Why does my hip hurt?

[Littlelegsbythebeach]

I've just started the couch to 5k and after my first run experienced hip pain. I tried to ignore it and ran a few more times, then thought better of it. I've not run for over a week and the discomfort is still there. It feels like it could be a muscle as only certain movements, such as getting out of the car hurt. Walking causes just mild discomfort. It seems to ease during the day.Any ideas on what it could be, how to help it heal and how to prevent happening again would be gratefully received.

[Instructor57 Graduate]

Unfortunately we can neither diagnose or suggest remedies here on the forum .What we can say though is do not run in pain .

Your best advice if it hasn't cleared up after a few days rest would be to seek advice from a professional,

Your GP or if you can an appointment with a sports physio.

Take care

[Littlelegsbythebeach in reply to Instructor57]

Thank you for your reply. I will rest it a few more days then get it looked at of I need too.

[Frizzbomb67 Graduate]

I’m a similar age to you and my hips are the first thing to ache when I do too much. Mine have settled quite well as I’ve become a more seasoned runner, but they soon let me know when I’ve run too fast or too far. I just take extra rest days and walk instead of run until they are pain free. Hopefully as you build strength they’ll improve but until then, listen to your body and rest if they ache. See the doctor if they don’t improve.

[Littlelegsbythebeach in reply to Frizzbomb67]

Thank you for your reply. I wonder if I did get a little too excited on my first run. I think I thought because I can walk for miles with no issues I would be able to run 🥴. I shall try and be more sensible when I finally feel ready to get back to it.

[Curlygurly2 Graduate]

Yes, get it checked if it doesn't ease up, but just one thought? Have you got good running shoes? Proper running shoes, not just trainers?

[Littlelegsbythebeach in reply to Curlygurly2]

Thanks for your suggestion. I do have running shoes, but they are old from when I was running previously. I think I'll replace them whilst waiting for my hip to get back to normal. 👟

[Curlygurly2 Graduate in reply to Littlelegsbythebeach]

Yes, I would. Do you have somewhere near you to get gait analysis? My hip started aching a few months ago,I had gait analysis done last week, they found abnormal wear patterns on my shoes...always worth thinking about.

[Upsidaisy Graduate]

I had this problem when I first started the programme but for me the answer was to warm up properly before running, making sure to do dynamic stretches as well as the 5 minute warm up walk, and then to cool down with static stretches after the 5 minute walk at the end. There are some good ones on the NHS website or you could have a look at this:

womensrunning.com/training/...

I would also rest until you feel more comfortable. There’s no rush to complete the programme, it took me 2 years! Good luck

[Littlelegsbythebeach in reply to Upsidaisy]

Thank you, that's a good bit of advice. I think I need to accept that I'm neither as young or as fit I used to be 😁 Reading the article you suggested reminded me of the types of stretches I would have done to warm up before exercise classes. I will do some before my next run

[Upsidaisy Graduate]

Hope it helps, and wishing you a speedy recovery 😊