WHY DOES MY LEG HURT?!!!

Nice easy message to reply to: Go see your doctor!

Maybe you need new shoes? I've heard a good pair of running shoes tailored to your running style makes a huge difference. I'm planning on getting some new shoes when I get my tax return money back.

Maybe you should get your leg out of the air all the time!!! Lol

Sounds like a hip problem. I would guess, since it hurts when your leg is up, not down; that you are getting swelling in your hip that inceased as you run.

Go elliptical, I LOVE mine!

In addition to what they all said about getting it checked, once you're cleared to run again, try running every other day instead of every day. Do something else on your off days, to give your legs chance to rest.

I've been running now for 4-5 weeks. I run 3 miles a day at a pace of 1 mile per 15 minutes. Not too strenuous or anything... but just trying to build up to a 12 minute mile. As of last Friday, my hip started hurting while I was running and the pain went down to my knee. It was very sore and achy afterwards and I iced it that evening and didn't run for 2 days. It was feeling pretty good, so... I started running again last night and as soon as I started my 3rd mile... here comes the discomfort again! It doesn't hurt when I put pressure on it, but only when my knee is in the bent position to take another step. Also hurts when going down stairs. It hurts both in my hip AND knee during these times. Any help? Suggestions? Other similar experiences and what you did to help it???

I'm also looking in to an elliptical and 86'ing the treadmill. *sigh*

Lots of suggestions:

-What shoes are you running in? If you haven't yet been professionally fitted for running shoes at a real running store, you need to get on that today! The right shoes make a world of difference in both your comfort and your injury avoidance.

-Do you run outside? Are you running on cambered roads? Always turning with the same leg on the inside?

Try switching which leg is on the inside every time you corner. This can solve the problem.

If you have to run on cambered roads, reverse direction so the same leg isn't always running on that angle.

Or, better yet, find a dirt trail!

-You are going way too much for a brand new runner. It takes 6-8 months to build the muscle and bone density necessary to abosrob the pounding of running. You are putting yourself at risk of overuse injuries like shin splints, stress fractures and tendon/ligament issues by starting up with a 21 mile week. Give yourself a rest day between running days. When you feel like you can increase your mileage, don't increase it by more than 10% per week, as that's the safe rate of oncrease to avoid injury.

-What is your warmup routine and your cooldown routine? What stretches are in there?

@Atlantique:

I have fitted Brooks running shoes. Went to OKRunner and got them customized, etc. I got them about 4-5 years ago, but only started running in them this past month. LOL not sure if I need to go back and get another pair.

I think you're right about over doing it. I'm wanting to lose weight too much, too fast and apparently have injured myself in doing so. I'm gonna start running every other day and giving my body a little time to recover.

I only run on a treadmill.

Thank you so much for the advice! I greatly appreciate it! : )

You're welcome! And yes, you need to get new shoes.

When I stopped running, 5 years ago, I had just gottten new shoes. So I figured they'd be fine to run in now that I'm getting back into it! WRONG--hip pain in the first mile. When I got new shoes (same exact shoe), no more pain. If you know what model and brand you need, you can order them online to get a good deal.

And if you haven't been stretching, I agree with everyone else who says see a doc or PT.

Good luck!

New shoes are necessary! My podiatrist told me not to run in anything over six months old since the shoe cushioning deteriorates even when sitting on a shelf unused. The six month limit is personal to me since I have plantar fasciitis, but no one should run in shoes over a year old, though many do. Also, if your pain runs from your hip to your knee it could be an IB band issue. I'm not qualified to say much there, but it is worth checking out. Rest and a foam roller might help. I alternate days running and cycling with total rest on Sundays. Running primarily uses the hamstring and cycling use the quads so alternating days allows each to rest while building complimentary muscle. I love both (and P90X)!

So glad you got some relief. I wish you the best going forward. If you like the outdoors I recommend trail running; it's easier on the knees and offers senic beauty. I run by a river with my two dogs; I love it! But not everyone has my appreciation of the woods so I don't push it too hard. Hope you enjoy and stick with whatever you choose. Good luck!