Pain Pain Pain!!!

rachielyon

Can someone please offer advice OTHER than "don't run" ? That's all I seem to hear from my hubby and my MIL. When I run I get excruciating calf pain on the inner side of both my calves. I also get a lasting pain in my right ankle and have noticed a small bulge under my ankle bone. The calf thing I am assuming is just cramping which I deal with my stretching more before and after. But the ankle thing i'm not quite sure about. And I can't stop running!!!! I love it Anyone know anything about this? Thanks!

darrenham

Stretching will not help if you're in pain. It's more likely to cause further damage.

STOP RUNNING for a week at least.

If it's still hurting then go and see a doctor and ask to be referred to a physiotherapist.

danamfinn

Do you drink alot of milk? I noticed that when I run I get calf pain occassionally but after a good stretch and downing a glass of milk or protein, you will feel a lot better! If you aren't a milk drinker, I would definitely do a protein shake before your work out....everyone is different but it can't hurt to try. Good Luck!

RunHardBeStrong

Stretching will not help if you're in pain. It's more likely to cause further damage.

STOP RUNNING for a week at least.

If it's still hurting then go and see a doctor and ask to be referred to a physiotherapist.

I agree with this! Also do you strength train? Maybe need to build these muscles? But only after the pain subsides please don't go adding anymore right now! Good Luck!

SailorMoon007

Have you tried going to a running store? It could be something easy, like you're wearing the wrong kind of running shoes for the way you run. Hope it works out for you!

yes_i_can

Did you get your shoes based on a specialty store recommendation? Shoes are -extremely- important for injury-free running. A good running store will look at the shape of your foot, how your old shoes are worn in spots, you running and walking gait, etc. and will match you with the best fit for you.

Stretching is also very important - either before and after or after a quick warm-up and after.

I'm also a beginning runner, but I have a couple marathoners in my family, so I'm gathering and passing on as much advice as I can!!

rachielyon

Just what I don't want to hear ( Danamfinn: I drink milk every day and make sure to eat banana every day (almost) because I know it helps w/cramping. I also eat a protein bar and/or drink a protein shake after every workout. I do strength train during every workout as well. I am pushing 170 on a calf press and 210 on the leg press. So I know my muscles are good and strong ) I just don't want to stop running to fix this pain (

hroush

I'm also thinking a shoe problem. Also, make sure you are taking in plenty of potassium.

Also, the "bump" you're talking about, is that just the bone starting to come through as you're losing weight?

Xaspar

I have a very similar issue.
My pain is caused by a very funky injury that has caused the connective tissue from the ligament to detach and the muscle is rolling around in there.
Stretch after and then way after (a few hours after working out to loosen up muscles that have tightened up over time). I have also been warned not to 'over-stretch' before my workout ... stretch just enough to warm the muscles up a little, but not to truly loosen them up because you are about to ask them to perform.
Honestly though, I am not a doctor and couldn't even begin to offer diagnosis or treatment. You may want to consider going to see a doctor or a physical therapist.

light_shimmer

Rest is the only thing that will help the pain right away ( as far as I know, I'm no expert) but I know there's running braces for trouble joints. There's a guy down the street who runs several miles a day ( I drive by and wave happily, I'm not in running mode yet lol) but he has a brace on his knee, and some sort of wrap on both ankles. His stride is always smooth looking, so I'm assuming there's no pain. A running store would maybe be able to tell you more, or even a chiropractor.

rachielyon

Did you get your shoes based on a specialty store recommendation? Shoes are -extremely- important for injury-free running. A good running store will look at the shape of your foot, how your old shoes are worn in spots, you running and walking gait, etc. and will match you with the best fit for you.

Stretching is also very important - either before and after or after a quick warm-up and after.

I'm also a beginning runner, but I have a couple marathoners in my family, so I'm gathering and passing on as much advice as I can!!

THANK YOU!!!!! I will definitely do this! I have a couple friends who run marathons who told me I may have an awkward gait which could cause pain. I have a somewhat new pair of Asics runners that I broke in with several hours of walking before I used them to run. But, they may just not be right for my feet. THANK YOU )

rachielyon

I'm also thinking a shoe problem. Also, make sure you are taking in plenty of potassium.

