Runner's Forum: Pain in the Hip

I did my first half marathon almost a year ago in Oct 2007 and am now training for a full. About a month after the half marathon I developed severe pain in my right hip that extended into my lower back. The pain was so bad that I could barely walk for about 3 months! It literally made me immobile for a good month straight. And sitting at my desk job all day was torture!! I went to my doctor who gave me pain pills and muscle relaxers which did nothing. I went to physical therapy which did nothing. Then I went to a chiropractor which has actually helped some! I've eased back into running over the last 6 months but still have pain develop every once in a while, worse when sitting all day at work, and it lasts for days. Its more of a dull, irritating pain.... like when you strain a hamstring or have a mild headache... but its right on the ball joint of my hip. I stretch a lot and ice it, but nothing seems to help. And it doesn't really bother me when I run. It almost feels better after I run! I'm wondering if anyone has had a problem like this or know someone with similar symptoms. I'm at a loss on what to do now?!?! Please help!!

hey...i had really bad hip pain as well years ago.  i went for a bone scan, MRI and nothing showed up...

Finally it was determined that I had a ever so slight difference in leg height.  Its not a big deal for the everyday person, but for a runner....a little goes a long way.  I got special orthotics to lift the shorter leg.....and never had the issue again.

 Like randy said, a sports medicine specialist is your best bet.  Thats who i eventually went to.....

good luck!