Leg pain

Hamstring injuries

Hamstring injuries can be myofascial, muscular, or tendinous, and they can range in severity from a small focal injury to a complete tear. Triaging and understanding the nature and severity of your hamstring injury is the first place to begin, so that. you can heal and recover with the rest advice and help.

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy

Proximal hamstring tendinopathy is a condition that involves pain and degeneration of the tendons at the top (proximal) of the hamstring muscles, where they attach to the ischial tuberosity (the "sitting bone") in the pelvis. This injury typically arises from overuse, repetitive stress, or improper loading of the hamstring tendons, leading to inflammation and microtears in the tendon fibres.

Typical symptoms:

  • Pain at the sit bone: A dull ache or sharp pain at the ischial tuberosity (just under the buttocks, where the hamstring tendons attach to the pelvis). The pain often worsens with activities such as running, sitting for prolonged periods, or stretching the hamstrings.

  • Pain with activity: There may be discomfort or a burning sensation during or after activities involving bending and straightening the knee, especially running, jumping, or sprinting.

  • Tenderness: The area near the top of the hamstring (where the tendon attaches to the pelvis) may be tender to touch.

  • Stiffness or Weakness: There may be a feeling of tightness or weakness in the hamstrings, and reduced range of motion in the hip or knee.

Gluteal tendinopathy

Gluteal tendinopathy is very common, and particularly effects the gluteus medius and gluteus minimus, which attach to the outer side of the hip. This condition is a common cause of lateral hip pain and is often confused for greater trochanteric pain syndrome (which is actually quite uncommon), because the pain is typically felt around the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip).

Typical glute tendinopathy symptoms:

  • Lateral Hip Pain: The primary symptom is pain on the outside of the hip, often felt near the greater trochanter (the bony prominence on the side of the hip).

  • Pain with Activity: The pain typically worsens with activities that involve weight-bearing on one leg, such as walking, running, climbing stairs, or standing for long periods.

  • Pain when Lying on the Affected Side: Sleeping on the affected side can worsen the pain, as the pressure from the body weight compresses the gluteal tendons.

  • Pain after Prolonged Sitting: Sitting for long periods, especially with the hips flexed, can aggravate the condition.

  • Tenderness: The outer side of the hip may feel tender to the touch, particularly around the greater trochanter.

Iliotibial band syndrome (ITB)

Iliotibial Band (ITB) Syndrome is a common cause of lateral hip and lateral knee pain, particularly among runners, cyclists, and athletes who perform repetitive movements. It occurs when the iliotibial band, a thick band of connective tissue that runs along the outside of the thigh from the hip to the shin, becomes tight, irritated, or inflamed.

Common ITB. symptoms:

  • The primary symptom is pain on the outer (lateral) side of the knee, often described as sharp or burning.

  • The pain may worsen with activities that involve knee bending and straightening, such as running, cycling, climbing stairs, or squatting.

  • Tenderness on the lateral hip, thigh or knee.

  • Stiffness in the knee, especially after periods of rest or following physical activity, is common.

  • Clicking or Popping.

Deep gluteal pain syndrome

Deep Gluteal Pain Syndrome (DGPS) is a condition characterised by pain in the deep muscles of the buttocks, often caused by irritation, of the nerves or soft tissues in the gluteal region. The pain can be sharp, aching, or burning, and may radiate down the leg, sometimes mimicking other conditions like sciatica..

DGPS is not a specific diagnosis on its own but rather a group of conditions that cause deep pain in the gluteal area, affecting the muscles, nerves, tendons, and ligaments of the region. In our experience, it responds best to a multi modal approach to treatment and care.

DGPS symptoms:

  • The primary symptom is deep pain in the buttock area, which may be dull, aching, or sharp, depending on the underlying cause.

  • Pain Radiating Down the Leg.

  • Pain with Sitting or Prolonged Posture.

  • Pain with Hip Movement.

  • Tenderness in the Gluteal Region.

SIJ referred pain

The Sacroiliac Joint (SIJ) is located in the pelvis, and plays a crucial role in transferring loads between the upper body and the lower limbs during movement.

When this joint becomes inflamed, dysfunctional, or irritated, it can lead to pain that often refers to surrounding areas due to the interconnected nature of nerves and tissues in the region, including the low back, hip, glutes, or even the legs.

SIJ symptoms:

  • Pain in the Buttocks: The most common presentation of SIJ referred pain is pain felt deep in the buttocks, often on one side of the body. This pain is usually dull or aching but can sometimes be sharp or stabbing.

  • Lower Back Pain, groin or hip pain

  • Pain in the thigh or leg mimicking sciatica:

  • Pain with certain movements or positions; sitting for long periods, standing for extended periods, walking, climbing stairs, rolling over in bed, heavy lifting or bending.