the past, I did find something at a website that said there's a connection, but I don't know where that website is now and I don't know if it was an authoritative statement. Can you provide me with any website or published paper that discusses this?

Over a number of years, my RIGHT leg has had, now and then, the IT band irritation/pain and it's high on the leg, by the hip. Now I have a RIGHT leg high hamstring tendonopathy which causes pain (mainly when sitting) in the RIGHT buttock and at the RIGHT sit bone. I understand it's very difficult to get rid of the hamstring tendonopathy. What's key in any effort to help the hamstring tendon heal? Is prolotherapy ever used for a hamstring tendonopathy? [I can't take NSAIDs since these cause me stomach ulcers. I only have ice for inflammation problems.]

[John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT]

First I would ask if you have been properly diagnosed by an orthopedist regarding your symptoms.  One would also have to take into consideration the aggravating factors associated with your symptoms (i.e., lifestyle habits, recreation, employment, etc.)  With physical therapy this condition can be treated in a way to decrease the symptoms, however with a chronic condition if untreated will continue to effect your quality of life.  As for recent articles and research regarding the link between the IT band and a high hamstring pathology I am unsure.  I can say that if one the IT band is irritated the mechanics of the hip can begin to undergo compensatory strategies that can then begin to irritate other structures leading to pain.  If you would like me to recommend you to a few orthopedists in your area please let me know and I will respond accordingly.
Best in Health,
JAG

[John Gallucci Jr, MS, ATC, PT, DPT]

It sounds like you are on the right track going to see a sports medicine MD.  The MD will most likely refer you to PT in order to educate you in proper stretching techniques and treatment strategies as well as observe the effects of exercise that you experience, which I cannot do from this computer.  
Best in health,
JAG

[Hank7p]

Thanks John Gallucci for your help.

While the first thoughts by ER MDs were that the problem was a neurological one, the high hamstring tendonopathy was much later correctly diagnosed by an internist. On my own, I found out that what I had described when the problem was beginning was the classic description of a high hamstring tendonopathy: When I stood and bent forward at the waist, there was a discomfort or physical pain in a definite strip or band on the back of the upper part of my right leg, with that strip continuing into and curving at the right buttock and ending in the buttock cleft. Then, when leaving the bent over position and returning to the erect, standing position, the right leg pain/discomfort would vanish. Apparently, the radiologist who read the first pelvic MRI scan didn't remark about the injury for some odd reason. But more than 1 year after this started, a 2nd pelvic MRI scan was done. The radiologist who read that one had the older one too and wrote that there was much improvement in the right leg high hamstring tendonopathy. But the problem has returned now due to a few recent, short bicycle rides-- I know I cannot ride my bicycle now. In a few days I meet with a sports medicine MD to see what he thinks about the problem and how it's best to treat. [I'm an older guy in his mid 60s.]