I don't know whether to title this "uh oh" or "ouch!"

kylamaries

(Sorry for the length!)

I've been running almost daily (with occasional rest days) since the end of February. I will admit I don't have the best shoes but I am currently planning on purchasing a pair soon ("soon" as in just a few weeks) and I haven't run as long or as fast as I want to yet because of this. I stretch before and after every walk in addition to a warm-up walk and a cool-down walk. I increased my route from 1.5 miles to 2 miles on June 18th and can run the entire thing comfortably.

I have extremely flat feet and -- to be quite honest -- I knew an injury would happen in just a matter of time. A few runs ago, I noticed my right thigh (outer) was very sore (felt like a muscle strain). I took the run slowly and iced/elevated it when I got home. I started the 30 day squat challenge 4 days ago (today is a rest day, thank goodness) but realized the inner of my right thigh was sore as well, and mentally prepared myself to quit the challenge until it heals. I stopped doing Zumba altogether and while I initially took my runs very slowly I've decided to take an indefinite break from running too.

Today I rode on a 4th of July parade float and when it jolted forward, I was thrown off-balance; my right knee clicked funny and now it's been super-stiff as well. But here's my main problem: What in the world CAN I do with a bum leg? Conveniently, our stationary bike is broken (I have a mountain bike but I don't have a helmet nor appropriate clothing) and I do not have access to a pool. Any ideas will be appreciated!

While I know I'm asking strangers, this is a public forum on a social network with highly active people and I'm sure someone knows something about leg injuries: Should I just wait to see if my thigh/knee gets better or get it checked out sooner rather than later?

chelstakencharge

I would get it checked to be on the safe side.

BeachIron

Take a week off. You are building minor, nagging injury on top of minor, nagging injury and sooner or later something more significant will pop. A one week break is often a very good idea to give your body time to heal and recover. If that's not enough take two weeks, but make sure you get right back at it when your break is over.

That said, a doctor's exam is a good idea.

jenifr818

(Sorry for the length!)

I've been running almost daily (with occasional rest days) since the end of February. I will admit I don't have the best shoes but I am currently planning on purchasing a pair soon ("soon" as in just a few weeks) and I haven't run as long or as fast as I want to yet because of this. I stretch before and after every walk in addition to a warm-up walk and a cool-down walk. I increased my route from 1.5 miles to 2 miles on June 18th and can run the entire thing comfortably.

I have extremely flat feet and -- to be quite honest -- I knew an injury would happen in just a matter of time. A few runs ago, I noticed my right thigh (outer) was very sore (felt like a muscle strain). I took the run slowly and iced/elevated it when I got home. I started the 30 day squat challenge 4 days ago (today is a rest day, thank goodness) but realized the inner of my right thigh was sore as well, and mentally prepared myself to quit the challenge until it heals. I stopped doing Zumba altogether and while I initially took my runs very slowly I've decided to take an indefinite break from running too.

Today I rode on a 4th of July parade float and when it jolted forward, I was thrown off-balance; my right knee clicked funny and now it's been super-stiff as well. But here's my main problem: What in the world CAN I do with a bum leg? Conveniently, our stationary bike is broken (I have a mountain bike but I don't have a helmet nor appropriate clothing) and I do not have access to a pool. Any ideas will be appreciated!

While I know I'm asking strangers, this is a public forum on a social network with highly active people and I'm sure someone knows something about leg injuries: Should I just wait to see if my thigh/knee gets better or get it checked out sooner rather than later?

Get it checked out sooner than later. Don't mess around with foot injuries. Also, if you have flat feet, I highly recommend going to a high quality sporting goods store to get fitted for a proper pair of shoes. Yes they are expensive, but they are worth their weight in gold. My SO has very flat feet and couldn't do exercise at all; we got a pair of good athletic shoes and now he's able to do all sorts of stuff.

For now, until you're healed, do some upper body exercises. You can do Bicep curls, or do dumbbell rows while seated on a chair. If you don't have dumbbells, use a full milk jug.

BeachIron

I should add that I run barefoot and am quite flat footed. If I'm on a surface where I need more protection then I use Vibrams. If you choose this route though do it slowly as it does take time to build your feet up both in terms of calluses and in terms of foot and calf strength.

kylamaries

Get it checked out sooner than later. Don't mess around with foot injuries. Also, if you have flat feet, I highly recommend going to a high quality sporting goods store to get fitted for a proper pair of shoes. Yes they are expensive, but they are worth their weight in gold. My SO has very flat feet and couldn't do exercise at all; we got a pair of good athletic shoes and now he's able to do all sorts of stuff.

For now, until you're healed, do some upper body exercises. You can do Bicep curls, or do dumbbell rows while seated on a chair. If you don't have dumbbells, use a full milk jug.

I'm planning on stopping at a running store later this month/early next month :happy:

I didn't think about that, thank you!

kylamaries

I should add that I run barefoot and am quite flat footed. If I'm on a surface where I need more protection then I use Vibrams. If you choose this route though do it slowly as it does take time to build your feet up both in terms of calluses and in terms of foot and calf strength.

I've been told about this and I'll check it out! I think I'll buy a running shoe first and then come back and attempt barefoot running down the line; thanks for the suggestion!

gmallan

I had knee injuries for a while, other than swimming and cycling boxing was my favourite cardio workout. I also lifted weights throughtout my recovery. In terms of lower body weights do whatever is pain-free but for me I could only do straight leg DLs, calf raises/press, hip abductor work and weighted glute bridge/hip thruster.

kylamaries

I had knee injuries for a while, other than swimming and cycling boxing was my favourite cardio workout. I also lifted weights throughtout my recovery. In terms of lower body weights do whatever is pain-free but for me I could only do straight leg DLs, calf raises/press, hip abductor work and weighted glute bridge/hip thruster.

Glad to hear you're better (at least this is what it sounds like)! When you say cycling, do you mean stationary or around the town?