Help with (hip? pain

[kjm20]

I've had discomfort where the top of the left leg meets the torso for a few weeks now. It came on after my first hilly walk for months about four weeks ago and although only mildly painful, has never properly gone away since.

I've been running less regularly to see if it would clear but stupidly went for an 8k run yesterday and it got more painful and left me limping around for the rest of the day. I'm 65, female and have been running (slowly) during lockdown with no injuries or even niggles so this is a disappointment. Any thoughts/ advice would be very welcome.

Thanks v much

[acountrycabbage 60minGraduate]

Funnily enough, I’ve just posted about a hip flexor issue. Could be that. Perhaps have a read up on hip flexor strain and see if any of the symptoms are relatable? An osteopath appointment may be prudent either way.

[kjm20 Graduate10 in reply to acountrycabbage]

Thanks CC, I will definitely have a look. I identify totally with your difficulty in finding the line between 'sensible' and 'silly' - I'm struggling with the prospect of losing the gains I've made if I have to have a break. Still, can always start again and may be stronger runners as a result.

[acountrycabbage 60minGraduate in reply to kjm20]

Yep.. losing gains makes me sad.. but it is what it is.. 😑 slow, steady - and crucially - pain free will win the long term race!

Keep us updated.

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Could it be your IT band?

[kjm20 Graduate10]

Thanks Grannyhugs, the iliotibial band was new to me. Just looked at a basic anatomical diagram and it may be just a bit too far left for my pain but it fits with the symptoms - worse when rising from sitting and going downstairs. As CC says, I should see and osteopath.

[Birdlady64 Graduate10]

Be careful if it's a hip flexor strain. You don't want to make things worse by continuing to run.Maybe find a sports physio?

[kjm20 Graduate10 in reply to Birdlady64]

Thanks for you support - I'm going to make an appointment tomorrow.

[limberlou Graduate10]

Take a look at this article. This is what I have been battling with for nearly two years now

ajphysio.com.au/gluteal-ten...

It might help

[kjm20 Graduate10 in reply to limberlou]

Very informative article - many thanks. Sorry to hear you've been having problems for such a long time - sounds very challenging. I wish you the best with your running.

[happysouls Graduate10]

I suffered hip pain for a long time. I used to get it occasionally after long walks. When I took up running it wasn't a problem to start with but eventually I was really hurting after a run and hobbling round the house. Although runs themselves didn't hurt. I had an x ray to rule out issues and then physio. He gave me some really good strength building exercises. One legged planks and side planks, and one leg deadlifts, and leg raises with an elastic resistance band. I was able to carry on running although I'd taken a few weeks off at the worst of it. It took quite a while but now I no longer suffer and my body is really massively improved by all the exercises which I still do regularly. It's well worth a physio visit!

[kjm20 Graduate10 in reply to happysouls]

So positive to hear that it's resolved for you and that you can see the difference overall as a result of doing the exercises. I definitely need to pay more attention to stretching and strengthening - feel more optimistic now. I've found a sports physio quite near to us and left a message. Thanks for the support.

[happysouls Graduate10 in reply to kjm20]

I really do feel that the physio is as life changing as taking up running has been. Hope it goes well for you!

[Runawaytrainer]

Ditto on many counts. I'm off to the physio on Saturday. Reckon he'll set me up with appropriate exercises. Am missing the runners high that I get from being out early in the day. Even walking gets sore. Time to sort it!

[kjm20 Graduate10 in reply to Runawaytrainer]

..... and ditto on the physio - I'm waiting for a local sports physio to return my call. Hope you get sorted quickly and that we both get back to our morning runs very soon.