Are you experiencing baffling side hip pain that just doesn't seem to make sense? In this episode, we're diving into a fascinating case presentation with a seasoned marathon runner who developed lateral hip pain after a race. Despite a long history of managing hip complaints, this time was different – no pop, no direct injury, just persistent discomfort from the upper crest of the hip down the side and backside.

This 'mystery' pain was a dead giveaway of spine-referred hip pain, a phenomenon that accounts for 70-75% of hip complaints we see without a direct mechanism of injury! It might sound odd, but pain from your spine can absolutely manifest as hip discomfort, especially when there's no direct impact or pop and the pain is located on the side, near the greater trochanter.

We'll debunk common misconceptions, like mistaking this type of pain for IT band syndrome (which typically presents differently, often with knee symptoms). Learn how an experienced examination can quickly identify the true source of your pain and help you find rapid relief, even when it's referred from the upper lumbar spine. This is a must-listen for active individuals looking to understand their pain without feeling like they're damaging their body long-term!

Looking to get in touch with our office? We hold licenses in many states and can help via telehleath

714-502-4243 https://www.p2sportscare.com/

Free Hip Webinar: https://www.p2sportscare.com/webinars/

Online Hip/Groin Program: https://www.p2sportscare.com/products/

In this episode, we tackle the persistent ache and mystery behind thigh pain. We dive deep into common musculoskeletal diagnoses that affect runners and active individuals, breaking down how to identify whether your pain is a simple muscle strain or something more complex.

We start by demystifying pain in the front of the thigh, discussing everything from common quad muscle strains and contusions to the surprising signs of nerve irritation like radiculopathy. We'll share how to tell the difference between a torn muscle and a deep, nagging ache from a bone stress injury—a common concern for runners who ramp up their mileage too quickly.

Then, we'll move to the back of the thigh, addressing the age-old question: Is it a hamstring strain or sciatica? We'll reveal the key differences and share common presentation patterns of sciatic nerve irritation that often mimic hamstring tightness, even without the presence of numbness or tingling.

Finally, we'll wrap up by touching on the importance of a proper diagnosis and the role of conservative management, including manual therapy, rehab, and how a focus on strength training can help prevent these injuries in the first place.

We'll cover:

• Diagnosing pain in the front of the thigh: quad strains vs. contusions and nerve pain.

• The difference between a hamstring strain and sciatica.

• The signs of a bone stress injury in the femur.

• Actionable rehab strategies for long-term relief and injury prevention.

Contact Information: 714-502-4243 | Costa Mesa, CA | http://www.p2sportscare.com

Call to Action: Book a Discovery Session/Consultation to see if we can help (virtually or in-person).

In this episode, we tackle the aches, sprains, and mysteries of the foot and ankle, which are often the foundation of many runners' problems. We dive deep into common musculoskeletal injuries, from a simple misstep off a curb to the chronic pain that keeps you off the road.

We'll break down the different types of ankle sprains—from the common inversion sprain to the less common but equally frustrating high ankle sprain—and explain how to tell if you might have an accompanying fracture. Then, we'll move to tendon-related pain, demystifying conditions like Achilles tendinopathy and Peroneal tendon injuries that can cause pain, swelling, and a feeling of instability.

From there, we'll step into the foot to discuss conditions like stubborn plantar fasciitis and the tell-tale signs of a stress fracture. We'll also share a crucial insight: some pain that feels like a strain or tendinopathy can actually be from nerve irritation. We'll also touch on how your foot and ankle are part of a larger system, where pain can originate from issues with your knee, hip, or core.

This episode is your essential guide to understanding what's really going on below the knee and why a proper diagnosis is the first step toward lasting relief.

We'll cover:

• The difference between ankle sprains and fractures.

• Identifying and managing Achilles and Peroneal tendon injuries.

• The connection between nerve irritation and foot/ankle pain.

• Common foot conditions like plantar fasciitis and stress fractures.

Contact Information: 714-502-4243 | Costa Mesa, CA | http://www.p2sportscare.com

Call to Action: Book a Discovery Session/Consultation to see if we can help (virtually or in-person).

In this episode, we tackle the most critical question in any long-distance race: is this pain a harmless sensation or a sign of an impending injury? Your handy-dandy running injury expert breaks down the "rules of thumb" to help you, your coaches, and your crew make the right call in the heat of the moment.

This episode is a must-listen for ultra-athletes and their support staff. We provide a simple, three-part framework for assessing pain on the course, from the nagging ache that's likely just sensitivity to the red flags that signal it's time to absolutely stop. We also discuss the specific responsibilities of the crew and coaches—your level-headed support system—and where you should turn for a professional diagnosis.

