Unhappy ironman!

[James P]

I am a keen triathlete and have been racing ironman and half ironman distance races for the last 4 years. However, 6 months ago, the day after performing a speed interval run session I developed pain just above the trochanter in my left glute. most of the time the pain is just a dull ache but feels worse when I laterally rotate the hip (hip abduction and flexion feels fine). I stopped running for a few weeks and found that the problem hadn't gone so also stopped cycling. I have tried the occasional run since then but the pain always returns. The pain has also spread to the groin area and feels tight with lateral rotation and horizontal extension. I've been having physio for months with suspected tendinitis in either Piriformis or Gluteus Medius. However, an MRI scan last week found nothing wrong with either the soft tissue or the joint. I've had a biomechanical assessment and my left leg is slightly shorter than my right but not apperently short enough to warrent any corrective action. I've heard of Piriformis syndrome but I don't think this is the problem as I'm not getting any shooting pains down my leg and it definately feels like a soft tissue problem

Please can somebody help? I'm fed up of swimming!

[Heidi]

Hi

How much is the difference in your leg length? Even less than 1cm can make a difference to your glute muscles especially coz they have to work harder to stabilise your pelvis.

Other than that I really don't know what could be causing it if an MRI has come back clear. All I can think is a combination of this leg length problem as well as some muscle imbalances. Tightness in the hamstrings, glutes, hip flexors and ITB can all contribute to hip pain.

[James P]

Thankyou for your reply.

I don't think the difference in leg length is great but i'll get another opinion in whether orthotics will help. Do you think it's possible that something may have been missed on the MRI scan or are they 100% accurate?