Also, the "bump" you're talking about, is that just the bone starting to come through as you're losing weight?

LOL. Thanks but I'm not THAT silly ) This lump is right below my ankle bone which has always been showing ) It's soft and painful to the touch and basically looks like it may be a pocket of fluid building up just lower than my ankle bone. So I am hoping someone else has it so they can tell me if my suspicion is correct )

byroman

Try warming up your leg muscles before you sretch them. The best way would be a personal masseuse, but who has one of those? a great alternative is to get a rolling pin ang roll out yout quads, hamstrings, calves, and shins before you stretch. this does a couple of things for you. It gets blood flowing into the muscles, which helps them heal, and it warms the muscles so that they strech easier. massaging/rolling after running is a good idea, as well for the same reasons. there is a product on the market caled " the stick", which is a flexible rod with rollers, tht prety much does the same thing as the rolling pin, but may be a little more effective due to its flexibility.

Along with this, back off the intensity of the running. Be patient, and build the distance before the intensity, then add intensity. If this fails, or as an alernative, go see a good orthapedic chiroproator. I have a good one who helped me solve a kne issue that I thought would never let me run again.

rachielyon

byroman: Thank you! I will look it up ) I used to have a large foam roll that I would lay on to "roll" my back after a car accident I had that messed me up. It worked wonders on my stubborn spasms. Thanks )

breezymom81

Stretching is also very important - either before and after or after a quick warm-up and after.

Please do not do stretches until after you have warmed up!! If you stretch a cold muscle you are likely yo tear it!! Do a good warm up in addition to good shoes that fit the way you run you may need an ankle brace, just some extra support. I am not a runner but still need one sometimes when I work out. I have a super small frame and have put on too much weight for it! The more I work out the more knee pain I have. (Damn cheerleading!!)

TheDeviation

Stop running. Try using an eliptical instead until you get this figured out.

Did you get your shoes based on a specialty store recommendation? Shoes are -extremely- important for injury-free running. A good running store will look at the shape of your foot, how your old shoes are worn in spots, you running and walking gait, etc. and will match you with the best fit for you.

Stretching is also very important - either before and after or after a quick warm-up and after.

I'm also a beginning runner, but I have a couple marathoners in my family, so I'm gathering and passing on as much advice as I can!!

^ This is what you need to do. ..and see a doctor for that "bulge" you mentioned.

Please do not do stretches until after you have warmed up!!

^Very true. Not like they taught you in gym class. Or at least me.

rachielyon

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Please do not do stretches until after you have warmed up!! If you stretch a cold muscle you are likely yo tear it!! Do a good warm up in addition to good shoes that fit the way you run you may need an ankle brace, just some extra support. I am not a runner but still need one sometimes when I work out. I have a super small frame and have put on too much weight for it! The more I work out the more knee pain I have. (Damn cheerleading!!)
[/quote]

I am going to try getting an ace bandage ankle wrap and see if that helps some. I have a super large frame, and still managed to put on way too much weight for it lol. I'm 5'7'' and I am built really solid. At my smallest I weighed 140 and had wider shoulders than the boys in my classes at school. I don't know if that has anything to do with joint problems? LOL. Thanks!! )

Lisone

The calf thing sounds like shin splints.. I used to suffer from that too! Ouch! I got special inserts for my sneakers and shoes and instead of running, I powerwalk.. either uphill or just on a slight incline. I think the medical term for shin splints is "plantar fasciatus..." (Spelling??) Basically, people who have flat feet! Good luck to you. I recommend the inserts, they can really help.

rachielyon

Stop running. Try using an eliptical instead until you get this figured out.

Did you get your shoes based on a specialty store recommendation? Shoes are -extremely- important for injury-free running. A good running store will look at the shape of your foot, how your old shoes are worn in spots, you running and walking gait, etc. and will match you with the best fit for you.

