Anyway, I've been having an issue with my leg. I always stretch before and after my runs, but everytime I run my left leg hurts for the rest of the day. Not just a little ache either, like hurting so that ordinary pain relievers aren't helping. I put icy hot on it, I take a few ibprofen, but unless I take something really strong (as in a percocet) it hurts. It's an area behind my knee, not in my knee, but on the back of my leg right above my kneecap to a little bit below. I thought maybe it was hamstring, but it seems a bit low. Any ideas on what it could be? Or what could help it? It never hurts the day after I run and it's always the same leg that hurts, my right leg never hurts after a run.
Also, I want some super cute pants to run in and our craptastic PX never has what I want.
I want something like this:
What brands/websites do you recommend?
14 comments:
It could be either runner's knee or your IT band. First thing I do is try different running shoes. The ones you have might now be the correct ones...you might need more cushioning &/or stability.
If you look up runner's knee & IT band problems, you'll find a whole lotta info. They are both very common problems w/ lots of solutions.
good luck.
I'm no runner by any means, but I see a lot of clients who are triathletes in my massage practice.
Here's a youtube video on stretching the IT band: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2uCy7lb9XU. I normally suggest going to this website: http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/finder/anatomical_focus/knees and looking at some of the yoga poses that might help. That is if it due to tightness. I'd work on your hamstrings (and quads) and your gastrocs/soleus muscle stretching if that's the problem.
Also, is ice helping at at? Try it for 20 minutes and see if that improves anything.
And if you can find a knowledgeable sports massage therapist that can really help. You might have to do some digging around for one.
I'm a massage therapist also and a runner.
See a doctor. There are a couple things that could cause pain in that area. It could be a relatively simple tightness issue that can be addressed with icing and so forth. But if it's painful enough that OTC pain relievers aren't working, you should get appropriate diagnostics done. There are a lot of soft tissues in that area that can cause nagging pain when injured.
After a dr identifies what the issue is, you might want to look at your shoes, posture and stride when you run to see if it's related. I'd also recommend a good sports massage therapist ;) Many, many times this sort of pain is related to a soft tissue injury in another part of the body that is changing the way you move.
In the mean time, an easy way to ice is to freeze water in those small dixie cups. Rub the ice into the back of the leg in a circular motion with light pressure, peeling the cup off as the ice melts. :)
I agree with Heidi, the first thing you need to do is research your injury and find the right shoe to avoid the problem. I had to do that for shin splints and now I don't get them at all. Coolrunning.com has a lot of info that may help. Good luck to you.
There might be someone at the Post gym that could help as well...maybe the wellness center.
I have no advice to offer, just some sympathy knowing that has to be super frustrating trying to get ready for your first 5k. Good luck and take care of yourself so it doesn't get worse. It's been really cool to read about quite a few other women doing their first 5k's in the same time frame that I've done my first two. woot woot!!
I think you've gotten great advice for diagnosing the issue.
For great places to shop-- try REI.com although certain brands can't be shipped overseas. I have the Airflyte capris and I really like them. http://www.rei.com/product/778269
I'm also a big fan of the Mountain Hardwear Power capris http://www.rei.com/product/786727.
Hope you find something you like!
I get most of my workout clothes from Lucy. It's a little pricey, but great quality! It's well worth the price. And they are always emailing out coupons and deals if you can get on the mailing list. Good luck with running and your leg.
yikes...percocet is the only pain reliever that really helps? that sounds intense. I know you're overseas, but if you can go to a running store where they can anaylze your gait, I think that will help. With the amount of pain you're experiencing, you might want to take a break, or increase the amount of walking & biking. It's no fun when running hurts.
As for clothes, I LOVE LOVE LOVE under armour....I just hate the sizing (and price!). I have a pair of their cold weather and all weather leggings (which look like the ones you posted). Just beware that their sizing can run small. Good luck!
Sorry that your leg is hurting! I have no advice other than it could be a gait issue. Maybe you are putting more stress on that leg than on your right? Have you tried leading your run with the opposite leg?
I love love LOVE Lululemon's running crops--ESP the empower crops. They are awesome and made so well. Their run: speed shorts are fantastic too.
Good luck with your upcoming 5k! You can do it!
I have an award for you on my blog.
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Keep stretching and try icing the area. You've got lots of great advice, so I won't repeat any. As for shopping.... I love Lucy for workout clothes. They don't ship to APO, so I have to use my APOBOX.com address to get my goods:) I also like Athleta. Good luck and if you want a running partner (very slow running partner) let me know.
I am obsessed with running/working out in my Fila Sport leggings from Kohl's online or the sweat wick fabric shorts/leggings from Patagonia online. If you're like me, you'll never want to take them off.
target has those running pants. They're the Champion brand I believe. Awesome deals.
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