Running is a pain in the butt!! Literally.

joehempel

Okay, so here's the problem.

Over the past few runs (2 with a stroller and 40lb kid, 1 without), I've noticed after about 4 miles a bit of discomfort coming from my left buttock (yes keeping it technical so not to drive it somewhere else).

Now I've done research on Sciatic Nerve, and Piriformis, which is what ALL searches have taken me to, and it doesn't seem to be those. The biggest thing is that it doesn't hurt doing anything else...the biggest complaint is that it hurt while sitting and extended to the leg or back...mine doesn't.

Now keep in mind I run alot...ALOT of hills, my part of town is a mix of large hills and flat areas (that just lead to hills). So maybe I'm running the hills to hard, I don't know.

Either way, it's not stopping me from running, it's not a sharp pain, nor any sort of numbing, it's just kind of uncomfortable.

I'd like to get into a physical therapist, but they have no appointments until after the Half-Marathon I'm running Oct 22nd....so I'm trying to figure out some stretches etc.

As it stands I'm going to take some Tylenol before my run tomorrow and run laps on flat land for the 10 miles I need. There is only a couple hills that aren't that big so it shouldn't be a big deal.

Anyone have any thoughts?

auntiebabs

Is it time for new shoes???

BECav0602

I had some pain in my right buttocks and right lower back a while back and it ended up being caused by tight hamstrings. A massage worked wonders for me (90 min deep tissue). Perhaps your muscles srenjust tight and loosening them up may help?

jillybeanruns

Is any of it tightness? If you push on it, does it hurt? Could it possibly be a knot?

joehempel

Nope, they aren't even 5 months old yet, and the mileage on them is no where near the end of the road yet.

I ONLY wear them to run, nothing else. I think they may have like 300 miles on them at the most.

joehempel

Is any of it tightness? If you push on it, does it hurt? Could it possibly be a knot?

Not if I push on it no....it might be some tightness.

joehempel

I had some pain in my right buttocks and right lower back a while back and it ended up being caused by tight hamstrings. A massage worked wonders for me (90 min deep tissue). Perhaps your muscles srenjust tight and loosening them up may help?

I'm hoping that''s all it is...time to get the wife involved! LOL.

jillybeanruns

Get yourself a foam roller. It'll hurt to get some of the tightness out, but it'll help in the long run. If you get in the habit of rolling your legs out or the spots that get tight, you'll eliminate the tightness building up to the point of causing pain when you run or walk. Foam rollers are all over the place, but you can easily find one at ****'s or Sports Authority.

joehempel

Get yourself a foam roller. It'll hurt to get some of the tightness out, but it'll help in the long run. If you get in the habit of rolling your legs out or the spots that get tight, you'll eliminate the tightness building up to the point of causing pain when you run or walk. Foam rollers are all over the place, but you can easily find one at ****'s or Sports Authority.

I shall make a trip to the store tomorrow!!

beach_bum_gurl

Try this stretch before and after you run.

Lie on the floor, knees bent. Cross one leg over one knee with one ankle resting near other leg's knee. Take arms, reaching around legs and grab bent knee of leg that foot is still on floor. Pull this leg up into your body so that your knee is coming up to your chest (your upper body is still on the ground). This should stretch both your lower back, buttock, and thigh of the leg that was crossed over. Hold for several seconds and then switch out legs to stretch other side.

ncwingnut71

I have the same issue, and I have to say, the foam rollers work really well. My trainer actually has me use them as part of my warm up before my sessions with him too.

cariandy

I had some pain in my right buttocks and right lower back a while back and it ended up being caused by tight hamstrings. A massage worked wonders for me (90 min deep tissue). Perhaps your muscles srenjust tight and loosening them up may help?

I'm hoping that''s all it is...time to get the wife involved! LOL.

I
I have had the same thing happen too..I do think it's probably the hills... And I think it starts in the hamstrings as well..just an opinion!! A leg massage will work wonders!! Bat your eyelashes at your wife!!! I'm going to get my hubby to give me one!! But if that doean't work, get out the wallet and pay for a professional massage!! It is heavenly!!!!

rybo

Try this stretch before and after you run.

Lie on the floor, knees bent. Cross one leg over one knee with one ankle resting near other leg's knee. Take arms, reaching around legs and grab bent knee of leg that foot is still on floor. Pull this leg up into your body so that your knee is coming up to your chest (your upper body is still on the ground). This should stretch both your lower back, buttock, and thigh of the leg that was crossed over. Hold for several seconds and then switch out legs to stretch other side.

This was going to be my suggestion. I will get occasional tightness deep in the muscle & this helps a ton.

mtntrailrunner

have you been running any incline on the treadmill?

staceyseeger

My tail bone gets locked up & my hip & pelvis get uneven so I go to the chiro every week to get "tuned-up". Keeps me off the "drugs" & running pain-free. Good luck!

krm0789

I also recommend a foam roller. I use it all over my lower body post-workout & while that feels awkward at the gym, the relief is worth it.

joehempel

have you been running any incline on the treadmill?

I've never run on a treadmill in my life...it's all outside....and the HILLS....OH THE HILLS!!! these hills are anywhere between 25-40% incline sometimes.

tigerbluefly

Try this stretch before and after you run.

Lie on the floor, knees bent. Cross one leg over one knee with one ankle resting near other leg's knee. Take arms, reaching around legs and grab bent knee of leg that foot is still on floor. Pull this leg up into your body so that your knee is coming up to your chest (your upper body is still on the ground). This should stretch both your lower back, buttock, and thigh of the leg that was crossed over. Hold for several seconds and then switch out legs to stretch other side.

This is a good stretch. I had pain in my glutes for a while last year and I found that when I "tweaked" this stretch a bit I got more of a stretch to that muscle.
Lie on your back and cross one leg over the other knee, NOT resting the foot on the knee, crossed over like a lady would sit cross legged in a chair. From that point, pull your legs towards your chest. I really feel the stretch this way. The other stretch is great but stretches more your hip and side. This one seems to go right through the glute.

I hope you get some relief soon. A massage would definitely help too.