Hip Impingement & Running

LisaGlen1

Hi all,

Wondered if anyone has ever suffered hip impingement and managed to get back into running?

I started running about 3 months after having second baby. I had ran before, but never anything over 10/11k. I started to build up slowly again (C25K), but noticed this hip pain starting. After going to Osteopath for a couple of months, then physio (who diagnosed the pain as impingement) since November last year, I am no further forward with recovery. I get to the point where I have no pain for a while, try out a little run, and the pain starts again. I do various hip strengthening moves most days as prescribed by physio (single leg squats, banded clams, banded crab walks etc), but just feel no better at all.

My question is, has anyone here had this and managed to ever run again pain free?

TIA!

rheddmobile

Just a non-doctor who was curious about this condition after reading your post so I looked it up. From what I'm reading about impingement, the treatment seems to be either surgery to correct the issue or giving up the activities which aggravate it permanently. Strengthening exercises can't correct a bone deformity. Have you had testing to determine the specific kind of impingement you have?

LisaGlen1

No testing at all i'm getting quite frustrated with it all. My next step is back to doctors to insist on further testing, xrays, scans etc. The research I have done suggests the same as you found, and this was the reason for my question. Not sure why I am doing strengthening exercises when I have no evidence that this will sort the issue. The physio did note that the side with the impingement was far weaker than the other and this is maybe what the strength work is for? This has now been a year though, and i'm getting fed up. I would like to know one way or the other weather I will ever be able to run again, or just give up completely.

stanmann571

Just to follow up from what rhedd asked.

There's 2 different things that are called "impingement" One is structural(bone) the other is functional(muscle/tendon/etc) If it's structural, no exercise will help. If it's functional, you'll need to do the strengthening and mobilizing exercises diligently and consistently in conjunction/coordination with easing into your training program. In other words "most days" isn't going to work.

You'll need to clarify/coordinate with your PT/Osteo/etc exactly what your issue is and what the way ahead is. If it's functional, you'll hit a point where you're going to have to use heat/ice to progress through/beyond the pain, and to learn what different pains mean.

MikePfirrman

I would wonder whether if looking into Slideboards or perhaps rollerblading might help you. I think we all need more lateral work. There's not a ton of options out there for it either. I find Slideboards really fantastic for lateral work. Many impingements are often weaker areas like you mentioned that once they get stronger go away.

Some of us aren't meant to run. I ran for four years and had chronic knee pain. I had to give it up. I started on the Stationary bike but ended up rowing. I love rowing now. No more knee pain either.

Here's a great video that also works the same muscles your physio is working using a Slideboard. I really like them a lot!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH8BVsDhC24

aemmons81

I am having hip arthroscopy surgery on my right hip in August for impingement and labral tears, and I agree with the poster above who said the treatment is either surgery or stop doing the activities that cause it. I know a few people with this issue, and they have all either had surgery or stopped running eventually. I've had hip pain since a stress fracture in 2010. I've done PT two different times and had cortisone shots a few times but the pain is just there. Obviously don't rush to surgery - some people do find some relief with PT and shots, and most insurance won't cover surgery without proof of non-invasive methods.

LisaGlen1

Thank you everyone for the informative replies. I now have some more info for my next physio (Monday) and the docs appointment (12th July).

stanmann571 wrote: »

Just to follow up from what rhedd asked.

There's 2 different things that are called "impingement" One is structural(bone) the other is functional(muscle/tendon/etc) If it's structural, no exercise will help. If it's functional, you'll need to do the strengthening and mobilizing exercises diligently and consistently in conjunction/coordination with easing into your training program. In other words "most days" isn't going to work.

You'll need to clarify/coordinate with your PT/Osteo/etc exactly what your issue is and what the way ahead is. If it's functional, you'll hit a point where you're going to have to use heat/ice to progress through/beyond the pain, and to learn what different pains mean.

If it was structural would I have felt this when I first took up running? This was years ago, not in any serious way, but was running 7-10k 2-3 times a week?!

MikePfirrman wrote: »

I would wonder whether if looking into Slideboards or perhaps rollerblading might help you. I think we all need more lateral work. There's not a ton of options out there for it either. I find Slideboards really fantastic for lateral work. Many impingements are often weaker areas like you mentioned that once they get stronger go away.

Some of us aren't meant to run. I ran for four years and had chronic knee pain. I had to give it up. I started on the Stationary bike but ended up rowing. I love rowing now. No more knee pain either.

