Hi,

I've had a persistent pain in my left leg for about 1 month now. I know when it started: I enjoy running, but had been pushing myself a bit further than I would have normally. So two long runs (for me, anyway: 5 miles/8km) two days in a row left me in a bit of pain. I run on pavement, and I've always found my running shoes to be especially comfortable, though they're not expensive.

The pain didn't come on quickly, there was no obvious point where I wanted to stop running, no point where I definitely pulled anything. I only noticed it afterward. I was aware of a little discomfort while running the second time, but not enough that I was concerned or hindered in any way. Oh, foolish me. In the following days, the discomfort was such that I found some discomfort putting initial weight on the leg from rest (a sort of a sharp pain initially which dulled once I was moving around again).

The pain is mostly centred around my left hip/upper thigh, but at various times seems to have also run down my left leg down to just above the knee. It's a very difficult pain to describe, because it's been very difficult to pinpoint accurately!

Currently, it's not so bad. I'm conscious of it being there, but I'm 100% mobile on a day-to-day basis. I've aggravated it a few times over the last weeks by, eg, running for a bus (it'll be more painful the next day, for instance), and it's the fear of making it worse that's stopping me from going running.

I went to see a nurse two weeks ago, and she gave me "mobilat" which seems to be some kind of anti-inflammatory gel. I'm not convinced it helped any. Running hot water over the area does seem to help relax the leg and takes the edge off some of the discomfort. But doesn't ever remove it totally.

I'd have expected a pulled muscle to take less time than this to heal, or maybe it's just taking it's sweet time? I was thinking of going to my local gym tonight to see how I fare on low-impact exercises, eg, cross trainer or cycling. Should I avoid? Or should I be booking up a docs appointment asap?

Look into piriformus syndrome. This is when the sciatic nerve wraps itself thru the piriformus muscle and causes pain down the leg. It does start with pain in the hip area. I have this syndrome (my ortho dr. diagnosed) and it sounds just like you're describing. Good luck.
p.s. lots of info on web about piriformus syndrome. I found the internet helpful

Thanks for the quick response!

I had a quick search around on the web for piriformis syndrome, and it does sound very similar. One thing is different though: descriptions of piriformis syndrome generally suggest that it extends down from the buttocks, but for me the sensation seems to start lower than the buttocks, and not at the rear of the leg but at the outer side.

Still, it's the closest suggestion I've seen so far, and otherwise sounds likely. I might try some of the stretches the web is suggesting (gently, gently), and possibly sort out a doctor appointment also.