Just starting to run and now this?

khoolette

I have never been a runner, so I thought I would try it. I started slowly, using the couch to 5k program. I am only in week 2 and about 90 seconds into my jog, I got a sharp pain in my side/at the top of my hip. It wouldn't go away. It hurt everytime I stepped down. I hobbled home very discouraged, as I was really feeling like tonight would be a good walk/jog. How could I have injured myself in such a short time? I did stretch my legs before hand, but didn't know I had to stretch my whole body. What happened?

ambercholtz

That happened with my shins and then I started to walk and it affected my knees. I would say check it out on webmd.com or mayoclinic or something such as that. I used a cold compress on my knees for a few days and now I'm fine. See what one of the medical sites has to say about it (Google it) and/or call your physician.

techymum

I feel like I am reading what happened to me in June when I started running! Exact same place. Watch it over the next few days - mine actually came out as a bruise. Went to doctor, as I figured I had torn something - he agreed.

I was told to rest a few days, then walk only. I ran again in a few weeks and it tore again.

Went to physiotherapy where I learned that my hips are very very weak. Was given core strengthening exercises, and stretches. Also picked up a foam roll from the running store to roll out the muscle.

Had massages as well with physio.

I hope I'm not scaring you, but I went into running as a sport I really wanted to continue and so I went to the pros. They helped me so much, and got me back on track.

Just so you know, that was in June/July - and now I am up to running 30 minutes nonstop.

Sorry so long. My advice - rest, walk again, and physio if possible.

Good luck!

maemiller

sounds like you got a side stitch. Were you well hydrated?

busywaterbending

stretch before hand or did you mean that you loosed up gingerly after an awesome warm up?

warm up is key, and small range of motion loosening up the joints is okay, but never stretching before a run. ;(

Hips have too many ligaments that can be strained prior to running w/o a warm up. Take some pain reducer / swelling reducer, up your water, and keep your hips warm even during your runs to prevent ligament tears. As for right now, sharp pain = rest! Get well soon and safely.

khoolette

I did a 5 minute warm up/walk....is that enough of a warm up?

bpayne78

My 9 year old is in Cross Country and they go around the track once (about a quarter of a mile) in a jog before they begin to stretch. This warms the muscles up first and will give you the most out of your stretching. That being said, (I'm no expert) I think if you just lightly jogged for about 5 minutes then stop to stretch from head to toe (you work your arms/chest/back more that you think when you run) then get into your workout I think you should be fine.

As far as your injury.....just get in some good walks at a slightly slower pace for a couple of days to let it heal. If it doesn't get ANY better I would have it checked out. This "getting healthy" thing isn't a marathon....it's ok to take your time.