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Up to Threads in The Med Tent
4 Replies Last post: Oct 24, 2006 10:34 AM by chinaplate  
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chinaplate
52 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
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Oct 23, 2006 2:51 PM

hip flexor woes

Has anyone been able to successfully overcome a hip flexor issue? I have been dealing with this one for a long time and now that I'm in a flare up phase really want advice.

I was diagnosed with a femoral neck stress fracture in July of 05 (started with outer hip pain but the acute phase was sharp hip flexor pain). I've been back running since about Jan of 06. Since then the hip flexor (and often periformis) of the injured side does flare up. Sometimes it's just there and sometimes, like now, it's really sore. When running I can almost not feel it but when getting up out of a chair, it's very stiff and sore and needs a good rub down before I can walk totally normally.

I'm running about 8-9 every other day with a longer weekend run (10-11). Other days I'm biking which may or may not make the problem worse.

Anyway, I try not to freak out and think I'm reinjured but I also don't want to blindly ignore it and cause a serious problem. So, any tips other than stretching and yoga to conquer a hip flexor problem?
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Born to Run060
557 posts since
Jul 1, 2002
1. Oct 23, 2006 9:06 PM in response to: chinaplate
Re: hip flexor woes
What was the cause of your fracture: accident or diet/hormonal related. If it's the latter, you have an idea of what to do.

Are you running every other day because of discomfort? If not, you may want to try a daily run of less milage (4-5/day) with adequate stretching AFTER and see if that makes any difference. You might include swimming as well and drop biking to gauge whether it has an effect.

You might try some anti-inflammatories such as Zyflamend, tumeric/curry, and ginger:

http://www.drweil.com/drw/u/id/QAA252779[/URL" target="_blank">
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chinaplate
52 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
2. Oct 23, 2006 9:36 PM in response to: chinaplate
Re: hip flexor woes
Thanks BtR

The "cause" of the fracture was never too clear. Most likely coming back too soon from a broken foot ... while my bone density had been low, I actually increased bone mass/density over the last couple of years.

Why do you suggest running everyday? Right now I do 8-9 as that is simply the distance I have always run when running is my only workout for the day. I x-train the other days to give my muscles a break from the impact. I would worry about running each day for that reason (although if I only ran 4mi a day I guess that would be a decrease ... but not a welcomed one to be honest).

Anyway, just curious about your reasoning, esp. since I know you are a serious runner.
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Born to Run060
557 posts since
Jul 1, 2002
3. Oct 23, 2006 11:30 PM in response to: chinaplate
Re: hip flexor woes
I just think that it may give you more of a break. It may keep your muscles from getting fatigued (they get fatigued even if you're not feeling it). You can try it and switch back to every other day if you're not liking it.

I'm sure you know this as well, but try to stay on soft surfaces.

Also, you may want to include a lot of foods high in Vitamin K in your diet (steamed spinach is great). Recent studies are indicating that it may have a very important role in bone strength (more than calcium). Here is some info on the vitamin:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=112[/URL" target="_blank">

I wish you a full recovery.
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chinaplate
52 posts since
Dec 14, 2007
4. Oct 24, 2006 10:34 AM in response to: chinaplate
Re: hip flexor woes
quote:<HR>Originally posted by Born to Run:
I just think that it may give you more of a break. It may keep your muscles from getting fatigued (they get fatigued even if you're not feeling it). You can try it and switch back to every other day if you're not liking it.

I'm sure you know this as well, but try to stay on soft surfaces.

Also, you may want to include a lot of foods high in Vitamin K in your diet (steamed spinach is great). Recent studies are indicating that it may have a very important role in bone strength (more than calcium). Here is some info on the vitamin:

http://www.whfoods.com/genpage.php?tname=nutrient&dbid=112[/URL" target="_blank">

I wish you a full recovery.<HR>


VERY cool on the Vit K. I have had to cut certain veggies out of my diet lately (anything in the cabbage family) and have been eating too many carrots and greenbeans. Spinach is on this evenings menu.

BTW, I did just 4 easy miles on the TM today followed by a spin class to flush out my legs (spin seems great I think due to the bike's fit and the re-positioning that is part of the class). I feel much better than after yesterday's run. So, I will try a few days of just 4-5milers on the TM until this calms down.

Best,
CP

PS Keep us updated on your training and OT bid.
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