ITB injury?

BrittSwimsJDRF

I started having left hip pain a few weeks before running my 1/2 marathon on 2/19. The pain continues to wax and wane, and at the end of my running class yesterday, someone suggested I have an ITB injury. Anyone else dealing with this? And if so, what is the best treatment? Pain is minimized with 400mg of ibuprofen, and it actually feels BETTER during and after running, but gets worse after immobility. Should I take a week off? Work through it? Thoughts?

angelskye6

Do you have swelling? Is it only better during runs and right after? My first suggestion (given to me by a sports trainer) is to stretch like crazy every single day after your workouts. Look up some good stretching exercises for the ITB. If you take a week off from running and it gets better, then running is probably aggravating your injury and you may need rest. Of course, seeing a doctor is always a good idea if it continues or gets worse. Good luck!!

madmickie

Am I missing something here??

Someone "suggested" you have an ITB injury and you are on here looking for a cure?

BrittSwimsJDRF

Madmickie, I am a nurse pracitioner and was pretty sure before discussing this with my running peers. I'm not looking for a cure... stretching and ibuprofen have made it better. I am asking if other runners have difficulty with it, and what works for them. But thanks for your input anyways.

gillleeman

Difficult to say without seeing you, but hip injuries can be coming from the ITB but also the glutes and calves. The piriformis can actually tighten and cause the sciatic nerve to be compressed which can also cause pain down the leg. This is usually apparent on immobility and not whilst running. Definately stretch as much as possible for ITB and piriformis syndrome (google has plenty), try self massage with a roller for ITB and tennis ball for piriformis. Make sure calves are well stretched too, especially the soleus. Could just be tension in muscles and nothing too much to worry about. If at all concerned though seek professional help.

mlb929

Foam Roll and Massage Therapy are the two best treatments I've found for keeping my IT Band's limber. I do yoga at least once per week and foam roll nightly. Strengthening hips helps for long term cure and treatment, IMO. I'm not an ibuprofen taker myself, I prefer other options first. Heating pad for pain management, moist heat.

Time off with any running related pain can help, but really depends on the pain level and the treatments. A good massage for me when the pain starts, and it's fixed. You may also want to look at your shoes, sometimes it's as simple of going from a neutral to stable or stable to minimal, it's a test of what works for you.

The best thing I've ever done for my running was run less cross train more.

BrittSwimsJDRF

Thanks guys. I plan to get the foam roller and I looked up stretches to do as well. Your input really helps, because I don't want to stop running, but at some point I have to give up being stubborn! IF this doesn't work, I plan on seeing my physician and getting a PT referral for more evaluation.