I have had soreness in my left hip for the past week. It is a deep burning pain above the illiac crest when weight bearing. It is particularly apparent when bending laterally toward the unaffected hip, or standing on my "good" leg while lifting my left foot off the ground with the knee bent back. Any thoughts- should I reduce running a bit to allow it to rest, or perhaps use some stretching exercise that might help?

Hi Joggirl
Here is a cut and paste from the top of the medical board postiong "What the Docs need to know"
What is your training goal full/half etc.?

Are you a walker, runner or mix?

How long have you been training as a walker/runner?

What is your current injury?

How long it’s been a problem?

What makes it worse?

What is your height, weight, shoe size?

Have you had any treatment? If yes, what was done?

This information will give us the initial basis in which to respond to your questions. Until then, when in doubt, always apply ice for up to 20 mins 2X/day.

I look forward to your response.

Dr. Greg

I am a runner/ biker and skier, but am not competitive- and participate in these events for fun. My goal is to keep a strong baseline of fitness to enable me to participate in a variety of activites. I participate in a bike ride in the Wa. Cascades- riding over a mountain pass each day which is the first weekend in Aug. and hope to do a half marathon scheduled for labor day weekend. I started running about 6 weeks ago, but have had the hip pain for the past several weeks. I am 5'2 125 lbs.

Joggirl
Without actually examining you and from what you have described, I would say your rectus femoris and psoas are smokin'! With the being said, there are many other muscles in the area that may be contributing/compensating as well. What to do? First off avoid any and all movements that recreate the discomfort. The area should be iced at least twice a day for 20 mins. Light stretching of the hip flexors, but more importantly, the glutes and hamstrings. If these are tight, creating drag, the hip flexors need to work harder......and you don't need that right now.

Something to consider and have evaluated are your leg lengths, general lower extremity patterning, and muscle tone. These are often the issues at this time of the season. Stop by the tables over the weekend and let a Doc check things out.

Consider Elliptical training, or non hill running, until pain free. If muscular origin, insertions, and/or burase are involved, muscle stimulation and ultrasound are great treatments.


Keep me in the loop.

Dr. Greg