Hamstring Ache After Running

Sep 13, 2011

• Michael Kruger asked The Guru for the following Physiotherapy Advice:

  I used to run 3 times a week until during a run I started to feel a pain in my right hamstring. Not a sharp pain, but rather a slow ache. On my next run I felt it again, and decided to rest it for a couple of weeks. But the problem persisted, so I rested it for a few months. When I started training again the pain return after about a mile.
  
  Generally it doesn't hurt unless I run, but there's a persistent stiffness in the morning until my leg warms up from daily activity.
  
  Any advice would be appreciated.

• The Six Physio Guru responded:

  Hi Mike

  Good question, simple (I think) answer.

  I very much doubt you've twanged a hammy - regardless where the pain is, and certainly there is not a sniff of trauma. I think you're feeling referred pain from your back down your sciatic nerve. The ache is a pretty good description.

  Don't be tempted to stretch your leg OR your low back - I know very different to what is usually blagged about.

  Instead get the top bit of your back moving. Stop slouching at work and run taller. Get somebody to push on the bit between your shoulder blades to give you the opportunity to move better - this'll take excessive load off of your low back and stop the nerve irritation......

  You don't need back ache to have a back issue.

  Hope this helps

  The Guru

• Michael Kruger responded:

  Thanks Guru Sounds feasible. I do encounter stiffness for a couple of days after running tho’, when I hadn’t before. Would this also be symptom of sciatic nerve problem? One last question, would changing running shoes help? Regards Mike

• The Guru responded:

  Hi Mike Yes - stiffness for a few days after is pretty common because the cause is not dealt with. Shoes are pretty important and as long as your not in Dunlop Green Flash, don't have too bad foot posture and your shoes are less than a year old, then they may be negated. Get your thoracic spine moving first, shoes second! Cheers Matt Todman a la Guru

1 Comment

• Responded:

  Dec 05, 2011

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