[maeble]

ok..so on my quest to become a world famous fastwalk/sprinter, I have hit a little hiccup...
near the end of my exercise, I am plagued by a sharp pain that is in the hip area and pretty much localized to the femoral head, every time I take a step, It feels like I have pulled the hip out of socket.
my exercise routine is like this, I start out walking, and increase my speed over about a half mile distance, after about a mile of fast walking, I sprint in small bursts (don't ask, I know its wierd, I let my body tell me how to work out) this combination usually lasts about 2 miles after which I return to fast walking and slowly decrease my speed for the stretch home.. my question is..
is this a normal thing? does anyone know something I might be doing wrong? or am I doomed to a life of sprint free exercise?
please help
signed.... desperate in denver

PS ...not really in denver..it just rhymed well

[GenreGirl]

Maybe buying a book of stretches would be a good investment? I bought DH a big book of stretches & I'm the one who's used it quite a lot. I flipped through it & there are more than ten different ones for hips. There are also some great DVDs that emphasize stretching.

Another thing to think about trying, would be warm up walk for 5 minutes, stop, stretch & continue your work out. Then stretch again at the end. Taking the time to stretch thoroughly has been a key for me to remain injury free.

Best wishes in finding a remedy~

[3fcuser1058250]

How long have you been exercising this way? Maybe you started too quickly and you have injured yourself...Take a rest for a couple of days, then try again slowly increasing your sprint and time. When you sprint do you actually jog or run? If increasing gradually doesn't work see your doctor...

[srmb60]

If you look at the bottom of my old shoes, you can see that I walk off the outside corner of the heel of my right foot. When my shoes get worn my hip, tailbone and buttock hurt.
Maybe you need a good shoe consult?

[junebug41]

When I started running I had this problem. I had to find the right stretch and stop periodically to work it out before it wasn't an issue anymore.

sitting at an incline or laying on your back-
-keep other leg somewhat extended
-pull leg towards you at a side angle
-keep one hand around knee
-other hand on ankle/lower leg
-pull leg towards you

[Siena1383]

You say the hip pain occurs towards the end of your exercise routine. Is that just during the walking, or on sprinting towards the end? Actually, it sounds like walking or sprinting isn't the issue. I'm wondering if it's the place you're walking through that might cause it. Is this at a point where the road or trail you're on inclines up/down or to one side? That might have something to do with it. Maybe take it easy for that stretch of your workout.

But what I really think is that the pain is coming because the area is under strain. For now, I'd ease up before you get to that part of the workout and finish as a comfortable walking pace or even shorten the distance for a while.

Meanwhile, do some stretches and strengthening exercises for your hip.

1. Lie down on your side and, keeping your leg straight, slowly lift your leg about 12 inches off the ground and hold for a count of 3, then slowly lower it to the floor. Repeat for at least 3 reps to start. Don't overdo! You can add another rep each day if this seems too easy. Also, don't lift higher than the 12 inches.
2. Do the same thing from a standing position.
3. Standing with feet about 12-18 inches apart, whatever's comfortable, turn your feet outward as far as is comfortable, then slow bend your knees. Keep your back straight so your butt doesn't jut out, and hold the position, then come up. Same thing, start with 3 reps and work up as you like. Just 3 reps a day can help a lot, so don't wear yourself out -- build up.
4. Standing with hands on hips, twist slowly to one side, hold, then twist to the other side... this one may not work your hips directly, but it'll stretch the surrounding areas, which could relax the muscles and tendons around the hip.

You might consider seeing a sports medicine doctor if the pain persists.