Injury stopping me training

[Gillyweb]

Not long after Christmas (so three months ago) I felt a small niggle of a pain just under my butt on my right leg. I thought it would go but it's been getting worse and now after a mile or two spreads down my whole leg : fear it's a ham string thing..... Seeing an osteopath today but going to be devastated if it's a problem - I start in July. Any advice from other walkers who've experienced similar.

 

[basquelady]

Not long after Christmas (so three months ago) I felt a small niggle of a pain just under my butt on my right leg. I thought it would go but it's been getting worse and now after a mile or two spreads down my whole leg : fear it's a ham string thing..... Seeing an osteopath today but going to be devastated if it's a problem - I start in July. Any advice from other walkers who've experienced similar.

My advice would be to find a well-recommended physiotherapist who is known to be experienced in sport-related injuries.

 

[Al the optimist]

Obviously see the doctor. It may be sciatica. If so you may find it disturbing you at other times like in bed or if sitting for a while. This may not stop you going.

 

[Left Coaster]

I encountered a knee injury which sidelined my training for all of January. Definitely see a doc and physio but don't discount a month of rest. If you are already in reasonable shape this time away from training won't stop you but pushing too hard may. I leave SJPP on April 25.

 

[amorfati1]

This is my experience / bias only of course, but the one doctor who really helped me understand this whole back/butt/leg/sciatica pain issue was/is John Sarno, MD.
Had an injury/ herniated disk 24 yrs ago and felt my life was over - literally. Had to re-learn to walk etc. The book a friend gave me is called "mind over back pain" - and now he has cd's out as well: "Healing Back pain". -- have a listen - you can probably listen to it on iTunes etc or order it via kindle, dunno. his approach/insights worked for me and dozens of people i personally know. but i know that there are plenty of people for whom an approach other than therapy/surgery/meds and lab tests won't 'do'. - very best wishes, Claudia

 

[Leaningforward]

I'm not a physician. Last summer I noticed diminished sensation/numbness on my left side, mostly lower leg/foot and lower arm/hand. MRIs and x-rays of my neck, lower back, and brain showed herniated cervical (neck) and lumbar (lower back) discs but no cause for the diminished sensation/numbness. I became so aware of the condition, and lack of a cause, that it distracted me throughout the day and night. In early January I decided for myself that walking would be the best "treatment" -- I was athletic but spent many hours at a desk.

I stopped noticing the numbness before I reached Roncesvalles, and due to an unrelated camino injury finished the last 120 kilometers to Santiago on crutches.

I have been back home now for about a month and am aware of the numbness but no longer distracted or concerned because I was able to walk my camino and return in better health than when I left.

The camino for me was a powerful religious experience but I don't believe the Way bestows magical healing power on pilgrims. I do believe it can help pilgrims achieve goals they otherwise might not achieve, in mind and body.

My advice, for what's its worth as a non-physician, is to consult a doctor to rule out a detectable or serious illness or injury, and in the absence of such resume training with the hope to make your camino this summer.

(By the way, I found that ibuprofen relieved the sort of pain you describe and a host of other pains one encounters on the camino.)

Be well and Buen Camino.