I have injured myself and can't sit down

[TKDGrana]

I am basically a very healthy person. I had a regular exercise routine, which included cardio, stretching and weights. I started taking Tae Kwon Do last March. At the end of April 07, we had a test. In preparation for the test, which included forms, sparring and board breaking, I went through my usual stretching routine. While seated on the floor (thin carpet over concrete) I bent toward my right foot to place my head on my knee while grabbing my foot. I have done this a million times. For some reason, I rotated forward over my sit down bones. This caused amazing pain and a burning sensation in my right buttock. I knew I was in trouble, but continued with the test. I was able to finish, but I could not raise my right leg in front of me, behind me, or even tolerate to sit on it. I went to my internist who thought I must have done damage to one of the hamstring muscles or tendons. He told me to ice it and slowly stretch it everyday and it would heal. After 10 months of slow progress, I was finally able to do my stretching and exercise routines with little pain or problems. I thought I had it whipped. Three weeks ago in TKD class, we were learning a flying front kick. Which is basically using an upward thrust with your left knee, pulling it down hard while extending your right leg high in the air to hit a pad that is higher than your head. After I did about three of them, my instructor suggested I try to kick higher. Bad move. I tried and immediately I had a ripping, burning, tearing sensation in my right buttock again. I am now very concerned that I have done some major damage. To what, I'm not sure, but damage yes. I can't tolerate sitting on it, moving my leg straight back or stretching toward my right foot at all. Even placing my foot on a low table with a bent knee and I am in agony. Does anyone have any ideas what I could have injured or suggestions on how I can get it to heal. I am 52 years old and started taking TKD with my two grandsons. I really enjoy it and I am trying to continue in a very scaled back way. Any thoughts out there.

[Kim]

I know just how that feels. I had what I thought started out as a pulled hamstring . But it got worse after running hills. The pain was like yours right where the hamstring connects to the bone . Mine felt like I was sitting on a half of a tennis ball that was on fire. After suffering for a few months and still running my Dr. gave me a cortizone shot right on that spot. It started to feel bearable within a week and got quite a bit better from then on.

[Heidi]

Hi
I think it sounds as though you have some sciatic nerve irritation, probably caused by damage to one or more of the muscles in you butt (often piriformis). The damage leads to inflammation and spasm of the muscles which then impinge on the nerve which can cause burning/tingling/shooting pains etc.

You need to see a sports injury specialist who can treat the muscle damage using massage, ultrasound, stretching etc and then advice you on a rehabilitation program to strengthen your gluts and hamstrings and keep them flexible.

I hope this helps

Heidi

[TKDGrana]

I finally bit the bullet and got an MRI. I have a soft tissue injury, a grade 1 strain involving two tendons and some secondary bone changes. If I remember correctly, it starts at the head of the ischial tuberosity. I have not pulled the tendons out of their proper place, but I have stretched them to capacity. Luckily, I did not tear the tendons. But I have always heard a break is better than a sprain or strain; though I'm sure they mean bones. I have a lot of PT ahead of me and with luck, I will be able to return to all my activities. I have been told that the area will never be as strong as it once was as scar tissue is weaker than original tissue. I'm glad to finally know. My advice, get yourself checked out when injured. You never know what damage you have done to yourself. And with all the different ways to get treatment, you want what will work for your injury.

[layla17]

Best of luck with your recovery TKDGrana. Good advice about seeking expert opinions... I completely agree.