Leg pain from running

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Hi,

I've just started lightly running from power walking on the treadmill. Last night I noticed I started getting pains going down the front of my leg between my ankle and knee...anyone know what these are? Found it a bit uncomfortable....like growing pains or something??!?!?!?

Replies

  • lovelyl0ve
    lovelyl0ve Posts: 25 Member
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    Possibly shin splits. They're very common and painful as heck. Rest, ice, and stretch! Best thing for any running injury.
  • Dave198lbs
    Dave198lbs Posts: 8,810 Member
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    the pain to worry about usually are at the joints...knees...ankles..pain/aches along the shins is common for "new" runners" ...its a good sign actually...means you worked ....sharp pain is bad...aches in mucsles mean slow down a bit,,,,but keep going...listen to your body but dont wimp out....a tricky businress..
  • Ahluvly
    Ahluvly Posts: 389 Member
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    Thanks for the replies! I literally blasted an hour doing RPM (Spinning) then hit the treadmill. I was a bit gutted as I felt quite energetic! Will take your advice and listen to my body! Thanks again!
  • SilverOnTheTree
    SilverOnTheTree Posts: 102 Member
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    There are some really good posts about shin splints from trainers & gym people on here - search for old topics. Look for the posts with reasons behind the instructions. It's mostly about how to reduce impact, build stamina, and when you might need to take a break.

    Here' one!
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/322021-help-with-your-shin-splints
  • em9371
    em9371 Posts: 1,047 Member
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    sounds like shin splints, usually caused by ill fitting shoes or overtraining.
    As one of other posters said, rest, ice and stretch until you are feeling better, then increase your training slowly (recommended to add no more than 10% to time or mileage each time), and make sure you stretch well afterwards.
    if you are still having trouble, go to a proper running shop to be fitted for some new shoes, I had some Nike running shoes once and they gave me terrible shin splints, now wear Brooks or New Balance and I'm fine unless I overdo it!
  • MelanieAG05
    MelanieAG05 Posts: 359 Member
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    i used to get that when I started running - it is just strain on your shins. take it easy!! some of those treadmills are hard going on the legs!
  • BerryH
    BerryH Posts: 4,698 Member
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    Shin splints are very common among newbie runners. As others have said, rest and ice.

    To stretch, kneel down with the top of your feet flat on the floor and lean back. Strengthen the muscle down the front of the shin by writing out the alphabet with your toes - no, really!

    The most important thing is to get some running shoes properly fitted at a specialist shop.

    One very, very simple thing that often causes shin pain in beginners is you may be doing an exaggerated toe-lift with every step because you're trying to land on your heel. Don't do this unless it feel natural to you, it doesn't suit everyone and many people advocate mid- or forefoot landing. Just let your leg swing naturally forward and don't worry about what your foot is doing.

    Here are my beginner's running tips, hope they help. Check out number 8!
    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/BerryH/view/20-things-i-wish-i-d-known-about-running-when-i-started-103936
  • BobbyClerici
    BobbyClerici Posts: 813 Member
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    the pain to worry about usually are at the joints...knees...ankles..pain/aches along the shins is common for "new" runners" ...its a good sign actually...means you worked ....sharp pain is bad...aches in mucsles mean slow down a bit,,,,but keep going...listen to your body but dont wimp out....a tricky businress..
    ^^^^^^
    THIS
  • stayxtrue
    stayxtrue Posts: 1,190 Member
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    ok most people confuse some muscle strain with shin splints. According to my physio if you were to have shin splints you would be finding it extremely hard to even walk!

    I was getting the same pain.... Its the solius muscle which is the muscle which runs down the side of your shin. Most people dont think about stretching this. Its perfectly normal for a first time runner. Its just the muscle tightening up. The best thing to do is to Massage it with your thumb up and down, IT WILL HURT hahaha thats a for warning. But the pain will lessen as you keep doing it.

    But I doubt they are shin splints, as thats the muscle actually torn from the bone and you would be unable to walk. Hopefully that helps :)
  • stayxtrue
    stayxtrue Posts: 1,190 Member
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    double post