Tendonitis and Bursitis Archives

hamstring tendonitus

Dr. Stoll,

I have read through previous questions on tendonitus on this website, however they don't answer my question.

I am a high school cross country runner. Last year in track I was diagnosed with hamstring tendonitus. It hid during cross country season and now it is flaring up again. I've been sitting out for a few weeks now but the pain still sneaks back. It seems odd that the tendonitus is still bothering me, and I'm not even active. Should I go ahead and run anyway, or wait for the pain to stop? Can my tendonitus get worse to the point of surgery if i do run on it? And could it be that I have a muscle imbalance? My coach thinks my quads may be weaker than my hamstrings, and my quads have little definition and have gotten weaker with the times I've sat through injuries and not taken the time to build them back.

This is my last year of high school so I really want to run my best this coming cross country season. Thank you.

Jennifer

Follow Ups:

• Re: hamstring tendonitus (Permanent Solution) Archive Walt Stoll 09:57:42 4/05/01 (0)
• in some cases... LT 22:50:34 4/03/01 (1)
  • should have also said... LT 22:53:10 4/03/01 (0)
• Re: hamstring tendonitis - Jennifer, I had a similar thing onlooker 22:38:49 4/03/01 (1)
  • Jennifer: Check out NST DonQuioxte 11:15:28 4/07/01 (0)

In Reply to: hamstring tendonitus posted by Jennifer on April 03, 2001 at 22:30:17:

Many years ago, I had something like your condition, and my coach (an old-fashioned guy) told me to stop running and start going to the gym and exercising the hamstrings. Of course, he had me wait until the inflammation was gone, but he knew I had to develop the balancing muscles before getting involved in track & field again.

I have a question, because it relates to inflammation in general: what do you eat? Grains, potatoes and tomatoes can disable an athlete who is trying to be the best possible runner/jumper/swimmer, etc. Depending on your blood type, you may be eating too much animal protein, or too little. A good supply of fresh, organic essential fatty acids is also key to regaining your mobility.

Do you drink commercial sodas? They're loaded with corn syrup, as are most candies, prepared mixes, and altogether most products located in the "center aisles of the supermarket." Corn starch, syrup, MSG, corn sweeteners, corn in general will aggravate inflammation in most people.

Let us know, maybe we can help.

Follow Ups:

• Jennifer: Check out NST DonQuioxte 11:15:28 4/07/01 (0)

In Reply to: hamstring tendonitus posted by Jennifer on April 03, 2001 at 22:30:17:

this can be a sign of hypothyroidism.

Follow Ups:

• should have also said... LT 22:53:10 4/03/01 (0)

In Reply to: in some cases... posted by LT on April 03, 2001 at 22:50:34:

that this was one of the first signs I had -- I didn't have the fatigue, etc., but I had hamstring problems -- had to stop aerobics, couldn't run like I used to, etc. I didn't get a diagnosis until several years later. If you do have a thyroid test, do be sure that they run a TSH -- otherwise it might be missed. It has something to do with metabolism and a build up of lactic acid.

In Reply to: hamstring tendonitus posted by Jennifer on April 03, 2001 at 22:30:17:

Hi, Jennifer.

I am afraid that you are going to have to give up your highschool career of running. The permanent solution to your problem will take longer than the next few months.

You need to look into Hellerwork or Rolfing, serious SR AND something like Alexander Technique OR Feldenkrais as a regular practice.

By doing these NOW, you will be a better and much HEALTHIER runner a year from now.

See the glossary for any unfamiliar terms and let us know how you do.

Walt

In Reply to: Re: hamstring tendonitis - Jennifer, I had a similar thing posted by onlooker on April 03, 2001 at 22:38:49:

Jennifer,

I acknowledge Rolfing, Feldenkrais, Alexander technique, effects of Bracing for their ability to facilitate a return to health for the patient. If you can find an NST practitioner, and try only 3 treatments you may have an excellent response. This is especially true if anatomical/tissue damage (ie., no major TEARS) are not the problem, but a proprioceptor disturbance in your musculoskeletal system IS the major source of pain. Do a search on this site for NST and see my input and find the link to US NST site. You can hang your hat on this advice.

Namaste
DonQuioxte
LTID