Ober’s test assesses the flexibility of the iliotibial band in the leg and hip joint movement. If the band is too tight, a patient may experience pain. The test is performed by a doctor or fitness instructor and involves bending the leg at a 90° angle and lifting the thigh straight up. Treatment may involve physical therapy and medication.
Ober’s test is used to determine how tight the iliotibial band in the leg is. It can also assess a person’s hip joint movement and flexibility. The iliotibial band is a ligament that runs from the pelvis to the knee. If it is too inflexible, a patient may experience pain during the test. Such tension usually occurs if a person runs or rides a bike a lot. Ober’s test is a physical exam, usually performed by a doctor or fitness instructor.
Typically, at the start of the Ober test, a patient lies on their side, on an examination table, or on a cushioned floor surface. He should lie on the side that doesn’t hurt. For example, if his right knee hurts, he should lie down on his left side. He then bends his leg at a 90° angle, at the hip. The leg should also be bent at a 90 degree angle at the knee, so that the leg is shaped like an “L”.
To perform the test, the examiner must stand behind the patient. The doctor should place his hand on the hip to hold it in place and prevent it from popping out. The patient’s upper leg should then be bent at the knee, but neutral at the hip to start with. The doctor should then abduct the leg or lift the thigh straight up.
Ober’s test determines if the iliotibial band is too tight. A healthy leg should return to its starting position on its own. If the ligament is too tight, however, the patient’s leg will remain in the abducted position even after the doctor removes his hand. During the examination, the patient may feel pain in the knee area if there is a problem.
If the exam reveals that a patient has a narrow iliotibial band, further tests may be needed to diagnose the problem and begin a treatment plan. A doctor usually takes a patient’s thorough medical history and examines the knee to see if it is tender or swollen. If more tests are needed, an MRI may be done to determine if the ligament is thickened or filled with fluid, which often happens when a patient has iliotibial band syndrome.
After the results of Ober’s test and any further tests are completed, a condition can be treated with a combination of physical therapy, to stretch and loosen the ligament, and medications to reduce any inflammation. Usually, a patient has to reduce running during treatment. You may be able to do other exercises, such as swimming, while your symptoms improve.
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