Here's a great video that also works the same muscles your physio is working using a Slideboard. I really like them a lot!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QH8BVsDhC24

If I had to give it up running I wouldn’t be too disheartened, was never into races/marathons etc. However I did enjoy it and I’m just at the point where I want to know if there is any point striving to get back to it. Great tips re the lateral work.

karenrose729611 wrote: »

I am having hip arthroscopy surgery on my right hip in August for impingement and labral tears, and I agree with the poster above who said the treatment is either surgery or stop doing the activities that cause it. I know a few people with this issue, and they have all either had surgery or stopped running eventually. I've had hip pain since a stress fracture in 2010. I've done PT two different times and had cortisone shots a few times but the pain is just there. Obviously don't rush to surgery - some people do find some relief with PT and shots, and most insurance won't cover surgery without proof of non-invasive methods.

Since 2010?? Wow, that’s a long time to put up with pain like this. Have read about the surgery and not a decision to take lightly (two young kids to deal with 🙄)...
I hope all goes well with your surgery, and if you remember after it would be good to know how you get on with recovery etc?

stanmann571

LisaGlen1 wrote: »

Thank you everyone for the informative replies. I now have some more info for my next physio (Monday) and the docs appointment (12th July).

stanmann571 wrote: »

Just to follow up from what rhedd asked.

There's 2 different things that are called "impingement" One is structural(bone) the other is functional(muscle/tendon/etc) If it's structural, no exercise will help. If it's functional, you'll need to do the strengthening and mobilizing exercises diligently and consistently in conjunction/coordination with easing into your training program. In other words "most days" isn't going to work.

You'll need to clarify/coordinate with your PT/Osteo/etc exactly what your issue is and what the way ahead is. If it's functional, you'll hit a point where you're going to have to use heat/ice to progress through/beyond the pain, and to learn what different pains mean.

If it was structural would I have felt this when I first took up running? This was years ago, not in any serious way, but was running 7-10k 2-3 times a week?!

PROBABLY, but there's potential for some slippage/movement/change in orientation with childbirth.

Your issue is much more likely to be functional, but imagery will confirm(and Xrays are usually fairly easy to get covered by insurance)

rheddmobile

I had a hunch so looked up hip impingement after pregnancy, and it autocompleted. Apparently this is its own thing - look it up and see if maybe you can get some more information to help you in dealing with your doctors.

http://www.americanhipinstitute.org/acetabular-labral-tear-and-postpartum-hip-pain.html

Looks like surgery is often helpful.

Sabine_Stroehm

I currently have been diagnosed with hip impingement and trochanter bursitis.
For my running (slow 5k or so), it doesn't really hurt. Yoga hurts more.
I just had a cortisone shot on Monday and feel much better (while waiting to see orthopedist and PT next month). But that was more for the bursitis.
Had Xray, waiting for MRI etc. Doc thinks there *may* be a labral tear as well.
But for now, I wait and work out as best I can.
Been in pain since January.
Hope things work out for you.

aemmons81

karenrose729611 wrote: »

I am having hip arthroscopy surgery on my right hip in August for impingement and labral tears, and I agree with the poster above who said the treatment is either surgery or stop doing the activities that cause it. I know a few people with this issue, and they have all either had surgery or stopped running eventually. I've had hip pain since a stress fracture in 2010. I've done PT two different times and had cortisone shots a few times but the pain is just there. Obviously don't rush to surgery - some people do find some relief with PT and shots, and most insurance won't cover surgery without proof of non-invasive methods.

Since 2010?? Wow, that’s a long time to put up with pain like this. Have read about the surgery and not a decision to take lightly (two young kids to deal with 🙄)...
I hope all goes well with your surgery, and if you remember after it would be good to know how you get on with recovery etc?[/quote]

Yes - totally agree it's not a decision to take lightly - I have a 4-year-old and a 2-year-old and am dreading it! But, I have also reached the point that I'm DONE. My left hip will probably need done a few months after.

schmanciepants

I recommend going to a specialist (which you should be referred to if they suggest surgery). I was mentally prepared for surgery for my labral tear when I was referred, but the specialist said that since I have hip dysplasia, he won’t do the arthroscopy.

LisaGlen1

stanmann571 wrote: »

LisaGlen1 wrote: »

Thank you everyone for the informative replies. I now have some more info for my next physio (Monday) and the docs appointment (12th July).

stanmann571 wrote: »

Just to follow up from what rhedd asked.

There's 2 different things that are called "impingement" One is structural(bone) the other is functional(muscle/tendon/etc) If it's structural, no exercise will help. If it's functional, you'll need to do the strengthening and mobilizing exercises diligently and consistently in conjunction/coordination with easing into your training program. In other words "most days" isn't going to work.

