Any runners with hip problems around?

[ThroughTheBarsOfARhyme]

I’ve stopped running because I was getting discomfort and some pain in my hips. I’ve been trying to do clamshells and squats and lunges etc instead of running. I haven’t run in several months but I still have the discomfort. Has anyone had similar? Did anything help?

Yes! I've gone from lower back, knee, ankle and now hip. All on the same side, I suspect there is one cause for all.
I saw a physio a few years ago that helped with my back but it ended up costing me hundreds of pounds and problem stems from bad birth of dd.
I have been reluctant to go to the gp with everything going on so just muscling through.

I've had similar to @fearfulexchange with a rolling programme of injuries involving hips, knees, Achilles and lower back. My osteopath has really helped, though. One of my legs was noticeably longer than the other, it turns out (I always wondered why the turn-ups on my jeans weren't even!) Anyway, he has clicked my spine back into some kind of alignment and I'm running ok and injury-free at the moment. I built it back up slowly using a couch to 10K app and I've been working on the strengthening exercises that you mention, plus hip openers.

I’m sorry you’ve both had all that, I’m feeling a bit of a wimp complaining now!

Sleepthief what kind of exercise is a hip opener?

Google 'hip opening gate exercises'

Fab thank you.

Hope it sorts your out. Also finding yoga helpful!

I do keep trying it and not getting into it. I will try and persevere!

I'm not a fan myself (not very flexible), but I've been persevering and I do think it's helping 🤔

I had this for about 4 or 5 years in one hip on and off. Physio helped a bit but still got pain which lingered. I got an X-ray last year and turns out I’ve got early onset (I was in my 30s when it started) osteoarthritis in that hip. I’ve had to readjust my running mileage to avoid pain, and start using cushioned trainers to absorb some shock. Sticking to trails where possible rather than roads helps.

However, for many years my physios told me it was most likely to be weak glutes as that’s the most common cause. The exercises I’ve done for my glutes support my damaged hip and do help a bit, I discovered. Squats and lunges aren’t necessarily the best things though. Bridge is good, crab walk with a band also good, and when you do your clams make sure it’s good technique engaging the target muscles. If you can get your legs more than 6 inches apart you might not be keeping your hips stable while doing them. I had to look at several YouTube videos to get it right.

I really sympathise OP, it’s such a dull persistent pain deep in the body. I hope you get it sorted out and are pain free soon.

Thanks for all the info Amanda. You’re right the location does makes it quite frustrating. I’m sorry to hear about the osteoarthritis, does it cause you a lot of problems?

No it’s ok now I’ve got a handle on it and how to best manage it. I’m back to running 5k once or twice a week, and I do lots of walking, rowing and cycling which don’t aggravate it as much as the running. Physio won’t help it per se, but strengthening the area stabilises and supports it which helps.

It’s the mental barrier with pain when running that’s the worst I found. It’s hard to enjoy it and persuade yourself to get out there when you know it’ll hurt after or during. Finding a happy running distance and speed is key!

That’s good to hear, thanks for your replies.

If I jog a bit further than usual I get pain in one hip, but so far it's always gone after a couple of days. Not sure what causes it for me.
I have in the past had it after walking for a couple of hours too.

My hips were never great from birth, add in two rounds of SPD and a 3rd degree tear.
I'm a regular at the osteopath, to get realigned and ease the tension. Glutes are an issue here too.

I regularly run up to HM plus do cross-training of strength/ yoga. I do a lot of trail and try to keep pavement pounding down.