(Very) novice runner - hip pain - uneven gait

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MaggotPig
MaggotPig Posts: 89 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I'm a very novice runner - I've been twice so far!

After the first time, I had a bit of discomfort in my left hip. It didn't start until the day after and I actually thought that I'd pulled something after repeatedly throwing my dogs new favourite toy on a walk.

Yesterday I did run number 2 and the hip pain started up again and certainly before I'd finished. While running, I noticed that my left leg gait is very different to my right leg gait. Right leg does what I'd expect, foot lands nicely but the left is definitely not as cushioned on it's landing. It's almost as though my left foot runs as though it's flat footed.

Any advice on what I can do to help or even remedy this?

Replies

  • EMVelveeta
    EMVelveeta Posts: 3 Member
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    Have you condidered using a fosm roler? Maybe its just soreness that needs worked out.
  • MaggotPig
    MaggotPig Posts: 89 Member
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    EMVelveeta wrote: »
    Have you condidered using a fosm roler? Maybe its just soreness that needs worked out.

    I keep seeing mention of these, but can't say it's something I've ever heard of. I'm very new to exercise! It doesn't feel like a muscular soreness to me.
  • Clarewho
    Clarewho Posts: 494 Member
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    If you intend to keep running I'd go to a specialist running store and have your gait analysed, they may be able to recommend something although if it's uneven I'm not sure? But make sure it's something you intend to stick to as the shoes are more pricey than normal trainers.
  • TrailBlazzinMN
    TrailBlazzinMN Posts: 509 Member
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    Do this -> this

    It looks easy but you'll be working muscles that you aren't used to. No weight is needed. Keep going until it burns or you start crying. Switch sides. Do a few sets per side daily. I have fixed a lot of hip pain with this.
  • angelexperiment
    angelexperiment Posts: 1,917 Member
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    Id go to dr. First you don't want to make a injury worse. Get a running for beginners it tells you everything you need to know. You probably hurt the it band. Remember alot of stretch warming up is important before and after a run.
  • angelexperiment
    angelexperiment Posts: 1,917 Member
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    angelexperiment wrote: »
    Id go to dr. First you don't want to make a injury worse. Get a running for beginners it tells you everything you need to know. You probably hurt the it band. Remember alot of stretch warming up is important before and after a run.
    And proper shoes make a big difference so go to a running store for a right fit and they will tell you if you over pronate or have a mid sole strike and what shoe is best for you maybe you need a stability shoe or motion control. Then you can buy them elsewhere if you cant afford the running store or buy online.
  • smileymaxine
    smileymaxine Posts: 275 Member
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    Go get your shoes properly fitted . Best investment you will ever make ! Remember to stretch look at hip openers , knee strengthen moves , my hip hurts when I run as I messed up my ankle and kept rolling it. Focus on a slow steady start to running stretch , look after yourself and enjoy.
  • FitFitzy331
    FitFitzy331 Posts: 308 Member
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    Go to a running store, get fitted for shoes properly, they'll be able to help you with inserts and anything else you could need.
    Also, if it does not feel like muscle soreness, go see your doctor. There might be an underlying problem where running is just bringing it to the surface sooner than it would have showed.
  • Cherimoose
    Cherimoose Posts: 5,209 Member
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    MaggotPig wrote: »
    While running, I noticed that my left leg gait is very different to my right leg gait. Right leg does what I'd expect, foot lands nicely but the left is definitely not as cushioned on it's landing. It's almost as though my left foot runs as though it's flat footed.

    That's not common. If getting properly fitted shoes doesn't help, I would see a sports physical therapist or sports doctor. A general doctor is unlikely to be as useful for this.
  • mbaker566
    mbaker566 Posts: 11,233 Member
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    shoes are vital. see all the posts above
    warming up is important.
    consider your form while running. google running form for more info
    stretching after a run is also important
    start slow. take rest days.
    consider a program like c25k or a beginners running program if you have not already started one.
    see if the local running store does clinics. you might pick up good information there
  • AlciaMode
    AlciaMode Posts: 421 Member
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    I also say start with good shoes and read up on proper running posture. At first I was getting all kinds of pain from shin splints and knees and hips but over Not much time your body gets over it and you feel great.
  • MaggotPig
    MaggotPig Posts: 89 Member
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    Thank you for all the replies!

    I have literally just done the two runs. I wasn't too enamoured with running after the first, but the second was different - I took a dog with me. Running alone - meh. Running with a dog however, was pretty exhilarating. I'd love to do canicross in the future, but first I need to learn to run and then I need a new dog (mine is 13, heart murmur, under active thyroid, arthritis...!)

    I had planned to call a specialist store for advice (there's one in the city I used to live in that my partner has used and been pleased with) and get some info, idea of cost etc.

    I also have a few GP appointments so will ask about it then. It doesn't feel muscular but I don't really understand my body any more. I'd say it felt like it wasn't the joint, but actually, if I look in the mirror and pin point it, it may well be. I've lost enough weight that my I'm struggling to put things in perspective a little. The pain feels like it's on the edge of my pelvis which, in my head, is amongst a load of fat, but in reality I have easily palpable bones. It feels like it may be around the ischiofemoral ligament area but like I said, it's difficult for me to be able to pinpoint it. (Another reason I don't think it's muscular - I have a degree in anatomy and can often quite easily identify the location of muscle pain down quite specifically)
  • Stoshew71
    Stoshew71 Posts: 6,553 Member
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    Clarewho wrote: »
    If you intend to keep running I'd go to a specialist running store and have your gait analysed, they may be able to recommend something although if it's uneven I'm not sure? But make sure it's something you intend to stick to as the shoes are more pricey than normal trainers.

    I was thinking this as I was reading the OP. Sometimes they can also refer you to an athletic physiotherapist who is more specialized in irregularities of the body that may cause running related injuries. Sometimes it can be as simple as doing something with your gait, other times they may suggest a few exercises & stretches to do, sometimes it can be something severe like scolosis or uneven length of your legs.
  • tennisdude2004
    tennisdude2004 Posts: 5,609 Member
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    TrailBlazzinMN wrote: »
    Do this -> this

    It looks easy but you'll be working muscles that you aren't used to. No weight is needed. Keep going until it burns or you start crying. Switch sides. Do a few sets per side daily. I have fixed a lot of hip pain with this.

    Thanks, I'm running tomorrow, so tonight after tennis I did the leg raises - yep the last set burned.

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