New-ish runner with leg and lower back pain: could it really be my shoes?

[Anonymous]

I had been on a 3x/week running streak for 2 months. Was doing really well but all of a sudden have bad pain in my left thigh when I push down hard and start to try and run again. I've rested it for a week but it still hurts. Also, my lower back hurts. I thought I was stretching but I guess not adequately enough. My other thought is that my shoes are probably not ideal. I've been running in old Nike Air Max sneakers. They're fine but probably not that supportive I guess. Anyone have advice? Would it help to get new sneaks?

[Anonymous]

Yes, new sneakers. I know I need new sneakers when my hip hurts.

[Anonymous]

Could be.

One thing that might help a little is running some short distances with no shoes or minimalist shoes. (Not too much because doing too much of this causes problems of its own.) With the idea being to see what your stride looks like without the protection of shoes. Try to emulate that stride when you have shoes on.

Sometimes, without the feed back that unprotected or minimally protected feet gives you when you hit the ground, it encourages a stride that delivers unwanted force to other parts of your legs or back.

[Anonymous]

Yes definitely go to a running store where they will watch you run and help you pick out a good shoe for you. It is worth it!

[Anonymous]

Make sure you stretch your hips and keep your core strong. I am 50 and run regularly but the only was I avoid lower back pain is by stretching a lot and keeping my core very strong.

[Anonymous]

Slow down, and get new shoes.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Slow down, and get new shoes.

Thanks for this. I was doing a lot of interval runs and definitely going too fast now that I think about it.

[Anonymous]

Yep - I don't track miles like some do, but the run that y knee starts throbbing, I know it's time for new sneakers! Go to R&J and get fitted for proper pair