IT Band? Nope...just bilateral hip issues.

As most runners know, you will go through your days with the minor aches and pains that evolve from our beloved sport.  You know what I mean…tight hamstrings, a pinching Achilles, or that nagging pain that you get along the side of your knee…or in my case, the hips. 

For a while now, I have been experiencing pain in both hips before, during and after running.  At first, it was a dull, achy feeling, but as I increased my mileage, it continued to worsen.  I asked my brother- in-law, Dr. Tyler McClimon, who is a chiropractor based in Birdsboro, PA and he immediately thought my IT band was acting up.  He showed me a few stretches to do before and after running.

In addition to the stretches, I also continued to be religious to my best friend...the foam roller.  Here he is…adorable!

I love him (my foam roller) because he helps me use my body weight to massage my sore and tight muscles. At one point, the pain was so intense as I rolled the side of my thighs over this foam contraption.  But in reality, it was a good kind of pain since I knew I was helping myself in the long run.

So after a few weeks of stretching, foam rolling, a handful of intense 30-minute sports massage sessions, I was still in pain. 

I went to a local high school and consulted with one of their sports trainers.  Again, I was told that my issue was the all-common IT band.  He advised me to take Advil, or any kind of over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medication to help reduce the inflammation.  He also set up a doctor appointment with a well-known doctor in the area who specializes in orthopedics, especially running.

So here I am.  Today I saw Dr. Brett Godbout, an orthopedic surgeon at Coordinated Health in Bethlehem.  After a few x-rays and some testing, he officially diagnosed me with bilateral hip pain…not Iliotibal band syndrome (like I thought).    

My diagnosis came to somewhat of a surprise, but it was definitely a relief.  Now, I have a few appointments with a physical therapist and a follow-up with Dr. Godbout in six weeks.  I am also supposed to lay off the Advil because anti-inflammatory medication can be rough the stomach, particularly in women.

So overall, it was a decent appointment with good news in the end!