Tuesday was leg day and after a series of leg set’s doing presses, curls, extensions etc. I decided to do four sets of twelve squats to top it off.
During the second set something in my left thigh “popped” while moving the weight up. My left leg went limp, I was lucky to set the bar and get out from under it.
The pain was ineradicable, the only comparison would be the snap of a bow string. Ice, elevation, isolation, some heat and later some deep tissue massage and I was able to walk on it. It’s now Saturday morning and I am able to walk on it without issue, do light cardio with it, but the question is, WTF snapped?
The pain is definitely not in the knee it seems isolated now four to five inches above the left knee on the left side.
Curious as to what made that snap.
Probably your iliotibial band. I’d rest it for a few weeks, then carefully review your squatting technique. You would find iliotibial band syndrome to be annoying, and disruptive to your exercise routine and this event might be a signal that ITBS is the next stop in this adventure. Might also be a signal that you’re…aging.
That’s exactly what the Little Blonde Girl said, I had to remind her we’re the same age.
I did some very light leg presses today with minimal pain, it actually felt much better after the stretch from that exercise.
I did a full leg workout today minus squats.
I will attempt some squats with just the bar tomorrow.
It feels much better now.
Slow and steady.
Do you exercise a lot ? If so step it down a notch. In my experience over exercising can cause this kinda situation.
Likely a fascial adhesion between vastus lateralis and the ITB. It’s easy to deal with.
It’s not a sign that you are getting old. It’s not a sign that you were over-exercising. It is a sign that you had an issue in your tissue that was responding to stress. These sort of things happen to people of any age and will continue to happen as long as you use your body.
Remember this - you don’t get to use your muscles and joints with impunity. They need care just the same as your teeth need brushing. Carry on as normal, but add a few minutes of foam rolling to your routine and find a quality Sports Chiro (or PT) that does soft tissue work like Active Release or Graston. Ideally you want a Doc that lifts weights or runs or whatever as they understand these types of issue best and can help you deal with them better.
This is still irritated.
I’m working with it a bit a couple of times a week directly, indirectly it has an influence on a lot of other stuff I do. I was reminded by “She who must be Obeyed” that this is the same leg/knee that I strained body surfing last year.
What a pisser.
Leg pressing in the range of 250 for four sets with twenty reps.
Slight pain, but working it has made it better overall.
Do you use a roller? I had severe pain in the IT after a hip replacement and using a roller after biking and workouts helped immensely.
I’ve been rolling it out lately, but I’ve found a more effective tool than a foam roller is actually a small hard rubber ball that can get right on the spot rather than the wide effect of a roller.
I’ve gotten it about worked out, but just in time for some soreness in my Achilles tendon/ Inside Calf are on the right leg. So I’m discovering even more indignities of growing older.
So HIIT sprints will be off of the table for a bit.
I’d drop them altogether and do your HIIT on something non impactive, such as a stationary bike or elliptical trainer. Don’t wait till the next “pop” to get pro active about injury reduction unless sprinting after bad guys and such is required for the job. Even then, proper programming is essential or it’s a matter of when vs if.
I believe that the issues I’m having with my calf aren’t due to running sprints on the tread mill.
I’ve been doing my leg workout differently since the initial problems with my left thigh during squats.
Heavy calf raises might be the issue with the right calf at this time.
Believe me, I got enough running in the military, Its not my favourite activity, but I want to be able to run if I ever have to.
I enjoyed the sprints though and I’ve laid off for seven days and rolled out the calf daily. I should be okay by early next week, I will keep you posted.
BTW I just met a personal goal this morning and have lost a total of 50 pounds.
The running is becoming more comfortable.
Been reading the thread, just wanted to pop in and congratulate you on hitting a major goal.
Good shit, and I hope your return to activity continues smoothly.
Thank You very much.
I’m doing much better and I’m able to run and lift five days a week now.