Since I graduated 5 weeks ago I’ve been managing some niggles in my right thigh, even taking a week on the IC to try and get things right. Unfortunately this doesn’t seem to have made much difference and after every run my leg has been uncomfortable and I’ve had to take two or three rest days. I last ran on Tuesday and have been more or less limping ever since. It is mainly the front of my thigh, right from the top but now my whole right leg from lower back and hip down to my calf seem to hurt too.
I’m so frustrated. I work in Education and today marks the first day of four and a half lovely weeks off. The past few weeks at work have been very stressful and one of the ways I have got by is daydreaming of all the lovely, long morning runs I would be having. (I think running is my answer to mid life crisis) This morning would have been perfect too, it’s cooler and actually raining! I should be out running! I keep looking out the window balefully.
When I was having all the trouble with my knees, one of the things that the physio told me was that I had a pronounced weakness down my left side. Do you think this is impacting on the right leg? Is that a bit of a no brainer? I haven’t yet had gait analysis because I’ve been running in what I consider a decent pair of trainers. Could new shoes really make a difference? Really? I don’t want to go down the whole GP, physio, naproxen etc route again if I can avoid it.
What do I do? Can anyone suggest any exercises specifically for the thigh area? I found the knee exercises made such a big difference. Can I run when things start to feel a bit better or do I need to wait until I’m completely niggle free? I’m worried this point will not come for ages and my four weeks holiday will fly by with no running. My dreams of running along a Menorcan beach at sunrise will turn to dust, (ok, staggering along a Menorcan beach for five minutes until the heat got to me) 😢😢
Throughout all the knee business I kept positive, I believed I could and would run and I did. It’s so frustrating to have shown those knees who’s boss, graduated and now have this to contend with. I am just so fed up. I am feeling sorry for myself I know ☹️
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owmeknees
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I’m sorry you aren’t going to like this. None of us can really substitute for what you need - a return visit to a medic or physio.
If you have this much pain after, you really mustn’t run until it’s been sorted.
Natural weakness on one side might well make the other side work harder and therefore be prone to injury, but we are all amateurs and you need professional support aimed at your specific physiology and needs.
Running will be here waiting for you when you are fit again, but any more running on an injury Just risks longer term recovery or no recovery.
It’s ok Jay, in my heart I know you are right. I will give it a few more days and if there isn’t any improvement I will see a physio - and definitely no more running in between 👍
Sorry to hear you've had these issues, so frustrating when all you want to do is get out there and run. I think it's worth seeing physio to check your gait and he/she will suggest exercises to strengthen any weaknesses you may have. You could also search for IT Band exercises, but I'd really recommend a professional consultation. Some investment now will see you running happily longer down the track. Good luck.
Thank you Dee, it is frustrating but I need to remember it’s not the end of the world and I have recovered from injury before. I know you are right about needing a professional opinion 😊
While you’re waiting to see the doctor again use ibuprofen gel on the area. It’s kinder to your stomach than swallowing the stuff and as an anti inflammatory it won’t do any extra damage. Definitely doctor though.
A physio is a great place to get advice. I know its not always possible but if you could afford to see a sports physio privately you will likely get a swift appointment. I pay £45 for the initial 45 min assessment, then if you need a follow up, around £33 for each further 30 min appointment. Im in the Midlands and thats pretty standard costs around here at least. You should get an understanding of the problem and advice on how to deal with it.
It does sound like you may have some tightness which needs help to loosen. Many of us use a foam roller to help this, but there are clear techniques on how to use these, again a physio or good sports insructor etc could advise.....
Just to warn you the roller can be painful as you ease out the knots.....but bliss afterwards.
I know Bluebirdrunner and Oldfloss use a specific roller which comes with very clear instructions so they may be along shortly with more info.
Thank you Millsie-J, I just had a little google earlier and prices are similar in my area. I don’t think I could face the many weeks wait for NHS physio again even though they were superb with me last time, I just need something more immediate so I will have to bite the bullet and pay.
I will check the foam rollers out, I’ve wondered about them previously. 👍
Hi owneknees, I don't think the area you are feeling pain in is suitable for rolling. Its ok to roll the backs of your calfs away from the knee, and the back of your thighs, again away from the knee. But I wouldn't roll down my shin bone or the front of my thigh.
I think a visit to a sports physio is good idea. However, if you have a good independent running shop nearby, take your running shoes in and get their advice. Not sure wether that weakness could be compensated with correct support in your running shoes...
Good luck and keep your chin up..you will get there! 😊xx
What Jay said! Sorry. I do really feel for you - I know how frustrating it is but Jay is right- if you keep exercising on it you are likely to cause more damage - that’s just my opinion & I’m in no way a medical expert either! Sending virtual hugs & wishing you a speedy recovery - and once again to agree with Jay (he’s very wise!) running ain’t going anywhere - it will always be here for you - as will we.
Feeling so sorry for you! I would get gait analysis done and a sports physio might be useful as it's morning. I am so lucky I have one in the family. He is a magician on my bad feet and calves!😎
Hi Owmeknees. I’m so sorry you are having to go through this. You’ve had great advice so I can’t offer anything more. I also just want to send big virtual hugs and let you know I’m thinking of you.
I don’t know if this is possible and I know it’s a poor substitute for running in Menorca but is there any exercise you can do without affecting that area? Maybe in a gym. You could ask the instructors to give you a specific program.
Thank you Simon! I appreciate the hug. Think I might try swimming 🏊♀️👍
My tuppence worth - don't wait, skip NHS referral and go straight to a sports physio. I'm sure I paid around £50 for an assessment. Told me what was wrong and gave me exercises to strengthen my knee (post-snowsports injury). It might seem a bit steep, but it's the best money I ever spent.
Same with your running shoes, you can't skimp on certain gear as it will affect your health. My old trainers were in great nick albeit 12-18 months old as I'd only worn them to gym a few times a week and not during winter months (busy studying). The difference between them and the new ones was amazing.
As for getting back out, physio is the only person qualified to comment. They say you can run on if the pain doesn't worsen during the run, but I'm not convinced.
The sooner you deal with the problem, the sooner your action plan can be formed.
I appreciate this isn't what you want to hear and for that I'm sorry.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and hope to see you back on those pins asap!
Sorry to hear this. I’ve been on the IC for a couple of months and only just getting back now - that’s not very helpful is it 😸 but my point is ... you will get back with the right help - good luck
Go see a specialist. I had injuries, we all could get injured and some of mine were on the bad side (knee, then ankle). Be patient, stay positive, they will fix it and you’ll come good. I was off running for months (twice), decided to repeat the whole C25K, then moved on and now I’m on my second half marathon. Not the end of the world, far from it. You’ll be fine.
Thank you mrrun, you are so right, it’s not the end of the world. I came back before and like you, I’ll come back again, (not sure there’ll be any half marathons for me though!) 😂👍😊
You never, ever, say never. Your brain is one thing but the rest of your body at times will rule the show. I’m one of the guys who struggled with those first runs, broken breathing, pain/discomfort, self doubt, wrong mindset, name it and l had it. Fast forward and you just go!
Take it easy, relax, take your time, take some more and just do it, whatever the target is! ✌️
All the above is great advice and seeing that you definitely have identified issues, then a gait analysis is of even more importance.
The big question is, what are you wearing on your feet? If you haven't had a gait analysis, then your choice of footwear may be totally inappropriate for you. This post about shoes and the contained link to a post about gait analysis may be helpful healthunlocked.com/couchto5...
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