Hamstring

[OakLeaf]

Have you tried rolling it out? When I strained my vastus intermedialis last year (no idea how) I was hesitant at first to use the foam roller, but once I got into it, SMR cleared it right up.

[Catrin]

Have you tried rolling it out? When I strained my vastus intermedialis last year (no idea how) I was hesitant at first to use the foam roller, but once I got into it, SMR cleared it right up.

No, I have not yet tried this. Didn't even think about it I have a small roller at home that I've never really used, will try it tonight.

I want to ride tonight, but am thinking it might be wiser to do some gentle stretching instead, I had quite short rides both Sat/Sunday, and went to spinning class last night though I did take it easier than usual. Tomorrow I've a meeting with my trainer, so I think I will just give my leg some TLC tonight.

[Catrin]

I had a gentle ride last night - I was aware of the hamstring's existence but it didn't hurt. Tonight I went to spinning class, and noticed it a lot more - especially in standing climbs. I tried to take it easy but noted at one point that there was targeted warmth in the area - though not pain, not quite... sigh.

No state forest exploration for me tomorrow I suppose. Will continue with the gentle rides and break down and try and roll it.

I am hoping the "warmth" doesn't mean much - I did back off even further at that point.

[indysteel]

Are you icing it and/or taking any pain relievers?

[Catrin]

Are you icing it and/or taking any pain relievers?

I wasn't sure if icing was called for this long after whatever happened, or if heat is better. I did some research on the internet and all the references were for icing right after the injury. I do take ibuprofen from time to time, though can probably take it a bit more consistently.

My usual habit is to ignore things like this until they go away I am trying to get better. I will take ibuprofen before bed tonight, and tomorrow when I get in from riding (gently) will ice it.

I swear all of this started after hiring a trainer/mt to stretch me...last time THAT is going to happen!

[Catrin]

My name is Catrin and I've been in denial over my hamstring problem...ignoring it isn't working

I am now icing it after every ride/workout + taking ibuprophen, and my rides are shorter with fewer hills until it heals. The quad is now healed, but the hamstring is just going to take longer. I have accepted that, I don't have to like it.

Thanks for the helpful comments - I am thankful that I had already decided not to do the brevet before this happened or I would be quite upset with my leg. I wish I knew what happened, but will probably never know for sure.

So now, perhaps, the best thing to do is to not think about my 70 mile rides of just a few weeks ago, but focus on what my leg will allow me to do now and once it is healed work my way back to the same distance. I still want to do a century this fall, but if this takes too long to heal then it won't happen...

[jessmarimba]

I didn't read back through all of the comments to check, but have you worn compression tights after a ride?