One year on, is this the end.

[Hexslug]

Just over a month ago started with IT band syndrome and had to stop running. Did some googling and found that you have to stop running or risk it becoming chronic. Rested, did recommended stretches and thought it had settled. Started running again at the end of last week and third run in it is back. Tennis elbow and frozen shoulder problems I had in the past became chronic and only subsided with years of rest. So, I really fear that my running career is over.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10]

Isn’t IT band syndrome treatable? Have you seen a sports therapist? Resting is definitely a good idea but I would say you need some physio advice to get it sorted out properly. Sorry to hear you are going through this. 😕 But don’t despair - take action!

Sadie-runs x

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to Sadie-runs]

Thanks for your reply. The sore knee subsides after a day or two and does not affect any everyday activity, just comes back when start to run. At my age not keen on going down sports injury clinic route.

[Sadie-runs Graduate10 in reply to Hexslug]

Google “stretches for IT band” and start building them into your every day? (Or maybe you have tried that?) x

[uncle_wiggy]

Not having heard of this before I had to read up first. Sounds completely horrid and you have my deepest sympathy!

Maybe with a longer rest, physio & lots of specific stretches things will improve sufficiently to enable you to run shorter distances? I really wish you the best of luck & healing 🤞

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to uncle_wiggy]

Thanks for your reply. Not massively disheartened, as realize that it's just life! Probably leave running for a couple of months and hope.

[Flyingred Graduate10]

In your shoes, I would visit a chiropractor. They have a remarkable ability to diagnose the root cause of musculoskeletal injuries going way beyond just relieving the presenting symptoms.

I have been troubled by a stiff shoulder which my chiro traced back to a tight muscle in my jaw and a ligament on my 4th rib. He really gets that I'm enthusiastic about running so he goes the extra mile in freeing up tight joints that will help/improve my running.

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to Flyingred]

Thanks for your reply. Will look into that possibility after the holidays.

[Sqkr]

Running is, contrary to first impressions, a full body thing so it's important to include additional stretches and strength work—especially if you get regular niggles. IT band problems are really common in runners, and it's very seldom a deal breaker. You just need to make some time to strengthen and stretch those bits of you that need it. Stopping running won't always magically cure the things that trouble you, instead it might be worth building in some additional stuff to your routine. As suggested, googling 'It band stretches' or similar will bring up loads of exercises to try and give you the strength and stability needed for pain free running.

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to Sqkr]

Thanks for your reply. Some of the things I have read definitely agree with your comments that other areas of weakness can contribute to my issues. Carrying on running is not an option, the signals I am getting are loud and clear that it is making it worse.

[Hidden]

I had IT band issues a few years ago. You are right to rest and not do anything to exacerbate it - I took painkillers and went for a 12 mile walk. Not a good idea! Do go to a physio and see if they can find the root cause. Mine is to do with a particularly tight muscle that throws my whole knee joint out. If I stretch that I don't have a problem. But that's totally different from the IT stretches, which don't tackle the root cause so don't help.

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for your reply. I will do something to see if I can get back to running. Am a bit down as thought that my 4 week rest had helped and was looking forward to getting back to parkrun. Thought there must be others who have had this out there

[ju-ju- Graduate10]

It sounds like you need a good sports physio or osteopath. Worth their weight in gold to give your runnning injury free longevity. My sports osteopath says that there are v v few conditions which mean people can’t run again. With the right strength and exercise regime so many conditions can be treated. Hang in there and get some help.

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

Thanks for your reply. Am feeling more positive than when I posted. The possibility of it being an overuse injury does not help me feel that optimistic, but I will seek some advice.

[ju-ju- Graduate10 in reply to Hexslug]

I am so pleased you are going to seek some help. I have lost count of how many injuries I’ve had and so many months of no running, but seeing the osteopath gave me such hope and some exercises that have kept me injury free for nearly a year now..... hang in there

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to ju-ju-]

I followed your 10k plan, so do respect and am grateful for you advice.

[Mummycav Administrator Graduate10]

Oh no, I can’t imagine how you must feel facing a ‘no running’ future...maybe with time and physio short little regular runs may be possible??? I hope so x

[Hexslug Graduate10 in reply to Mummycav]

Thanks.