Should I seek a second opinion?

llarious

I had an injury in my right adductor, due to weak glute/hip flexor, got it all sorted via physio through health cover. Was off for a couple of months with that at one point earlier this year, then had a great couple of months (built back up slowly), then my left leg started to suffer similar issues, but not enough to stop me running completely. Went back to the physio to get it checked, and he concluded it was just my left leg balancing out after the right leg getting stronger, I shouldn't worry, and can carry on as usual (he did do lots of strength, balance and movement exercises with me). I thought ok, sounds good-ish, so carried on as normal as suggested.

A month later, nothing changing, but in fact getting worse, I booked another appointment - same conclusion though, and he mentioned this could take up to 12-18 months to right itself. I accept the time scale, but the conclusion was again, carry on as normal - except I can't really...

I did a 10k trail event recently and got a PB (yay!), but the next morning my leg was crap. sore when walking, climbing stairs - limping around at times... A week and a half later, it's considerably better, but there's a niggle that just won't go away, and has been underlying through the whole of this time - if I try to run (or put pressure on the ball of my foot), that's when I really feel the pain. Carrying my 3 year old daughter short distances isn't great either as the added weight seems to affect it.

I expect I'd just get told it's the same stuff happening again, ride it out and pick up when it feels better, but in the meantime, no stretches or exercises suggested to try to right things. Would you seek a second opinion?

SHADES

I'm no physio but that seems an extraordinarily long rehab time, especially as it's a compensating injury.

If you don't want to use your health insurance or fork out for a private appointment, why not try through your GP's surgery, nothing to lose.  My GP has a self referring appointment system for a physio appointment. 

HA77

Yes, get a second opinion. Running overuse injuries are complex, making it very difficult to diagnose the root cause. I would recommend trying to see someone who specialises in running, the problem is that lots will say they do when they don't really have much running expertise at all. Agree with Shades though, certainly nothing to lose by getting in to see an NHS physio.

llarious

Thanks, that’s what I thought.  I’ve managed to speak to another “triage” physio through health cover and he thought I’d been given bad advice.

now fixed up with an appointment tomorrow with a sports specialist. Hopefully will get a bit further this time rather than wasting two appointments - and effectively 2 months...

I know my weight is a contributing factor, but that’s also why it was so frustrating-I was actually making good, albeit slow/steady (not yoyoing or doing silly diet plans) progress with losing weight in a sustainable manner.  The last couple of months have been tough on that front!