Help with hip pain from running

poodlelaise

I started running a couple of months ago. I recently started getting pain in my hips after running. Kind of near the back of my hips, or top of buttocks. It doesn't feel like like muscle pain, or nerve pain. It starts right after running, and goes away after a day or two if I don't run. I don't get it from walking or from the elliptical machine.

My question is whether this is something I should continue to work through, or if I could be causing myself damage. I can deal with the pain, and I want to keep running. But I don't want any permanent damage or anything that will keep me from exercising regularly. Any advise?

poodlelaise

Any runners out there who have had this problem?

kgb6days

Never had this problem. I'd check with a doc to see whats going on.

lambch0ps

I have this problem - not just from running though - any exercise except swimming tweaks it. Mine is do to herniated discs which cause my sacroiliac joint to become arthritic and enables my pelvis "twist". Don't know if that is what you have but it sounds like some kind of pelvic/sacro issue. I exercise through it but you have to watch it - if it starts to become more than a pain you can deal with you have to rest; once it got so bad I couldn't sit for a whole month and could not exercise for 8 weeks. I would go to a dr. and get an MRI (skip the x-ray - they can't see anything) - physical therapy can help if it is really bad, but core strengthening (like yoga) is key to preventing it from getting really bad.

rlmadrid

I have the same problem. I usually find I need to rest a day or two. It sucks though :frown:

iLoveMyPitbull1225

I used to get this kindof pain, but only on my right hip side, and it was from the elliptical.

Best advice ever: do a quick warm up, STRETCH! then go about your routine. havent had a problem since. Ask someone at your gym/someone well informed about fitness about stretches that target the hips. I really would have a hard time explaining it over the internet.

But the point is, that is what worked for me.

jimmmer

Hi, it could be a number of things. Off the top of my head:

1) Are you doing static stretches before you run? Make sure you only do dynamic stretching to warm up. Knee raises, Knee circles, that kind of thing. Static stretching before working out can affect the performance of your muscles and lead to funny little tweaks once you're underway. Especially if you're significantly tighter on one side than another, people tend to want to stretch to the same level on each side irregardless of their actual flexibility on a given side and end up overstretching one side.

2) Is your gait even? Many people just take up running and have no real training. Why would they? But often people run with a slight bias in the foot position, which can lead to compensation in joints further along the chain: ankle, knee, hip. If you have been running a while you can check the soles of your shoes to look for an odd wearing pattern. If you notice that they are pronouncedly wearing more on one side than another, then you might want to get your gait checked by a professional trainer. He/she can point out where you're going wrong and save you years of stored up joint trouble to come! I'm not sure, but I think most gyms offer some kind of gait check nowadays

If no other form of exercise gives you this pain, then it's likely to be something specific to the way you warm-up, or the bio-mechanics of your running style, or maybe the fit or suitability of your shoes. There's not really a lot else involved!

poodlelaise

The pain is equal on both sides, and I did have my gait analyzed when I got my running shoes, so I don't think gait is the issue. I don't belong to a gym, I only run outside, and by myself so I don't know who I would ask to analyze it further.

I have not been doing anything specific to stretch my hips, so that is a definite possibility. I will research some stretches and try it.

I also suspect arthritis could be an issue. I have problems in my upper back with arthritis and bone spurs, and also some issues with my hands. So it would not be a shock to find more in my hips.

I'll ask my doctor about all of this when I go in, but I'm not scheduled until November.

Thanks to all of you!

poodlelaise

The pain seems to have settled in my right hip, and now I have muscle spasms on the right side of my back as well. I saw a chiropractor, and he believes it is an issue with alignment of my SI joint. He recommended anti inflamitories and ice to reduce swelling, and a series of stretches.

lilyvale68

1500 mgs of glucosamine with MSM every day. This has worked wonders on my hip and knee pain while running.

snrose

i have a lower back problem and just about anything will mess it up. i chose to do cycling over running for a more low impact type of exercise. maybe look into cycling? its great fun!

nikinyx6

A lot of my runner friends swear by Foam Rollers...check them out maybe?

UrbanRunner81

these should help

http://www.livestrong.com/article/199785-hip-stretches-for-runners/

Sarah_Wins

Sounds like a good question for your doctor, no?

Cristofori44

Second on dynamic warm ups.

And--static stretch after the run---calves, hamstrings, pelvis, lower back, and especially in your case, hip flexors and buttocks. Spend a good 5-10 mins. after your run stretching everything.

Sarah_Wins

A lot of my runner friends swear by Foam Rollers...check them out maybe?

Rumble rollers are so much better. Painful as he!l at first, but so worth it.

smiles4support

OH BE CAREFUL!!! That hurts...I just came out of a injury from a strained hip flexor! See a dr & take time off....your body will thank u later!!!

goldfinger88

Never run through that sort of pain. You will seriously injure yourself. That is the type of pain telling you that you have an old injury or arthritis or something going on. Perhaps osteoporosis. You need to do stretches for the hip and rest the hip. It's probably not serious but you can't push yourself with that sort of pain. I have severe hip pain and when it hits, I stretch it and rest it and never try to exercise through it. You will always know if what you feel is simply a well exercised muscle or another sort of pain. If in doubt, err on the side of caution.

NoAdditives

See your doctor.