IT Band issue I think in run after crash

Trent Prough

To all those with a lot more knowledge on the stuff than I do.  Most already know about my crash in the race rehersal last saturday.  Aside from the rediculous sore road rash on half the back and the sore neck, I also must have tweeked something on my right knee and leg a little.  I did my run Monday morning with TP intervals and felt a little something in the right leg but shrugged it off.  By the time I was done with the hour run I was feeling the knife in the side of the knee pain in the left knee.  Later I could feel the the IT band tightness etc...  All I know is I must have not been keeping proper form running fast with the right leg issue and the left IT Band flarred up.  Needless to say it still is bothering a little in normal daily walking.  I've been icing, using roller, etc... on the IT band.  Question is:  I have another loong run tomorrow scheduled in the plan.  Probably would be a 20+ miler.  Do I do easy,  not do at all, or cut it short?  Hate to miss to many long runs leading to IMLP but if one will get me better then maybe worth it.

Thanks for any help all.

LFBell

I have been dealing with IT band issues too. If it hurts at all when you run I say don't. It's just something that doesn't go away duing the run. You can start the run and then be prepared to cut it short if you feel pain. I would suggest finding someone who specializes in Active Release Technique along with you continuing to stretch and use foam roller, maybe even trigger point ball). I have had extreme sucess with that. I have found that when my legs are too tired/tight and my form is compromised that's when I have the IT band issue. Sounds like when you changed your form due to right leg, you did tweek the left. I am not a doctor my any means, just somebody who has had A LOT of experience with IT band. Good luck
Jessica

ghernand

trent & jessica:

i saw the photos.  i've been there too, one month before the race, big crash, surgery to put screw in hand bone, etc.  was lucky enuf to race and finish.  i hope the same for you.

the crash complicates the picture, since the pain could be due to some other trauma.  always best to get it checked out.  but lets assume it is IT band.  as stated, before there is no mystery to why it happens, tendon rubbing on bone and gets inflammed. 

once inflammed and causes pain, the only thing to do in order to avoid even further irritation is to stop, then ice and ibuprofen (if you have never had issues before with that med).  the active release and other techniques mentioned in related forums can help breakdown microtrauma and promote proper healing.  proper form, proper training and proper stretching (i always promote yoga) can cure you forever of IT issues, in almost all cases.  Jessica, if it keeps being an issue for you, then carefully review your form, training, and flexibility.  active release alone, will not be enough, as you have seen in your case.

in your case, trent, if it is a case of IT band syndrome resulting from a breakdown in form due to your various injuries, then try to maintain form as before the accident.  if this is too difficult to do, then you need to let your body heal until it can do what it knows how to do.   if you've never had IT issues before, then if you let your body heal properly, your tried and true form will keep the IT band from becoming an issue on race day.  on the other hand, if you keep irritating it now, then it could create more damage and then it can become a problem for race day.

hope this helps.

GH

 

 

 

 

Coach Patrick

Trent - Heal and care / massage right now. Go see a good PT or ART person. Some rest certainly couldn't hurt...if you are going to run, then keep it short and off the bike...

Leigh Boyle

definitely call in the cavalry, Trent. Massage asap. Let them dig out the whole hip, leg, and low back (RR permitting of course). Crashes are dynamic with lots of twisting so who really knows what happened when you went down. At least this way you know you would be starting from a clean slate. Save the long run till next week. You still have LOTS of time till Placid. Take care of this before it becomes a bigger problem later during your taper. You're options will be much more limited the closer you get to race day.

Trent Prough

Thanks all for chiming in and giving me the guidance I needed. I have a tendency to just try and tough things out, but this was nothing to let go and has been the most pain I ever had to deal with ever. Been seeing a good PT and although helping the injury it is also killing me at the same time. The PT is a small woman (maybe 110lbs. soaking wet) but she can bring me to tears and like a crying baby pretty easily. I think I'm more sore now from the rehab than the injury and other things. Road rash is slowly healing but still enough of a problem I need to keep the neosporin on with duoderm pads or else it dry up and starts stinging.

Finally got to run this morning for first time. (Short after bike) and pain free so I might come around in a couple weeks if I survive the rehab.