I've recently taken up walking but my hip hurts

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01 August 2008 10:12

I have recently taken up walking but am having problems with my right hip (piriformis muscle and bursa). Should I follow the week 1 fitness programme for the three peaks challenge to build up? I've asked my doctor and she was non-commital. I'm 34 and of average fitness, weight and quite tall. Has anyone else had problems like this?

Answer

By Country Walking magazine

We contacted Dean Payne of Optimum Sports Performance, who worked with trainer Peter Sheard to create Country Walking’s Three Peaks fitness plan:

“I would suggest that your condition is treated and cleared prior to beginning any kind of programme, otherwise it may only aggravate the discomfort.

“It would be prudent to identify the cause of the problem and resolve it – it could be other sporting activity, sitting with your legs crossed, sitting on the edge of seats for extended periods or maybe incorrect footwear to suggest a few.

“If your GP is unable to help, try making an appointment with a physiotherapist to diagnose and treat the underlying problem, otherwise training may just cause the condition to re-appear.”

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I've recently taken up walking but my hip hurts - any advice?

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aultguish says

Re: I've recently taken up walking but my hip hurts - any advice?

A good stretching exercise to do is this: Lay on your stomach, place your clasped hands (palm up) in the small of your back. Then (at the same time) raise your chest and feet off of the floor about six inches and hold for five seconds. Do this ten times but remember, if the pain gets worse or the stretch feels too uncomfortable/painfull then stop.

Works for me whenever I have had niggly back pains in the past

12 November 2008 10:43

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katman says

RE: I have recently taken up walking but am having problems with my right hip (piriformis muscle and bursa). Should I follow the week 1 fitness programme for the three peaks challenge to build up? I've asked my doctor and she was non-commital. I'm 34 and of average fitness, weight and quite tall. Has anyone else had problems like this?

I had the same problem and went to a physio, she gave me some stretches to do,which cleared the pain up in a few weeks.

16 October 2008 15:45

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Ladyplotter says

Re: I've recently taken up walking but my hip hurts - any advice?

I used to get back ache during walks-but a series of trips to my local chiropractor put me right-as I was out of alignment-not only has my back ache gone-and incidentally a long standing hip pain but I tend to sleep better and get far fewer headaches.

17 August 2008 21:47

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Sleepless says

Re: I've recently taken up walking but my hip hurts - any advice?

Get a swiss ball and do loads of stretching and strength poses on it.

05 August 2008 20:45

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bryetta says

Re: I've recently taken up walking but my hip hurts - any advice?

I think what CW said about seeing a physio is a good idea! But here is another thought!

I recently moved house and as such have increased the distance I have to walk to work. I have to carry my instrument (in a case) on my back and also a shoulder bag. This combination (it turned out) made me walk a bit differently and over the extended distance really began to bother my hips! So it maybe that the sack you were carrying caused a problem? My physio suggested I fit a hip strap to my case to stabalise it!!

03 August 2008 09:59

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