Left Hip - Pain above buttock

[dambox]

Hi - I have had a problem with my left hip for the past year or so - I do Triathlons - cycling is fine - however pain is with running and has been getting progressively worth.

I did have an MRI scan @ 6 months ago - nothing was found other than minor irritation with a "bursis".

Symptons are:

- running down hill my left groin can get painful
- I have a pain in my left "buttock" @ 2" to the left of my spine

Right side is 100% ok.

I have tried resting it (1 week) - all seems fine - now pain in normal use. when I run it comes back again.

I have been stretching regularly - hamstrings are @ 75 degrees when lying down/

Any pointers or suggestions - thanks

[Heidi]

Hi,
The first thing I would advise trying is sports massage to the gluteals. It is common in runners to get myofascial trigger points in the gluteal muscles. Have a look here for more information:

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/back/buttocks/myofascial_pain_trigger_points.htm

Also weaknesses in the glutes (medius especially) can cause problems. Try some abduction exercises daily. and stretch the gluteals too.

Other things to try are checking your gait cycle and foot position for overpronation and checking for a leg length discrepancy. All this things can add extra strain to the hip musculature.

I hope this helps,

Good luck!