[Genesis]

Runners, I need some help! I have casually jogged for a while and decided earlier in the year to start training for a 1/2 marathon. About 2 months into my training I developed a sore left hip after my long runs. After limping for a month or so and finding accupuncture no help, I finally went to my GP. She took an X Ray of my hip and said it was tendonitis and told me to give up running. I don't want to give up running, so I'm still running in pain. I run less than I did in the past and am no longer training for a marathon, but I run a few miles a couple of times a week because I enjoy it. I still have some pain but it's not too bad. A chiropractor friend told me that my problem could be easily fixed with a series of adjustments to my lower back & hips. However, I am wary of chiropractors. Anybody else dealt with hip tendonitis? I really would like to run a marathon one day but I don't want to be in pain!

BTW - I'm 31, female, 5'6" and 142lbs. I wear New Balance running shoes that were purchased with the assistance of a consultant at a local running store. I stretch before and after runs and stay hydrated. I do yoga as well and try to focus on stretching out my hips extensively thru yoga at least once a week.

[greenteagirl]

Hello!
I am, well was a runner and will be one again and have had problems with my left hip as well. I have friends with various hip/joint problems that have received relief from a chiropractor. Sometimes they will give you exercises/stretches that will improve your posture with time similar to yoga. You can explain if you are unsure...ask for explanations before they begin. You don't have to go to the one you know. A professional wouldn't have a problem with apprehension and if so, look for another.
Keep in mind that a doctor who thinks you should just quit running is not really solving the problem. I really don't appreciate doctors that don't try to find the root of the problem, but instead just treat the symptoms. You can always get a second opinion from another doctor and not share what the first one said. There are also doctors with personal beliefs.....that impose their beliefs....anyway. You could attempt to find a doctor that is a specialist or ask to be refered to one. Like when you purchased your sneakers, shop around. This is important to you.

[Genesis]

GrnTeaGrl- Thx for the suggestions. I think I will try a chiropractor and if that does not help I'll look for a sports medicine doc. It's so frustrating! I want run but I know that if I push myself too hard I will be limping for 2 days. Stupid left hip!!!!

Good luck with your running!

[boarderchick]

In my experience, it may not be tendonitis. There is a very common "hip" condition that affects many runners. It usually occurs after 1-2 months of training, and usually starts about 20 minutes into a training run. Pain can occur at the outside of the involved hip area and at the outside of the knee on the same side. Look up "iliotibial band syndrome" on the internet and compare with your symptoms. If it is what I suspect, there are things you can do ie rehab activities, orthotics, stretches.

Also, in the meanwhile, try water running. Runner's world says that water running can closely approximate cardiac training achieved with road running. Sorry, I don't have the reference.

Good luck with getting this sorted out. I hate to see anyone sidelined from activity due to injury.

[Genesis]

Thanks boarderchick - I'll look into iliotibial band syndrome.