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Well, I'm going on about one month without hiking. Trying to let my hamstring heal that I injured in September. Anyone have any experience with this type of injury? I'd like to hear any opinions/advice anyone has. The last month has offered some of the best and most diverse weather I've seen since living here and my frustration is definitely growing.

oh by the way, yes I hiked about 300 miles on it before resting for good. Probably not smart.

wow six months, that's been a long time Nick
does it still hurt?

I just did a google and boy I feel for you man [-o<

I was out about a month with pulled muscles in my back...I totally feel for you! That was a tough month for me, made me realize that I needed more balance in my life though, so the lesson was learned the hard way.
Mary

I was out for almost 3 MONTHS in 2005 due to an ankle tendon tear (from Jan- March).....Prime hiking season too...I looked at my doc and said..."you're Bulls***ing me right?" when he told me. I've been out this year since March 7th from a back injury due to an auto accident but hopefully will be out there again soon.

Nick.......I feel your pain. It just sucks when you can't do what your body wants it to do. I work for some orthopaedic docs in the East Valley and you really have to let yourself heal!

In response to nickfraley's reply:

I tore a meniscus in Nov. 2004 and was completely immobilized for a month (except for three days of backpacking ). I can get around OK now, but no more running until I have surgery, which will happen when the doc gives up on it improving on its own.

Make sure it's your hamstring and not a nerve issue. Check with MD or somebody and make sure is not partially torn, esp at attachment.

It's a big muscle and hiking in Az involves lots of hills so try to look for more level hikes ( yeah, I know so many here in Tucson!!)

Might check with a physical therapist and make sure you are not compensating and now have some sort of muscle imbalance that is keeping it irritated.

Good luck.

thanks gang.

yeah it still hurts and always feels tight. I'm in physical therapy now. I don't feel very optimistic though. :doubt:

Last July I tore my right hamstring (2nd degree tear), hyperextended my knee, slight tears of the calf muscles, glut and lumbar from a slide while descending El Diente, when my crampon caught a rock under the unconsolidated snow. I had a three mile -2,000 foot hike back to camp and then another 5 mile -2,000 hike back to the car at the TH the following day. I saw my Dr. within a week and began physical therapy shortly thereafter.

My PT was extremely helpful and I began hiking again w/in four weeks, and was climbing 13ers again within 8 wks. Take the time to follow their training regimen, including the "home work", and you will recover. By October I had summitted at least 5 different peaks and then had a 3-day backpack in Canyonlands with no pain or effect (I was 45 years old at the time, and age effects the recovery)

Last year I shattered my tibial plateau and snapped my acl. That put me out for a while. They couldn't replace the acl until the tibia healed so it was 3 months after the injury before they were able to go in and replace my acl.

I was in the hospital 2 weeks ago w/ a busted appendix and am not allowed to wear my pack for at least another month. I've only really been hiking again since January so I can feel your pain, although, thankfully, not literally.