Runner Help...diagnose me!

[mcppalmbeach]

I’m thinking shin splints. I’m midway through C25K.

I ran Tuesday with no issues. Wednesday I ran again and something wasn’t right. My calf felt tight and about midway through it started to hurt on the inside of my leg (so not my shin exactly). When I run I feel it from about 6 inches above my ankle and down, but one spot two inches above my ankle is really painful to touch.

Ran again on Friday and today and It still hurt. regular walking is fine, but if I push on that spot it is definitely tender (after running If I pushed on it it was excruciating).

Shin splints? Or something else? Awesome stretch or help suggestions? I don’t really want to take a break based on my schedule I can run tomorrow and will not probably be able to go Tuesday or Wednesday so I’ll get a two day break then if I can power through tomorrow/

[stephm0188]

Shin splints are more on the front. It's probably just tightness in your calves, which is super common.

You can look up some calf stretches to do at home. Definitely consider investing in a decent foam roller or stick roller and help break up those adhesions. If it's painful to run, then take a rest day and work on mobility and loosening up.

The longer answer is that if you plan to stick with running, incorporate some strength work. I discovered my tight calves were because of weak hips and glutes. Once I addressed that and my muscles started firing properly, so did the issues I was having further down the chain.


Not a doctor, so that's just my runner's opinion.

[jane6672]

Yes, try some fascial release. foam rolling (or use a water bottle), a lacrosse ball or tennis ball. Find the tender spot and pause there to point and flex your foot.

What are you doing for your run warm up and cool down?

Also, if it’s just the one calf - are you running on the road? and do you always do the same loop/direction? Since the road typically tilts down to one side for drainage, if you’re always running in the same direction, then the uneven surface can end up causing issues. Try running it in reverse.

[jane6672]

Also agreed with Steph’s comments.
Highly recommend the book Anatomy for Runners, it will help you assess where you have weakness or imbalances and has corrective exercises to address them.

www.amazon.com/Anatomy-Runners-Unlocking-Potential-Prevention/dp/1620871599/ref=asc_df_1620871599/

[goldengirlz]

Whenever I have pain, that usually means it’s time to replace my sneakers. Have you been fitted at a running store yet? Having the right sneakers makes a huge difference!

Also, I would rest it if I were you. Don’t be sidelined for a week because you didn’t want to rest an extra day. It really won’t make a difference in the grand scheme of things, and you’re better off doing other lower impact exercises or strength training tomorrow.

[georgeglass]

My husband had pain that he diagnosed himself and used a foam roller to stretch out. He would cry out when rolling the spot and he kept running despite the pain. Finally, he went to the doctor. It was a stress fracture and by not resting (and foam rolling!), he ended up in a boot for 8 weeks.

Rest tomorrow. If it's still sore to the touch, go to the doctor.

[sadlebred]

A percussion massage can also help with tight muscles. If it continues, please see a doctor.