Very brisk walk on treadmill and stiffness near ankles

ForecasterJason
ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
edited November 16 in Fitness and Exercise
I've noticed this issue for a while, maybe as far back as a couple years, but never really paid much attention to it since I don't normally do much walking on a treadmill. When I walk at a fairly brisk pace, I notice that on the front side of both my legs near my ankles, I'll notice a lot of stiffness that's almost painful (but not a sharp pain). This starts happening within the first 2-3 minutes, and there seems to be a linear correlation with the speed at which I'm walking. I've suspected maybe the issue is in my stride, although it should be noted that I can jog without having this. I don't think it's the shoe since I've noticed the issue with different pairs. I just find it very weird because of the location; it's basically on the joint. My thighs and the rest of my calf muscles don't feel fatigued when this starts, it's just that little area near my ankles. Any ideas as to what's the issue?

Replies

  • Oldbitcollector
    Oldbitcollector Posts: 229 Member
    stretching before?
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    Oldbitcollector wrote: »
    stretching before?
    Do you know of any stretches for that area? Sometimes I do a little stretching before I start, but that's mainly just with my thighs.

  • AllanMisner
    AllanMisner Posts: 4,140 Member
    Try some self-myofascial release on the area (I use a lacrosse ball) and then stretch.

    The stretch can be done by pointing your toes on one of your feet, putting that foot slightly behind you (toenails on the floor), and apply pressure for 30 - 60 seconds.

  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    AllanMisner wrote: »
    Try some self-myofascial release on the area (I use a lacrosse ball) and then stretch.

    The stretch can be done by pointing your toes on one of your feet, putting that foot slightly behind you (toenails on the floor), and apply pressure for 30 - 60 seconds.
    Ok thanks, I will give this a shot.

  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    This happened to me on the treadmill. I was flexing my feet too much. Try walking and crunching your toes.
  • meritage4
    meritage4 Posts: 1,441 Member
    It's called "shin splints"
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    Shorter and quicker stride may help too. I'm guessing you are walking at a fast pace with a long stride on the treadmill.
  • futuremanda
    futuremanda Posts: 816 Member
    Do you skip your warm-up? Sometimes I get a lot of tension if I just bust into top walking speed.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    I do ankle rolls (I have no idea if that's the name for it) - just roll your foot around one way then the other. I do that every day as part of my stretching routine.

  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    meritage4 wrote: »
    It's called "shin splints"
    Yep

  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    scottb81 wrote: »
    meritage4 wrote: »
    It's called "shin splints"
    Yep

    OP said "ankles". It doesn't appear to be shin splints.
  • sofaking6
    sofaking6 Posts: 4,589 Member
    rileyes wrote: »
    scottb81 wrote: »
    meritage4 wrote: »
    It's called "shin splints"
    Yep

    OP said "ankles". It doesn't appear to be shin splints.

    The post title says ankles, but the actual post says front of the legs above the ankle.

  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    ForecasterJason wrote: »
    I've noticed this issue for a while, maybe as far back as a couple years, but never really paid much attention to it since I don't normally do much walking on a treadmill. When I walk at a fairly brisk pace, I notice that on the front side of both my legs near my ankles, I'll notice a lot of stiffness that's almost painful (but not a sharp pain). This starts happening within the first 2-3 minutes, and there seems to be a linear correlation with the speed at which I'm walking. I've suspected maybe the issue is in my stride, although it should be noted that I can jog without having this. I don't think it's the shoe since I've noticed the issue with different pairs. I just find it very weird because of the location; it's basically on the joint. My thighs and the rest of my calf muscles don't feel fatigued when this starts, it's just that little area near my ankles. Any ideas as to what's the issue?

    The bolded parts are why It doesn't seem like shin splints to me.
  • ForecasterJason
    ForecasterJason Posts: 2,577 Member
    It doesn't extend more than 2 inches above my ankles.
    futuremanda wrote: »
    Do you skip your warm-up? Sometimes I get a lot of tension if I just bust into top walking speed.
    I don't do much warmup, but even with a slightly elevated walking speed for a minute and then cranking it up some from there I get it.

  • Azdak
    Azdak Posts: 8,281 Member
    The main issue is the way that you must keep the foot in sustained dorsiflexion during the swing phase of your gait. During normal walking, one is able to relax somewhat when striding forward. When trying to walk on a treadmill at a fast speed, there is no time for the foot to relax. During running, even at a faster cadence, the time in the air during each stride allows again for relaxation. If one is attempting to speed walk, the legs must adapt to that movement--not everyone can do it comfortably, some can't do it at all. Unless you have unusually tight muscles in that area, stretching is probably not going to help that much, although it likely won't hurt. If you do not want to run, but still want to work at a higher intensity, in many cases it's better to slow the speed and walk at a higher incline.
  • rileyes
    rileyes Posts: 1,406 Member
    @Azdak This is exactly what happened to me when I walked at higher speeds on a treadmill. It is very different mechanics compared to walking outside. And, the treadmill, takes a few trial and errors (in my case) to figure it out.
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