Running - Hip / Glute Issue
Discussion
Hi Folks
In time honoured PH fashion I need to consult a bunch of strangers on the internet before seeking professional advice (Tuesday!), as I've developed a problem that is not going away on its own.
Background: I run typically 60 - 90 miles per week, including a marathon/ultra every month or so, sometimes more often. In the past I've sustained periods of higher mileage too (100+ mpw), and also 50 mile weeks of at around 6:45 average pace (which is about my marathon pace) so I don't think volume or speed is the issue. My training hasn't changed recently either (its more volume than speed based).
I've been doing this for a number of years with my share of niggles, but generally injury free. It may be related (or may not) but over the last couple of years I've gradually gained weight (maybe a stone from when at my lightest - now around 11st 8lb, 5'10"-ish) and regularly run-commute with a light pack (although I don't do this as much as I did a few years ago).
The last 3-4 weeks I've been struggling with a mix of problems with my left leg/hip that won't go away:
- first real sign of a problem was a cramp type ache in the back of my left thigh towards the end of a long training run (24 miles). I eased off for a little but overall felt fine to carry on and finished reasonably comfortably, however my leg was very sore for a couple of days afterwards... although not too bad to stop me running.
- the same sort of ache returned when doing a trail marathon a week later... this was a four lap event and I was struggling after 3-4 miles. I eased off for the next two laps and was reasonably ok, and then pushed on for the last lap with no ill effects.
- the following week, light training with no issues, followed by a 3:10 marathon on the Sunday... a training run rather than a race, and no issues other than a bit of tiredness towards the end.
- the last two weeks however the same issue has returned, and now seems to have shifted upwards towards the hip / top of glutes / lower back and is at a point where it will stop me running (DNF'd another marathon yesterday).
- finally, the muscles in my lower back feel very tight, and I have for some time been waking up in the morning with pain from this area - this is central though, and the running issue seems only to affect my left side.
No doubt part of the answer is going to be lose some timber, do some physio, massage, stretching, but wondered if any of the other PH runners had experienced anything similar and have any tales to share?
In time honoured PH fashion I need to consult a bunch of strangers on the internet before seeking professional advice (Tuesday!), as I've developed a problem that is not going away on its own.
Background: I run typically 60 - 90 miles per week, including a marathon/ultra every month or so, sometimes more often. In the past I've sustained periods of higher mileage too (100+ mpw), and also 50 mile weeks of at around 6:45 average pace (which is about my marathon pace) so I don't think volume or speed is the issue. My training hasn't changed recently either (its more volume than speed based).
I've been doing this for a number of years with my share of niggles, but generally injury free. It may be related (or may not) but over the last couple of years I've gradually gained weight (maybe a stone from when at my lightest - now around 11st 8lb, 5'10"-ish) and regularly run-commute with a light pack (although I don't do this as much as I did a few years ago).
The last 3-4 weeks I've been struggling with a mix of problems with my left leg/hip that won't go away:
- first real sign of a problem was a cramp type ache in the back of my left thigh towards the end of a long training run (24 miles). I eased off for a little but overall felt fine to carry on and finished reasonably comfortably, however my leg was very sore for a couple of days afterwards... although not too bad to stop me running.
- the same sort of ache returned when doing a trail marathon a week later... this was a four lap event and I was struggling after 3-4 miles. I eased off for the next two laps and was reasonably ok, and then pushed on for the last lap with no ill effects.
- the following week, light training with no issues, followed by a 3:10 marathon on the Sunday... a training run rather than a race, and no issues other than a bit of tiredness towards the end.
- the last two weeks however the same issue has returned, and now seems to have shifted upwards towards the hip / top of glutes / lower back and is at a point where it will stop me running (DNF'd another marathon yesterday).
- finally, the muscles in my lower back feel very tight, and I have for some time been waking up in the morning with pain from this area - this is central though, and the running issue seems only to affect my left side.
No doubt part of the answer is going to be lose some timber, do some physio, massage, stretching, but wondered if any of the other PH runners had experienced anything similar and have any tales to share?
Nothing specific I can help with, but my previous injuries and most I've read about always seem to have a source away from where the pain occurs.
Possibly sciatic nerve or something like posture issues when sitting/sleeping are common when discussing leg muscle injuries, but these are normally lower leg and/or knee injuries.
As with most things, a proper physio will soon get to the bottom of it.
Possibly sciatic nerve or something like posture issues when sitting/sleeping are common when discussing leg muscle injuries, but these are normally lower leg and/or knee injuries.
As with most things, a proper physio will soon get to the bottom of it.
Can't really help you, but I've got a recurring issue with my hip that's been diagnosed as arthritis, torn gluteus mediun, torn labarum and various other hip flexor issues, various x-rays and scan were needed and it took years... Anyway the reason I post is to say take the physio because when they work your glutes it's really rather pleasant.
UpTheIron said:
No doubt part of the answer is going to be lose some timber, do some physio, massage, stretching, but wondered if any of the other PH runners had experienced anything similar and have any tales to share?
Interesting to note that you have not considered taking time off. You have what is now classed as a chronic injury - in other words it will recur every time you train. The first thing you should do is rest.What is your flexibility routine?
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