Need some advice on a running injury.

brentb71

Some background... I've been running for 17 months gradually building up distance each week until this past May when I hit 40 miles/week. During that time I've completed 3 half marathons. I've been staying at 30-40 miles/week with a long run of 12-16 miles since May with hopes of ramping it up for my first marathon training in a couple of months.

About a month ago I started feeling some discomfort in my front right waist/hip area during runs. It wasn't unbearable as I was able to complete every run. The discomfort started continuing throughout the day just walking and while running it was starting to feel like pain more than just discomfort. I took 3 days off and the pain/discomfort was completely gone. Went for a run after that 3rd day and about 2 miles in I could feel it again. So I went see my family doctor... x-rays were normal so he scheduled an MRI. MRI showed no stress fracture or bone issue but a "strained & partial tears of the tensor fasciae latae." 2 weeks of no running passed during this time however I did continue to be active with strength training, elliptical and cycling. I had no pain in the area doing any of these activities. My doctor said I can continue running but to start back slowly and ice it down after every run.

This past Sunday I went out for a 20 minute run. It felt good. Slight discomfort after the run but nothing painful. I iced it for 20 minutes after. Monday I went for a bike ride. No pain or discomfort. Tuesday, yesterday, I planned on a 30 minute run. 20 minutes in I felt the discomfort. 25 minutes the pain was so unbearable I had to walk the rest of the way. Even walking was painful and still is this morning.

So I guess my question is could it be a misdiagnosis? Could the treatment be inaccurate? Could my interpretation of the treatment be wrong and I pushed too soon?

I clearly can't run on it for awhile considering I can't even walk on it without pain or discomfort... so where do I go from here?

dbmata

So I guess my question is could it be a misdiagnosis? Could the treatment be inaccurate? Could my interpretation of the treatment be wrong and I pushed too soon?

All possible and great questions for a doctor.

Have you rolled any? Done any PT on the area? Any stretching or yoga to try to increase ROM? Have you been consistent with anti-inflams and icing?

CaeliGirl11

Physical Therapy! I am super disturbed (only because of my background of both injuries and going through PT school) that your doc didn't suggest going to PT. He just said you had tears in your TFL and sent you on your way?? Not only could you benefit from therapeutic treatments that PT can give you but they can develop a training plan to get you back to running. Earlier this year I had developed SERIOUS IT band issues that made it nearly impossible to do much of anything besides slow walking. I went to PT and within 6 weeks I was back jogging again! Now I'm about to compete in a triathlon on Saturday. I'm opinionated but take this subject very seriously and I think you need to go back to your doc and request a round of PT...at the very least I don't think it would hurt your situation any more. Plus you can still do other exercise outside of PT (and they can help you figure out what's best with that too). Good luck!!

brentb71

Thanks for the replies. Guess it's back to the Doc and hopefully a script for some PT.

perfect_storm

I agree with the PT, it does help, insist on it

BrianSharpe

PT and a referral to a sports medicine specialist, most family doctors are very poorly trained in respect to sports injuries (unless you're lucky enough to have one that runs)

timeasterday

Find someone who specializes in active release therapy. I had hip issues and after seeing two sports medicine doctors I was not getting better. I found a chiro who does A.R.T. and she was recommended by local runners. After a couple of weeks of her therapy I am seeing a big improvement.