Hm...some kinda strain?

[virago]

I only run intermittently lately (every Saturday at the most) but I cycle, row, yoga and swim at the gym pretty regularly. I've noticed a pain in my leg when I run, it feels like a tendon or maybe a strain, it has that kind of feeling. It's my left thigh and it hurts from just above where my leg meets my torso to the top of my thigh, the centre of the front of my leg.
It feels like it's the raising my leg forward to stride movement that hurts it. I've tried to find positions to stretch it but have failed, and it only hurts when I run.
I have no idea what this part of my body could be called, so I apologise for the vague description. Anybody got any ideas?

[ultra_whippet]

It sounds like a hip flexor strain. You could try this stretch (go easy though):



also try applying alternating heat & cold packs. Unfortunately it's a bit of a difficult muscle to get to as it's so deep.

[virago]

Well I did a variation on that on my front steps, with my left leg on the top of the steps and my right on the ground, and I couldn't feel any stretch at all.
Trouble is, I'm very flexible

Still, do you think stretches like that will help? I can do some hardcore yoga stretches that should hopefully stretch it in that case..

[ultra_whippet]

Stretching can help an injury heal just beacuse it encourages the new muscle tissue to be aligned in the right direction. Oh, and it's the position of the back leg that's important in that stretch, you want to push your torso forward and down, keeping your abs tight until you feel a stretch at the top of your back leg. I guess if you're mega-flexible it could be a bit tricky Maybe just stick with the hot/cold packs if so!

[dean]

virago,

http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cyber ... /index.php

[virago]

Stretching can help an injury heal just beacuse it encourages the new muscle tissue to be aligned in the right direction. Oh, and it's the position of the back leg that's important in that stretch, you want to push your torso forward and down, keeping your abs tight until you feel a stretch at the top of your back leg.

I did this on the floor and with the aid of stairs to get a deeper stretch and still nothing

Damn yoga

[virago]

Ah ha! I have discovered a way to extend the stretch! I lift the lower leg of the rear leg in the stretch and hold the ankle with my hand et voila! I could feel the injury being stretched

Stretched it in this extension pose a few times at the gym yesterday and it feels better even today

Thanks guys!

[ultra_whippet]

Aha! Must be your rectus femoris then.... glad it's feeling better!