Run-Down Forums

[Guest]

I've suddenly got a hip problem which seems to have just come out of the blue. I haven't had any injuries so far, apart from occasional shinsplints, but now my right hip joint area gives me a bit of mild pain when I walk, to the point where I sometimes walk with a slight limp. If I run, after about 2 - 3 miles it goes away, along with any shinsplint discomfort and then I'm fine. It just seems to be when I'm not running. I don't know whether to rest for a whole week, which will be very hard or just carry on. Could it maybe be the road camber, as I always run on the right, facing the traffic (UK, forcing me to run differently on my right leg?. The half marathon I'm doing is in 4 weeks time, and I've already missed one 'long' run last weekend. Any advice on what to do for the best?

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Heidi']

[Dan]

Hi Heidi,

That sounds like the hip flexor problem I had a few years back. I tried running through it for a while, and it steadily got worse. I eventually broke down and had to take time off while doing physical therapy.

Here's where things get interesting... Most people will discount this, but it finally went away when I admitted to myself that it was in my head and I re-read John Sarno's http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0446392308/rundown. I strongly recommend the book, even if it doesn't turn out to be related to your problem. I have recovered from numerous injuries through that technique.

In the meantime, you can ease back on the running a bit and do a lot of stretching and mild strength and range of motion work.

Dan

[Guest]

Thanks Dan, I'll see if I can get the book in the UK. I'm still a bit concerned whether I'll be ok in the half marathon, as I've not done one before. If I totally stop the long weekend runs now am I likely to suffer on the day? Or should I stop the long runs for a couple of weeks and do another one two weeks before the event? I really don't want to miss it as its back in my home county and its the 20th anniversary event. It will be quite a personal achievement to have run my first major race distance in my native Nottinghamshire.

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Heidi']

[Dan]

Consider the good news about the injury you have, it only bothers you when you're not running. If you take care to keep it from getting worse, I don't think you will need to sacrifice your training to any great extent.

Stopping the long runs now and starting them up again in two weeks might not work well. I think your body might have a hard time adjusting to the mileage roller coaster.

Dan

[Guest]

OK. Thanks for the advice, I'll carry on until my leg drops off!!

[Anonymously Posted by: 'Heidi']

[Dan]

You might want to stop a wee bit before then...

Dan