Tensor/quad strain - how much longer will it hurt?!

[DaveZ_PDX]

Almost 2 weeks ago I added a set of leg extensions - front back & rear - to my workout, using the ankle strap on the cable machine. No twinges, felt fine. I though I'd be OK as I'd done these with a theraband at home, I run & cycle regularly...but I am middle aged. Ran 5 miles with the wife through the hills next day. 2 days after that I woke up with incredible pain, could not straighten myself. In fact, it's been 10 days since then and it is still extremely painful to stand erect for more than a few moments. I tried to get around the next couple days but spent Friday at home. Saw my LMT who released my iliacus, did some stretches & the next day did my rehearsal for nutcracker (not a lot of dancing, just party scene). OK, mistake, very worse over the weekend but have been doing heat, stretching, a LOT of massage, ibuprofen, and still, today, I cannot walk without pain. I have pain in the upper front thigh, lots of pain in the various attachments in the hip, but where it hurts when I stand feels like the sartorius and also just above the knee.

I've never had an injury this bad where I never even had a twinge. I've never had an jury which took so long to resolve this level of pain. Wondering:
1) how long should it take for this phase to be over?
2) Is there anything a MD could help with? Cortisone shots work for this type of injury or just PT & time?

Running out of time - got nutcracker dress rehearsal in 1 week....
thanks in advance!

[Heidi]

Hi

Yes go to see your MD. I'm not recommending cortisone shots as the results with these are very mixed. But you should definately get this assessed.

In the meantime, rest, ice (not heat if you think its inflamed! - this may only make it worse) and gentle stretching.

I'm afraid there is no answer as to how long the painmay continue, it depends on the exact injury and extent of the injury.

View here for some hip and thigh stretches: http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/stretching/allstretches.php

[DaveZ_PDX]

I appreciate your quick response (on a long holiday weekend no less!) i is appreciated. OK I think my mistake was going to heat instead of ice. Sigh - I think I'm past the inflammation stage now but I probably prolonged it inadvertently--got to reading online yesterday & was surprised to see how long the inflammation stage can last. OK will see the doc Monday. Happy holidays - Dave Z

PS thanks for stretching link, a good page. Nice to know I've been doing those right anyway...(been in PT before & my LMT filled in the gaps).