You have been diagnosed with High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT). Now what? This article and video will teach how to fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT).
It is important to understand that HHT is scarring and thickening of the Hamstring tendon where it attached on your Ischial Tuberosity (SITS Bone). This scarring resulted from multiple microtears that occurred over time while symptoms were not treated or ignored.
HHT is a common condition in runners as the hamstrings are used repetitively and are prone to injury.
Common symptoms of HHT in runners are pain near the SITS bone and hamstring while running and is made worse by running faster or up hills. Many patients will report pain while sitting. This is due to the fact that you are sitting on the injured area.
Remove the Aggravating Variable to Fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT)
The first thing to do is remove the variable that is either causing your HHT or contributing to it. For example; if running is irritating it and you keep running it will worsen and may lead to permanent damage of the Hamstring Tendon. Proper diagnosis is critical as HHT is commonly misdiagnosed as Ischial Bursitis, Sciatica and Piriformis Syndrome leading to poor and ineffective treatment suggestions.
You must have an accurate diagnosis to receive effective treatment
Rest to Fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT)
Rest from activity, especially those activities that require running, jumping, hiking as these will aggravate HHT. No amount of ice or Ibuprofen will help if you continue to not rest and aggravate your Hamstring. Let’s face it. Runners don’t want to stop running and hate the “R” word. In the case of HHT it will not get better unless you stop running.
Do I need Crutches to Fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT)
It is not necessary to be non-weight bearing for an extended period. Casting or other devices that immobilize the hip and/or hamstring for an extended period may be counter-productive. There are various therapeutic interventions that can be used to fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT). We have found that it all start with rest then platelet rich plasma therapy (more on that later).
Try Getting new Shoes to Fix your High Hamstring Tendonosis, Tendonopathy (HHT)
If you truly have HHT then shoes will not help. But if you don’t then sometimes change is good. By changing shoes you might change how your foot interacts with the ground. This in turn will affect the amount of rotation and torque at your hip which may be causing your Hamstring problem. There is no such thing as the “right shoe” or a shoe that is specifically designed to combat HHT. Common sense would dictate that if you were going to try new shoes to purchase a new shoe that is dramatically different to what you are currently wearing. Consider a rocker bottom shoe like a Hoka or a zero drop shoe like an Altra for example. If you live in San Diego go to Milestone Running Shop for your shoes. You will not be disappointed.
Shoes WILL NOT fix HHT but sometimes changed is good
Over the Counter Orthotics WILL NOT help Fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT)
Over the counter orthotics are a cheap and sometimes effective method of treating many conditions but they are not effective for High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT). That being said, if the over the counter orthotic is going to have a chance at being effective it must have a supportive, flexible arch support and be comfortable. If the orthotic is too stiff, hard, uncomfortable and irritates your foot you will not be able to wear it and it will definitely not help your HHT.
Over the counter orthotics must have flexible but supportive arches
Custom Orthotics to Fix High Hamstring Tendonosis/Tendonopathy (HHT)
Custom orthotics can be an effective treatment to fix HHT if something is wrong with your biomehcanics. To be effective, they must fit into your shoes, be comfortable and have a flexible, supportive arch as part of the custom orthotic design. Proper height, density and flexibility of the custom orthotic is critical to it being effective. If you have custom orthotics that are uncomfortable, do not fit into your shoes or aggravate your feet or your Hamstring you will be unable to heal. If you have an uncomfortable or ineffective pair of custom orthotics they may be able to be modified for a fraction of the cost compared to buying new custom orthotics.