Stretching is also very important - either before and after or after a quick warm-up and after.

I'm also a beginning runner, but I have a couple marathoners in my family, so I'm gathering and passing on as much advice as I can!!

^ This is what you need to do. ..and see a doctor for that "bulge" you mentioned.

Please do not do stretches until after you have warmed up!!

^Very true. Not like they taught you in gym class. Or at least me.

I am planning on seeing a doctor soon! I have to wait for my health insurance to kick in which isn't for another month. *depressing!* I don't want to baby myself for a month so I have been pushing through the pain and just cutting back on how much I run and trying to walk more. *sigh*

darrenham

Just what I don't want to hear ( Danamfinn: I drink milk every day and make sure to eat banana every day (almost) because I know it helps w/cramping. I also eat a protein bar and/or drink a protein shake after every workout. I do strength train during every workout as well. I am pushing 170 on a calf press and 210 on the leg press. So I know my muscles are good and strong ) I just don't want to stop running to fix this pain (

There's a massive difference between the forces put out during a lift and during running.

I echo the shoe comments, do you have specialised running trainers? You don't have to spend loads. Don't tell anybody, but I get my feet measured at a running shop and then go elsewhere for the shoes they recommend If I had the money, I'd gladly pay the extra, but I don't.

DO NOT push through the pain, you aren't stopping running, you're taking a break to allow your body to recover. In fact that could be another part of the issue. You will only make the situation worse if you continue to run on an overuse injury.

rachielyon

The calf thing sounds like shin splints.. I used to suffer from that too! Ouch! I got special inserts for my sneakers and shoes and instead of running, I powerwalk.. either uphill or just on a slight incline. I think the medical term for shin splints is "plantar fasciatus..." (Spelling??) Basically, people who have flat feet! Good luck to you. I recommend the inserts, they can really help.

Good thoughts ) I do have a problem with shin splints, however i had only experienced them when running on pavement or even when walking on pavement at a fast pace. Also, when I experienced that pain it was directly up the center of my shins. This new pain is directly on the innermost side of each calf. So, I was thinking it had to do with muscle tightness rather than shin splints. I could be wrong which is why I am asking all of you lol. I will ask my Dr. when I go (

rachielyon

Just what I don't want to hear ( Danamfinn: I drink milk every day and make sure to eat banana every day (almost) because I know it helps w/cramping. I also eat a protein bar and/or drink a protein shake after every workout. I do strength train during every workout as well. I am pushing 170 on a calf press and 210 on the leg press. So I know my muscles are good and strong ) I just don't want to stop running to fix this pain (

There's a massive difference between the forces put out during a lift and during running.

I echo the shoe comments, do you have specialised running trainers? You don't have to spend loads. Don't tell anybody, but I get my feet measured at a running shop and then go elsewhere for the shoes they recommend If I had the money, I'd gladly pay the extra, but I don't.

DO NOT push through the pain, you aren't stopping running, you're taking a break to allow your body to recover. In fact that could be another part of the issue. You will only make the situation worse if you continue to run on an overuse injury.

ok ok ( I do have a great pair of shoes they may just not be right for my feet when I run. I am going to see what I have access to near by as far as a specialized running store. I agree completely with the whole shoe theory and will definitely follow through on that. I will also have to consider taking a small break from running. I think I have honestly strained my calves and will probably need to see a sports medicine massage therapist and see if they can work it out for me.

SHBoss1673

look, as a personal trainer, and someone who's done sports my whole life (and a runner, I do races all year) I can tell you that ignoring, or trying to diminish actual pain from running is not the answer. You MUST have consistent pain examined by a doctor. There's no way around it, preferably you'd want a referral to an orthopedist as GP doctors aren't specialists in this kind of injury.
Think about it this way, this could be something simple, that you can fix in a few weeks with the help of a doctor, but as usually happens with injuries, the longer you go without proper diagnosis and treatment, the higher the chances that this will become a chronic and/or lifelong injury.

