Ask a PT

156 Posts
 
Posted - 02/26/2007 :  08:33:11  Show Profile  Reply with Quote
Our user asked: "Hi, This will probably seem like a dumb question/situation...but...I am a runner and have uneven hips, my right is higher, and this is the side I always hurt...well I have had ITBS off and on for a year and a half, and want to run a 1/2 marathon, which I did last year when my leg was better, but I have it problems again now, as well as pain at the bottom of my knee, where it meets my shin bone... I do OK running as long as I have wraps on my knee, but my ITB and knee hurt after I run for a few hours, and my ITB also hurts for about a day or so after I run....I haven't been running fast or high mileage either...I am wondering if this means I shouldn't run for a while? I have a foam roller i use once a day and some exercises to strengthen my hips and glutes. i have a trainer also who says i don't use my butt like iIshould...so should i take a break from running for a while or can i keep running? Also, should I see a physical therapist...I saw one last year for a while and I got some exercises and stretches...my IT band also hurts sometimes when i wake up, I think from bending it when i sleep."

Ask a PT Response: "Being a runner and having uneven hips can be a problem as you could be putting additional stresses on one side compared to the other. The thing that needs to be figured out is why. There could be various issues such as flexibility, joint mobility, strength, instability, mechanical or a true leg discrepancy which could be contributing to your condition. My suggestion would be to definitely see a physical therapist, especially one which has sports medicine experience, as I believe you would benefit from it. He or she will be able to determine why you continue to experience pain related to your ITB despite your self efforts to help minimize your symptoms. Continuing to aggravate your condition is not recommended so it would be wise to avoid activities which increase your symptoms. Therefore, it may be a good idea to take a break. The reason you probably have pain related from your ITB when you wake up is because all your tissue tightens up when you sleep and loosens up as you wake up and get going. Another thing that I see in a lot of patients with conditions dealing with ITB are poor foot mechanics. Make sure to have your PT look at that and see if orthotics may help with this as well. Also have the PT take a look at your running shoes and see if you have uneven wear patterns. Good luck and thank you for using CyberPT."