Help!! Do I keep going, or not?

I walk 45 minutes very briskly three days a week, do exercise classes three days a week, and play softball on Sundays.  This past weekend I was really tired when I played softball, and not as coordinated as usual, and somehow wound up pulling a muscle in my upper right thigh while running for a ball.

I did the ice and then heat thing Sunday night and did not walk or go to class yesterday, and then iced and elevated it again last night - but it still hurts.  Should I try to "walk it off" today?  could it be hurting because I need to work it/stretch it out?  There is no visible bruising or swelling, just pain and weakness in the muscle when I try to bring my leg up in front.

 Any advice welcome - I have never been terribly athletic, so sports-related injuries are foreign territory for me!  Thanks!

RICE RICE RICE!

Rest

Ice

Compression

Elevation

 

Take some aspirin if you plan on walking. If your sure you pulled it then try doing some stretches. Don't walk if it hurts, do walk if it doesn't. Don't run!!

Do you know which muscle you pulled?

I pulled my quad in highschool running an 800 and taking off from blocks awkwardly. I sat out for the following 2 meets!!! But I still did light exercise ( just enough to work muscles, but not enough to hurt ).  Just listen to your body. If it hurts, its telling you No more!

I am not sure what the name of the muscle is...it is in my upper front thigh, and seems to cross from near my hip flexor to my inner upper thigh - but about two inches down from my groin.  It definitely has something to do with lifting and bending my leg - putting pressure/supporting my weight is not a problem, but getting into bed, my car, a chair, etc. is difficult since I have to use my hands to lift my leg up.  I am surprised at how heavy my leg is!  :)

Two questions - when you say compression, do you mean like an ACE bandage?  And how light of exercise? Just slow walking, or is the normal brisk 45 minute trek okay?  It actually hurts just sitting at my desk, so I am not sure I will be able to tell if I overdo it.

I'm no medical professional, but if it hurts just sitting in your chair then I'd give it a few days' rest from your 45 minute walk.  If it's still sore after a few days, I'd call my doctor and see about getting referred to a physiotherapist.

Thanks.  I hate to be a weenie, but I'm starting to think you are right.  I think I'll call the office today and ask about the ACE bandage...

I've done the same thing, playing softball as well, on my first run to 1st base. From my experience, you have to let it heal, which means if you're going to exercise, do things that don't work that muscle. good news is: 1 week to 1 1/2, and you're back to normal. I just made sure to really stretch before running after that.