We'll cover:

• The framework for identifying harmless pain versus a true injury.

• The critical assessments you and your crew can perform during a race.

• How to prevent a small issue from becoming a race-ending one.

• Why your crew is your most valuable asset when dealing with pain.

And as always, our discussion is a general overview. Always consult a medical professional or the medical staff at the aid station. For a more detailed look at these assessments, reach out for our exclusive handout for coaches.

Contact Information: 714-502-4243 | Costa Mesa, CA | http://www.p2sportscare.com

Book a Discovery Session/Consultation to see if we can help (virtually or in-person).

Peroneal tenosynovitis may sound complicated, but for runners, the signs are often easy to spot. This condition affects the tendons along the outside of the ankle — the ones that help stabilize your foot with every stride. When these tendons become irritated or inflamed, runners often notice pain, swelling, or stiffness that gradually worsens with training.

Early signs include a dull ache or soreness at the outer ankle, sometimes turning into sharper pain during or after runs. Swelling, warmth, or even a snapping sensation near the ankle can also appear. Many runners feel stiffness first thing in the morning or after sitting for long periods. On trails or uneven ground, the ankle may even feel weak or unstable, making balance harder to maintain.

Unlike an ankle sprain, which happens suddenly, peroneal tenosynovitis usually builds up over time due to repetitive stress, higher mileage, or uneven terrain. Recognizing these early warning signs can help runners better understand what their body is saying and stay consistent in their training.

Looking to get in touch with our office? We hold licenses in many states and can help via telehleath

714-502-4243 https://www.p2sportscare.com/

Shin pain is one of the most common complaints among runners, and anterior lateral shin splints are a prime example. This type of shin splint affects the front and outer part of the lower leg, often showing up as an ache or soreness that builds during runs and lingers afterward. At first, the discomfort may feel like a dull ache that eases once you warm up, but over time it can progress into sharper or throbbing pain that interferes with both running and daily activities.

Runners with anterior or lateral shin splints often notice tenderness when pressing on the shin, a feeling of tightness in the muscles along the front of the leg, or even mild swelling after a tough workout. Hard surfaces, downhill running, or sudden jumps in mileage can make the symptoms worse. Unlike a stress fracture, which usually causes pinpoint pain in one exact spot, shin splints typically cover a broader area along the shin and may affect both legs.

Recognizing the signs early helps runners understand what's happening in their lower legs and take steps to keep training consistent without being sidelined.

Looking to get in touch with our office? We hold licenses in many states and can help via telehleath

714-502-4243 https://www.p2sportscare.com/

Hip and Achilles pain are two of the most common problems that runners face, yet they can feel very different from person to person. In this case study episode, we look at two runners dealing with pain in these areas and the unique ways their symptoms showed up.

Hip pain in runners often presents as aching or stiffness deep in the groin, on the outer hip, or at the front of the joint. It can limit stride length, cause tightness after sitting, and sometimes even mimic other issues like back problems. Achilles pain, on the other hand, is usually felt as soreness or tenderness along the tendon just above the heel. Early signs include stiffness first thing in the morning, aching that builds during a run, or swelling that lingers afterward.

By comparing how these two runners experienced their hip and Achilles symptoms, this episode highlights the patterns athletes should pay attention to. Recognizing the early warning signs is key to staying consistent with training and avoiding setbacks.

Looking to get in touch with our office? We hold licenses in many states and can help via telehleath

714-502-4243 https://www.p2sportscare.com/

Free Hip Webinar: https://www.p2sportscare.com/webinars/

Sebastian's Online Hip/Groin Program: https://www.p2sportscare.com/products/

Knee pain can be confusing for runners because it comes in many forms. One lesser-known source is Hoffa's fat pad impingement, which affects the soft tissue just below the kneecap. This fat pad normally cushions the front of the knee, but when it becomes irritated or pinched, it can create sharp, localized pain that feels very different from general soreness after a run.

Runners often describe the discomfort as pain directly beneath or on either side of the kneecap, especially when the leg is fully straightened. The symptoms may worsen when running downhill, standing with the knee locked out, or after long runs that place repetitive stress on the front of the joint. Some also notice swelling, tenderness when pressing just below the patella, or a feeling of fullness at the front of the knee.

Because the fat pad is highly sensitive, irritation can linger if ignored. Unlike conditions such as patellar tendon pain, Hoffa's fat pad impingement tends to feel sharper and more pinching in nature. Recognizing these symptoms early can help runners better understand the cause of their knee pain and avoid setbacks in training.

Looking to get in touch with our office? We hold licenses in many states and can help via telehleath

714-502-4243 https://www.p2sportscare.com/

Online Knee Program: https://www.p2sportscare.com/products/