Tragically Hip

Training for the Bolder Boulder

Almost two years ago, I decided to lose some weight and get into the shape I was a few years prior.I began an exercise regimen. As I grew stronger, I increased running mileage, running in intervals. I hiked up at Chautauqua from CU Boulder campus every day at lunch (about 4 miles total in one hour). I started my interval running up there as well, because I needed more of a work out.

After some time, my groin started hurting- just a little tender. I remember feeling it one day as I started heading down the meadow. It wasn’t that bad- I probably pulled a muscle.

Then I ran the Bolder Boulder. Half way through, my right hip really started hurting, but I kept running. The next day, I could hardly walk. I remember going to a Rockies game and parking about a mile away at a friend’s. The walk was treacherous. I kept trying to pop it- thinking I must have pinched something. It eventually got so bad, a stabbing, agonizing pain in my groin.

I went to a physical therapist at Kaiser. Her diagnosis: Labrum tear with a loose body. She told me that eventually my femur would work the labrum smooth, and it will all take care of itself. In the meantime, she provided some exercises for me to do. Well, I lifted weights all ready, the stupid exercises she provided with a stretchy band didn’t do much. (perhaps the hip machine at the gym would have been a better choice?). My chiropractor disagreed and said it was tendonitis. I decided to rest and do the exercises. In the meantime I switched insurance companies.

Round Two

I power walked at Boulder Creek all summer- avoiding hills as much as possible. (By power walking, I mean, walking about 3.8-4.0 mph at a normal gait- not the actual power walk gait). I got better shoes. I stretched. I even started swimming and took lessons. In September I decided I had enough rest and PT. I was doing a variety of exercises, so whatever it was (probably tendonitis) would resolve with slowly adding more exercise and taking NSAIDS as needed. I started spinning. Then I started interval running again. Within two weeks of adding running, my groin was acting up again. The pool was getting annoying too- way overcrowded and I was tired of competing. I rested for a few weeks until the pain stopped, then I returned to power walking. I always felt a weird pinching/tightness in my groin down to the inner knee, and was careful to stretch. I tolerated this for the next year.

Round Three

After gaining another 15 pounds since the injury, I decided enough was enough, I was going to return to my normal activities and loose some weight. I got a membership to the Louisville RecCenter (okay, I technically live in Louisville, but I’m a Boulderite at heart). I started walking and swimming and weight training. I made sure to do a variety of activities. I added in interval running and circuit training. One morning, walking to the bus stop was very difficult. It felt sore all down the front of my hip, but it felt purely muscular. A few days later I could barely walk.

Diagnosis

I made an appointment with my doctor’s office right before Thanksgiving. The only person available happened to be a sports medicine doctor. Within 5 minutes she diagnosed it as a labrum tear and suggested PT. I told her I’ve been down that road and it didn’t help, I would do it again, but would prefer to see a specialist just to confirm.

I had an arthrogram and MRI on 12/14. They confirmed a tear to the labrum, also, I felt FABULOUS afterward. It was weird to be able to walk without a limp. And then the cocktail started wearing off and I noticed the pinching pain in my groin. Pain I had grown accustomed to and didn’t register any longer. I was referred to an Orthopedist who specialized in hips.

I was sore over Christmas break, noticing subtle pains I probably ignored before knowing I had a tear. I went and saw my specialist on 1/5/10. He went over my history and reviewed the MRI. He said if I have FAI, they’ll take care of that too- we’re not sure what caused the tear- either a trauma (20% likelihood) or FAI (80%). He recommended surgery. I decided to schedule it April 21, giving me enough time to research it and decide what I want to do.

Surgery? Seriously?

As of now, I have no pain- but all I do is laze about the house and take NSAID pain relievers. I can’t justify having surgery at this point. Therefore, I have stopped taking the pain relievers and have started my exercise regimen. It’s day 4 without NSAID’s, and I am noticing the subtle pain and popping. Also- my lower back is messed up. I’m probably limping/compensating for the tear without even realizing it. I’m wondering if perhaps my hip is a little unstable and my muscles are strong enough to compensate for that- because dang, my back is KILLING me!

Thus far I have lifted weights once (this has never bothered me), and have done deep water aerobics (some movements bother me, but I modify or avoid them), and 10 minutes on the elliptical trainer. If the pain doesn’t return, I’ll probably refuse the procedure.