Constantly injuring myself

graveflower316

So, I've just jumped back into exercising and while I'm not too badly out of shape I tend to injury myself A LOT while exercising. I get a lot of knee and ankle pains, but those I can deal with. What I have gotten recently is a pain in my left leg. It's right at the point where my leg and hip come together and it hurts terribly when I move my leg up, have to cross my legs, or just bend it in any way or form. It usually heals relatively quickly (day or two), but it comes back when I exercise again. I usually run, walk, use the elliptical, and the stationary bike. What can I do to help prevent this from happening? What am I possibly doing wrong? I'd love as much feedback as possible! I feel like I'm destroying my body with exercising.

TurtleRunnerNC

Probably need a Dr.

Could be hip flexor tendonitis. Could be a labral tear. Could be lots of things.

sparkleponyprincess

Can you get in for an appointment with a physical therapist? I did this when my back was hurting, and the PT watched me walk, sit, etc. and noticed that I was doing several thing "wrong," and helped me figure out how to move in a way so I wouldn't hurt myself. If insurance will pay for it, it could be worth a shot.

Heck, you might even be able to get some feedback from a running shop where they fit people for sneakers. They'll do a "stride analysis" and watch how you land on your feet, and maybe that can help a bit?

pinkraynedropjacki

Could be just about anything. Dr is neeed to pinpoint.

For me it's always weak hip abductors.....one lot of workouts for just that & I seem to be fine.

But yeah.... go see a Dr 1st.

jimmmer

See a professional.

In the meantime, don't do movements that exacerbate the injury. If you can find a form of exercise that doesn't make it flare up (i.e going for a 30 minute walk) do that in the meantime. Avoid any activity that gives you a flare up (i.e. those you have listed). If you can't find one, then a few weeks off may let it heal whilst you get medical opinions/help.

Keeping on ploughing forward with a niggling injury, turns it into something more and something that could be with you for years. If you are relatively new to exercising you are probably killing yourself with a workload that your body cannot sustain and have highlighted a pre-existing weakness. Recovery and exercises to strengthen (rather than deplete) the affected area are probably the way ahead, but you'll need to be under the guidance of a qualified professional who has actually assessed you properly.

jimmmer

Also to say that it may help if reduce your exercise frequency as well to allow for adequate recovery. You knee and ankle issues could be from the problem in your hip where you are slightly out of line. Conversely, favouring a knee/ankle injury can cause a hip problem. The whole leg is a chain and a problem in one part unduly stresses other parts. Find the root of the problem and solve that and the other injuries in the chain will be corrected.....

MyChocolateDiet

what if the first injury caused you to move differently. but you exercised anyway using other parts of you to compensate in an unnatural way. then those got tired and injured too. and the subsequent injuries were the result of compensating for those? could that be it? in that case rest or choosing exercises very carefully to accomodate for your injuries might help.

ETA: oops i see the guy before me said something similar. yikes. this happens a lot. but i'm sticking with my answer just in case both of them together convince you or u just find one easier to understand than the other.

graveflower316

Well, I guess I should have mentioned, I have two sprained feet and it's likely they're causing me to move differently and injure myself. I hadn't even thought of that till now. Oh joy.

jimmmer

Well, I guess I should have mentioned, I have two sprained feet and it's likely they're causing me to move differently and injure myself. I hadn't even thought of that till now. Oh joy.

Wait, you're exercising frequently with two sprained feet?! Take a few weeks off, relax, let everything heal up. No wonder you're always injuring yourself. You're training with pre-existing injuries and not training around them.....

If you stay within your calories for a few weeks, you'll still lose weight even if you don't exercise, if that's what you're worried about? You need to spend a few weeks taking care of yourself! Then you'll be ready to get back on the horse. When you do, make sure you are exercising at a sensible, moderate level taking proper rest days.

graveflower316

I've had these sprains for about 3 months now (they're sprained in the middle of both feet and can take up to 6 months to heal according to the doctors) and I am wearing ankle braces and orthotics, but unfortunately I figured I could exercise since the pain has subsided in my feet a bit (aside from the ligament damage pain) . Seeing as I am injuring everything else while working out with these sprains, I guess it really is wisest to take it easy. I'm just unsure what I can and can't do anymore. The doctors I've seen so far have been useless in helping me figure this out either.

I appreciate everyone's input and help!

FP4HSharon

You look pretty young, but I had what sounds like a similar pain in my hip starting in my early 30's & was diagnosed w/osteoarthritis. They can tell from x-rays...they see space between the bones in your joints. They felt it came on young, because I'd always been involved in sports from when I was younger. It got so bad that I was limping most of the time & taking OTC pain meds a LOT. But then an Army Special Forces (Green Beret) doctor told me about glucosamine/chondroitin supplements. He said so many of his men were taking it that he wished he could prescribe it for them (it's a supplement). One of the ingredients lubricates your joint, the other helps build it up, both are things your body produces itself, it just gives you more of them. I still remember waking up 3 weeks later & NOT hurting for the first time in years...I didn't want to move & spoil the moment. I do recommend you only use the Osteo Bi-Flex brand, as the only people I've known that haven't responded used store or other brands. But the Osteo Bi-Flex is one of the cheaper brands & about every couple of months they have a Buy One Get One Free sale at the drug stores, also $3-$5 off coupons in Sunday papers.. Some people have to take it for 6 months before they notice improvement, but most I know have improvement before then. But I'd try it at least that long. Only downside is you can't stop taking it or joint will start to deteriorate again. Wouldn't hurt to try it. I've been taking it for about 20 yrs now & still get relief. But check w/your doctor.