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Click to view Hikerchick8's profile Pro 86 posts since
Jul 2, 2007

Oct 5, 2007 5:52 PM

Sore tailbone/hip area after increasing mileage??

I'm a new runner (well, been on & off for a year but only more seriously for the last 3 months). I just recently went from 2 to 2.5 miles. My lungs handled it beautifully -- my legs felt fine, too. I was still smiling & happy at the end. But, something hurt for a couple days afterwards. When not moving, it feels like my tailbone, but when walking it feels like a hip thing. I couldn't step out with my left leg all the way when walking, I had to shorten my walking stride. It was actually quite painful in the morning; got better as the day went on but was still hurting for the next 36 hours or so after the run.

I know the solution (I think) is just more stretching before/after, since it didn't hurt as much later in the day, and now it's fine -- but want to see if anybody else has this problem before I push up to 3 miles. I don't want to incapicitate myself!!
Click to view BIGEM1's profile Pro 76 posts since
Dec 17, 2006
1. Oct 5, 2007 10:05 PM in response to: Hikerchick8
I have the same issue if I have a harder than normal run week. The hubby has had the issue as well. I'm not exactly sure why but it is exactly as you describe. I never really pay much attention to it cuz it never hurts when I'm actually running.
Click to view lolly75's profile Pro 88 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Oct 5, 2007 11:00 PM in response to: Hikerchick8
Been there. Mine kept getting worse... then I figured it out.

Have someone message the muscle in your butt. It connects to your hip and down the side of your leg. I know for me, when that happens I make my husband really work on "that muscle" to get hte knot out. It totally helps. Make sure to do stretches for your hip as well.
Click to view Southern Man's profile Legend 757 posts since
Apr 19, 2006
3. Oct 6, 2007 6:54 AM in response to: Hikerchick8
I am having a hard time figuring out possibilities because of the location.

The two most likely candidates in my mind are Piriformis syndrome (in the butt) or ITBS in the hip. It could be both, as they are definitely interrelated. To isolate the problem you can roll on your butt on a tennis ball. If it hurts there it is piriformis. Roll on your side on a foam roller (or even a rolling pin, piece of PVC pipe, or filled soda bottle for diagnostic purposes). If it hurts there it is ITBS. Those (the rolling) are effective techniques for treating those injuries. There are easy stretches for both that you can find on the internet.

It could also be something else, such as a hip flexor or something, too, so if it persists it might be worth a visit to a PT or doctor.

Southern Man

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We're on a road to nowhere. Come on along.
Click to view d3finition's profile Pro 96 posts since
Jan 7, 2006
4. Oct 6, 2007 11:11 AM in response to: Hikerchick8
Yea I had this problem too. By the way, anyone know what kind of professional specializes in dealing with problems like these. Would this be considered a bone or a muscle or ligament problem? Since I can't really pinpoint the problem, what kind of specialist should I approach to seek consultation on these issues?
Click to view GeekRunner081's profile Pro 118 posts since
Jan 6, 2006
5. Oct 6, 2007 12:26 PM in response to: Hikerchick8
quote:<HR>Originally posted by d3finition:
Yea I had this problem too. By the way, anyone know what kind of professional specializes in dealing with problems like these. Would this be considered a bone or a muscle or ligament problem? Since I can't really pinpoint the problem, what kind of specialist should I approach to seek consultation on these issues?<HR>


An orthopedist specializing in sports injuries is a good place to start. He or she will probably do some tests and refer you to a physical therapist, so you might be able to just go directly to the physical therapist if your insurance company will allow it. Be sure to get a physical therapist who treats running injuries.