Advice from those who run

anitaplus4
anitaplus4 Posts: 3,338 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Looking for adivice from anyone who runs. I did a 5 mile run yesterday and ended up with the worst craps in my thigh. I stretched out really good before and after. This is the second time this has happend. I am thinking it could be my shoes. Has this happend to anyone else? If so what do you do for it? My leg is still killing me today. :( I am thinking I am going to rest today since it hurts so bad. Is this a good idea or would a workout help to get it stretched out? Also what can I do to keep this from happening again?

Replies

  • 416runner
    416runner Posts: 159
    Where is the pain? Is it right down the front of the thigh or does it go to the side and through the hip?
  • anitaplus4
    anitaplus4 Posts: 3,338 Member
    Its more on the side going up toward my hip.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    Like in your hamstrings?

    could be your shoes I guess. Might as well check it out. Could also be just a mineral deficiency.

    And when you say cramps, are we actually talking about cramps or muscle soreness?
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    That was happening to me last month for several weeks in both my thighs and calves. For me I think it was due to an altered footstrike caused by a case of PF. I ignored it as best I could, walked a little if I needed to, and it faded away.

    I call these things mystery pains and unless they feel like an injury I do my best to ignore them and not worry about it.
  • 416runner
    416runner Posts: 159
    I wonder if it's the IT band (pretty common problem in runners).

    If you google IT band and running, you can find lots of information. I've found that resting is the only thing that has really helped me in the short term (take a day or two off, then start back easy). In the longer term, you can google for ideas on how to do stretches that are targeted at that muscle (like the pigeon pose in yoga) and for exercises to help strengthen it. If possible, get yourself a foam roller from a running or sports store and really work on rolling out that muscle every night. It hurts like crazy but it's so helpful! Good luck!
  • whitehandlady
    whitehandlady Posts: 459 Member
    bump
  • MB_Positif
    MB_Positif Posts: 8,897 Member
    get a foam roller to use to roll out your muscles. Google it. Good stuff. Rest will probably be necessary.
  • StacyPervis
    StacyPervis Posts: 32
    PF also caused me to have to put inserts in my shoes. I put them in my running shoes and it caused me to have severe knee pain. I had to stop running for 2 weeks and take steroid treatment for swelling in my knees. Took the inserts out and Im back to normal. Your foot striking the ground differently in new shoes or inserts will for sure give you problems.
  • melissakohler
    melissakohler Posts: 1
    Agree that if it's on the outside of your thigh it's probably IT band. Caused when adding too many miles too soon or adding more hills or steps too soon. Only cure is rest. Using a roller under that side increases blood flow like a massage and helps heal it. Then google for stretches to prevent it in the future. You should add no more than 10% to your running every week and always take at least one rest day per week.
  • js0721
    js0721 Posts: 1
    Sounds like your IT band. If you have a foam roller, that would help. You can also stretch the IT band by crossing one foot in front of the other and leaning to the side of the front foot. Rest certainly could help to decrease some inflammation in the band (and I would recommend you do rest- had this injury during training and rest was suggested). I did end up getting new shoes and with the foam rolling, stretching and rest/training modification pretty much fully recovered.
  • Eaglesfanintn
    Eaglesfanintn Posts: 813 Member
    416runner - I was thinking IT band as well. I have some issues with that every now and then - often if I'm running on a road that has a high slope from the center to the edges. When that happens, I try to either run in the middle of the road when possible or alternate sides so one leg isn't continually striking higher than the other.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    I wonder if it's the IT band (pretty common problem in runners).

    If you google IT band and running, you can find lots of information. I've found that resting is the only thing that has really helped me in the short term (take a day or two off, then start back easy). In the longer term, you can google for ideas on how to do stretches that are targeted at that muscle (like the pigeon pose in yoga) and for exercises to help strengthen it. If possible, get yourself a foam roller from a running or sports store and really work on rolling out that muscle every night. It hurts like crazy but it's so helpful! Good luck!

    Sound like this to me too. Love the foam roller.
  • Heaven71
    Heaven71 Posts: 706 Member
    Looking for adivice from anyone who runs. I did a 5 mile run yesterday and ended up with the worst craps in my thigh. I stretched out really good before and after. This is the second time this has happend. I am thinking it could be my shoes. Has this happend to anyone else? If so what do you do for it? My leg is still killing me today. :( I am thinking I am going to rest today since it hurts so bad. Is this a good idea or would a workout help to get it stretched out? Also what can I do to keep this from happening again?

    How long have you been running? You may be going too far too soon or too fast too soon as well. I still would recommend getting fitted at a Specialized Running store for the correct shoes.If the pain persists, see a doctor.

    Always remember the R.I.C.E. method of healing. I am finding compession to be my best friend as I seem to think I am superwoman sometimes. I have only been running since January and have been plagued with overuse injuries. Adductors and Shin Spints...listen to your body and don't push through all pain.
  • anitaplus4
    anitaplus4 Posts: 3,338 Member
    Thanks Everyone! I am going to buy new shoes and the foam roller. I am going to go and try some of the stretches right now. :smile:
  • jenniebean1680
    jenniebean1680 Posts: 350 Member
    i have been 'rolling' for only about 2 weeks and it has changed my life. Def give it a go!
  • anitaplus4
    anitaplus4 Posts: 3,338 Member
    That is how the road is that I ran on. So I will try doing what you suggested with running in the middle or switching sides Thanks!
  • anitaplus4
    anitaplus4 Posts: 3,338 Member
    416runner - I was thinking IT band as well. I have some issues with that every now and then - often if I'm running on a road that has a high slope from the center to the edges. When that happens, I try to either run in the middle of the road when possible or alternate sides so one leg isn't continually striking higher than the other.

    That is how the road is that I ran on. So I will try doing what you suggested with running in the middle or switching sides Thanks!
  • mlb929
    mlb929 Posts: 1,974 Member
    Thanks Everyone! I am going to buy new shoes and the foam roller. I am going to go and try some of the stretches right now. :smile:

    I have the Rumble Roller for Amazon.com, it's more expensive - but WAY worth every extra penny. I have a different foam roller and it's not the same at all.

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