Best Cushioned Running Shoes - three runners on sunny road. Image accompanying iRunFar’s report; reduced and presented for news commentary with the attributed report. View the complete source report.
Runners often misdiagnose knee and hip pain, attributing it to leg injuries. However, sudden, severe pain may originate from the upper lumbar spine, according to Joe Uhan, a physiotherapist.
Uhan explains that upper lumbar spine issues can cause pain in the hip, anterior thigh, and knee, often without lower back pain. This pain can be severe, sudden, and unresponsive to standard care. Read more racing coverage.
Neurogenic pain from the upper lumbar spine can mimic joint pain, making diagnosis challenging. Runners should consider lumbar spine imaging if they experience unexplained, severe leg pain. Related: Engelhard and Beaudoin Rousseau triumph in Quebec World Cup opener.
This original Runner World brief is based on reporting from iRunFar. Visit the source for its complete reporting, context and any later corrections.
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What should runners know about Runners' Knee and Hip Pain May Originate from Upper Lumbar Spine?
Chronic knee and hip pain in runners may stem from upper lumbar spine issues. Runners often misdiagnose knee and hip pain, attributing it to leg injuries. However, sudden, severe pain may originate from the upper lumbar spine, according to Joe Uhan, a physiotherapist.
When did Runner World publish this racing brief?
Runner World published this brief on October 13, 2026. The underlying iRunFar report was dated October 13, 2026.
Where can readers find the complete original report?
This summary is based on reporting from iRunFar. The attributed source link in the article leads to the publisher’s complete report.
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