3.16.2011

Hamstring tendonitis

I'm pretty sure I've got hamstring tendonitis. The pain is where the hamstring tendons connect to the top of the lower leg. It seems like a knee injury, but it's not, because I can do any and all sort of knee exercises all day long and have zero pain. Hill running, extending the leg, and leg curls cause the pain. I guess this means that I'm gonna have to take it easy for a while. I'm not going to take the 4-6 weeks off that they recommend, but I'm going to significantly cut back my running to 3-4 days per week, get on a bike, and strengthen and stretch the necessary muscles. That said, it's probably not a good idea to be racing. While these setbacks do suck, it's a good time for me to work on strength and flexibility of my legs. Who wants to go for a bike ride?

4 comments:

Karl von Bahnhof said...

man, it really is injury season this year! sorry to hear you're in pain. taking it easy is probably a good idea. I've had tendonitis in my ankle (I'm pretty sure that's what it was anyway), on my hike in Spain, so I know it's not much fun. It went away after about a week, even though I walked ca. 30 miles a day with a backpack (and a walking stick, which became necessary when my left ankle felt like it was about to fall off). for some reason other hikers kept telling me that drinking a lot of liquids helps the healing process, so that's what I did and I'm passing the advice on :) not sure there is any science to back it up though :)

Ryan said...

Thanks for the advice. I'm drinking lots of water today ;)

The tendonitis isn't all that bad. I can still run, but it definitely alters my stride and causes me to run at a very slow pace. I'm gonna give it a go on some trails tonight.

Dan said...

Still up for the Shamrock on Saturday? No pressure. I understand if you'd rather not.

Ryan said...

I'll do it. Maybe in the FF, if you remember them. It won't be fast...maybe 10 minute pace if I'm not feeling it. I took Wednesday off and consequently felt absolutely fine yesterday. Perhaps if I take today off and go easy at the gym, I'll be good enough to run like 8 minute pace.