You'll need to clarify/coordinate with your PT/Osteo/etc exactly what your issue is and what the way ahead is. If it's functional, you'll hit a point where you're going to have to use heat/ice to progress through/beyond the pain, and to learn what different pains mean.

If it was structural would I have felt this when I first took up running? This was years ago, not in any serious way, but was running 7-10k 2-3 times a week?!

PROBABLY, but there's potential for some slippage/movement/change in orientation with childbirth.

Your issue is much more likely to be functional, but imagery will confirm(and Xrays are usually fairly easy to get covered by insurance)

rheddmobile wrote: »

I had a hunch so looked up hip impingement after pregnancy, and it autocompleted. Apparently this is its own thing - look it up and see if maybe you can get some more information to help you in dealing with your doctors.

http://www.americanhipinstitute.org/acetabular-labral-tear-and-postpartum-hip-pain.html

Looks like surgery is often helpful.

I also had Pelvic Girdle Pain or Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction throughout both pregnancies, the second being far worse and starting earlier. I was convinced (and still am if I'm honest) that this was the cause, however the physios did check for any misalignment and say there is none and have dismissed this as the reason.

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

I currently have been diagnosed with hip impingement and trochanter bursitis.
For my running (slow 5k or so), it doesn't really hurt. Yoga hurts more.
I just had a cortisone shot on Monday and feel much better (while waiting to see orthopedist and PT next month). But that was more for the bursitis.
Had Xray, waiting for MRI etc. Doc thinks there *may* be a labral tear as well.
But for now, I wait and work out as best I can.
Been in pain since January.
Hope things work out for you.

Thank you! Hope all works well for you too I am also able to work out in other ways, its running, walking and cycling that sets my pain off. All of which are my favourite forms of cardio. Still, I am happy to adapt if that's what it takes.

schmanciepants wrote: »

I recommend going to a specialist (which you should be referred to if they suggest surgery). I was mentally prepared for surgery for my labral tear when I was referred, but the specialist said that since I have hip dysplasia, he won’t do the arthroscopy.

IslandGal3 wrote: »

Definitely follow up with testing (MRI), and an orthopedic that specializes in hips. Keep up the strength training exercises that your physical therapist gave you. I ended up needing surgery for impingement, and labral repair. My recovery was long, and hard. I have been able to return to an active lifestyle, but I had to fight like hell to get there. I hope you get some answers. Good luck.

This is what I hoping for. I'm in Scotland and this would be through the NHS in the first instance and can take a long time. Would definitely consider private if I have to.

Thank you again everyone for the responses. Feeling a bit more prepped for next appointments

trochanter

I've had hip preservation surgery for FAI (hip impingement) carried out on both hips. Left was arthroscopic and right was open surgery. The recovery for the arthroscopic surgery was a breeze compared to the open surgery.

My surgeon was Professor Damian Griffin who is one of the top surgeons in this field.

http://www.hiparthroscopyclinic.co.uk/bio.php

jamie62870

Sabine_Stroehm wrote: »

I currently have been diagnosed with hip impingement and trochanter bursitis.
For my running (slow 5k or so), it doesn't really hurt. Yoga hurts more.
I just had a cortisone shot on Monday and feel much better (while waiting to see orthopedist and PT next month). But that was more for the bursitis.
Had Xray, waiting for MRI etc. Doc thinks there *may* be a labral tear as well.
But for now, I wait and work out as best I can.
Been in pain since January.
Hope things work out for you.

Fyi..a regular MRI will not find your tear if you have one. You will need an MRI with contrast.
I had a laberal tear and impingement in my left hip and took months to figure out what it was. I had surgery back in 2012.
I still have bad piriformis issues but the hip,pain is gone. Recovery is long!

SMKing75

I had started running off and on for a few years. I started having hip pain (1.5 yrs at this point) and they diagnosed me with trochanter bursitis. They wanted to give me cortisone shots, but I declined. I saw an orthopedic surgeon who also diagnosed me with minor hip dysplasia in my right hip. He said he "thought" I may have a labral tear, HOWEVER, there is no way of really knowing until they get in there. I am not willing to risk a major surgery for a thought. I then saw a sports medicine doctor and he recommended using the recumbent bike, start walking again and get back to the elliptical. I have no bursitis pain anymore. The sports medicine dr says he doubts I have a labral tear. While, I have not tried running again, I was advised not to as it can enhance arthritis which I currently have none of in my hip. I have read several articles that discourage any type of squats, leg presses, running. I am fine with that. I will most likely need a total hip replacement as I age but I will try to minimize additional stress on my hip until then. I am mostly pain free BUT sitting or standing for too long or climbing a lot of stairs will cause me issues.