You may not want to hear it, but there's no way around it. and I tell all my clients this, if something HURTS, I mean truly hurts and not just aches or is sore, then you STOP, use the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), and if it continues to hurt, go have it checked out.

rachielyon

look, as a personal trainer, and someone who's done sports my whole life (and a runner, I do races all year) I can tell you that ignoring, or trying to diminish actual pain from running is not the answer. You MUST have consistent pain examined by a doctor. There's no way around it, preferably you'd want a referral to an orthopedist as GP doctors aren't specialists in this kind of injury.
Think about it this way, this could be something simple, that you can fix in a few weeks with the help of a doctor, but as usually happens with injuries, the longer you go without proper diagnosis and treatment, the higher the chances that this will become a chronic and/or lifelong injury.

You may not want to hear it, but there's no way around it. and I tell all my clients this, if something HURTS, I mean truly hurts and not just aches or is sore, then you STOP, use the RICE principle (Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation), and if it continues to hurt, go have it checked out.

I guess there really isn't any way around it lol. I am so motivated to run and it is so FUN! that I just haven't wanted to stop ( I have lasting injuries in my back/hips from a car accident and I know that could be related to me having an awkward gait when I run. It isn't anything so drastic that a random person would notice it but I think it's been enough to throw me off just a hair. I have no health insurance until June so that is part of the problem right now. I guess i'll just have to wait til then (

rachielyon

I also know that I am medically considered as morbidly obese at 279lbs on a 5'7'' frame. I was honestly really hoping that my biggest problem in causing pain was just that I'm heavy.

rachielyon

AND....I have been thinking about buying a pair of Vibram Five Fingers for quite some time. Does anyone have any personal experience with these shoes to share? Thanks!!!

chrisyoung0422

Try warming up your leg muscles before you sretch them. The best way would be a personal masseuse, but who has one of those? a great alternative is to get a rolling pin ang roll out yout quads, hamstrings, calves, and shins before you stretch. this does a couple of things for you. It gets blood flowing into the muscles, which helps them heal, and it warms the muscles so that they strech easier. massaging/rolling after running is a good idea, as well for the same reasons. there is a product on the market caled " the stick", which is a flexible rod with rollers, tht prety much does the same thing as the rolling pin, but may be a little more effective due to its flexibility.

Along with this, back off the intensity of the running. Be patient, and build the distance before the intensity, then add intensity. If this fails, or as an alernative, go see a good orthapedic chiroproator. I have a good one who helped me solve a kne issue that I thought would never let me run again.

I am so going to bust out a rolling pin in the stretching area @ the gym! HAHA :noway: The look on faces would be priceless.

I agree with making sure you have the correct type of shoe for your feet, legs etc.

As for the lump that sounds like something a dr should take a look at...

brneydgrlie

Until you get 1) Checked out by a doctor and 2) Are sure you have the right shoes, I would maybe do something with less impact on your joints. Maybe swimming?

SHBoss1673

I also know that I am medically considered as morbidly obese at 279lbs on a 5'7'' frame. I was honestly really hoping that my biggest problem in causing pain was just that I'm heavy.

RICE would be best, that doesn't mean you need to stop exercising, just stop the high impact stuff. Use a bike, go swim, Heck, go to the park and try some grass running drills (far less shock on the legs from running in grass, and bonus, it's harder on your core and that's a good thing for balance work). Don't give up on the running, just give yourself a few weeks to recover and do some low/no impact stuff instead.

TheDeviation

AND....I have been thinking about buying a pair of Vibram Five Fingers for quite some time. Does anyone have any personal experience with these shoes to share? Thanks!!!

I wouldn't buy those yet. Get checked by your doctor first. Then go check out a local running store. Vibrams are great shoes if you already have good form.

rachielyon

AND....I have been thinking about buying a pair of Vibram Five Fingers for quite some time. Does anyone have any personal experience with these shoes to share? Thanks!!!

I wouldn't buy those yet. Get checked by your doctor first. Then go check out a local running store. Vibrams are great shoes if you already have good form.

Good to know. I having a hard time finding a specialty store, could you recommended the name of one so I can search for a specific place? Thanks for all the good advice everyone!