Is your running technique causing hamstring problems? – ENERTOR®

🚚 FREE UK delivery on all orders ✅ 60 Day Money Back Guarantee

Is your running technique causing hamstring problems?


Hamstring problems can be some of the most frustrating annoyances a runner can suffer from. If you’ve done everything you can to treat your hamstrings (stretches, foam rollers, physiotherapy), it might not be your hamstring that’s the problem. It could be your running technique. Assess your running style to see if one of these movement forms is causing your hamstring problems. 

 

Pulling your hip back 

 

As your leg swings forward to take the next step, your hamstring stops it from flying out in front of you. Instead, your leg stops and lands smoothly on the ground. Of course, the hamstring doesn’t work on its own – the pelvis also moves forward during each stride. Pain can be caused if the pelvis fails to move forward in time with the hamstring (or at all). If it doesn’t move, the hamstring is stretched beyond its ability – causing you pain. Warm up your core and your hips to help increase pelvic movement. 

 

Poorly placed pelvis or hips too flexed 

 

If your hamstrings are developing an ache rather than an overstretched feeling, you may be over flexing your hips, or leaving your pelvis too far back during strides. This causes the hamstrings to drive the forward motion of the legs – something they aren’t really designed to do. The over-work results in the ache and tension. Strengthen your glute muscles to aid musculature-driven propulsion. 

 

Pelvis tilting gone awry 

 

Some runners try to intervene with perceived pelvic tilt issues. The truth is that your pelvis is designed to tilt forward while running. This anterior tilt is best left alone, but some people try to encourage a ‘straight’ pelvis, or try to correct an arching back. As you try to adapt your posture in these ways, hamstring problems will result as they try to adapt also. Giving your hamstrings two jobs to do at once (tilt the pelvis and work with forward-moving legs) they are likely to become painful. 

 

In summary, if you are suffering from recurring hamstring problems while running but treatment doesn’t seem to help, consider that the pain may be a symptom of a postural problem. 

 

About Enertor Advanced Technology Insoles –  Enertor insoles are designed to prevent a number of common running injuries and provide more comfort. Designed by leading podiatrists to reduce your risk of injury,  the unique design features support your foot throughout training.  Enertor insoles are enhanced by D3O impact protection technology, which means they can provide more shock absorption than any other insole.  Our expertise, combined with the patented D3O shock absorption technology, enables Enertor to deliver the most advanced injury prevention insoles on the market today.

Enertor insoles are available to buy from our online shop .

Whilst Enertor has over 18 years Orthotics experience, our blog content is provided for informational purposes only and it is not a substitute for your own doctor’s medical advice. Enertor advises anyone with an injury to seek their own medical advice – and do not make any health or medical related decisions based solely on information found on this site.

The post Is your running technique causing hamstring problems? appeared first on Enertor.