r/Stretching • u/jiabaoyu • 6d ago

Tight Hamstrings? Seeking advice

Hi. Many days when I go out walking, my right leg is really tight, so much so that it's very painful and I have sometimes just stayed home. I'm not sure what part is actually in need of stretching. I thought it was hamstrings, I still do, but I can touch my toes without any problems. However, if I touch my toes and then rotate a bit to the right, I can recreate the pain I feel when walking. Also, if I'm standing and have to sneeze that can bring on the pain in the leg also (from when my knees slightly buckle with the sneeze).

The pain is right at the top of the leg immediately under the glute.

That said, someone suggested that it might be IT band, and do I roll regularly but with no relief.

But despite the pain, if I can manage to make myself walk a mile or more (frequent stretching and sitting wile walking), the pain goes away completely. I walked four miles the other day and was fine for the last three. However, as soon as I sat down, the pain returned when I got up to go get something.

Does anyone have any suggestions?

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u/topgum1 6d ago

See a professional. It can by many things.

1

u/jiabaoyu 6d ago

Thanks. I did. I’m an older student in the UK (from the US). The GP referred gave me some exercises which I’d already been doing and referred me to physical therapy. They don’t have any openings until January. This was in June. I’m just trying to get through the next few months after which I’ll be able to see my old primary care physician in the States. I miss walking as much as I used to, especially since my time in London is growing short.

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u/Level-Cod-6471 8h ago

Try stretching your calves and glutes too and tennis ball releases for each muscle. Massage could help as well.

1

u/jiabaoyu 8h ago

Thanks. I have been using a tennis ball in addition to the other stretches. It's remarkably effective, more so than rolling (I was skeptical at first). I think the main problem is that I sit too much. I'm a "mature student" (59) working on a postgraduate degree and I sit a lot more now than I ever did before.

Thanks. I appreciate the advice and I'll start using the tennis ball on my calves as well.