Hip Pain

Question:

I started running about ten weeks ago and although I was reasonably fit from other sports, I had to start running with a programme of 1 min walk, 1 minute run. I appeared able to build this up quite quickly and 12 weeks on I am running non stop for five miles (slowly – 8.5 – 9 min per mile). I have been running 2-3 times a week, with my usual weight training, karate and cycling activities in between. All has been good, but two weeks ago, I started to get a pain in my right hip, which seems to be muscular, although it is just above the crest of the anterior pelvis. Whilst I can feel the “discomfort” at the start of the run it wears off throughout the run, however, the next day it leaves me struggling to walk. It then eases of after a couple of days (until the next run). Do you have any idea what it is – I don’t have any difficulties with my Karate, weights or cycling? Having just read the article about “base training” I wonder if the “road pounding” is an issue. I am wearing Saucony Stabils as I over-pronate. I also at about the
3.5 mile mark get numb toes – do you have any idea what causes this too?

Regards

Lyn

Answer:

Dear Lynn,

This symptom is quite common in runners who overpronate. The muscles around the pelvis that should stabilise the hip during the landing phase of your running i.e. the gluteal muscles tend to be weaker and less active. This results in added stress on the hip flexors, abductors and internal rotator. Adequate strengthening of the gluteal muscles in conjunction with good foot control should eliminate your symptoms but I would recommend that you consult a sports physiotherapist for specific exercises and treatment of your symptoms. They will also be able to assess your feet with respect to the numbness that you mentioned.

Kind regards

Angela Benjamin MSc MCSP
Chartered Physiotherapist