My stupid leg...

Tiffy_Pea
Tiffy_Pea Posts: 49 Member
in Motivation and Support
I'm not even sure if this is the proper board for this topic, but I am so frustrated. It's been about a week since I had a good walking workout and hurt my left shin. I always stretch and warmup before a workout, and it didn't feel like a muscular issue. I initially thought it was perhaps a shin splint (I've never had one before, so it was just a guess), but the pain is deep and very limited to one spot. I went to see the doctor last Thursday because I was concerned. She calls it tendonitis, gives me a prescription anti-inflammatory, says take it easy for 3-4 days, and ice it a little. Call her in a week if it's not any better. Well, I called today, because despite doing everything that she says, it is not any better at all. I went in for an xray today, and it came back normal.

Now I'm waiting for a call back, as they offered no other suggestions or courses of action. Am I wrong to be frustrated and irritated? I just want some answers. I've been told by people who have had similar issues that if it's a stress fracture, it may not show up on an xray. Do I need to push for an MRI?

Also, what about cardio? It's painful to even walk slowly, and I'm scared to continue riding my bike for commuting purposes, although I may be brave and try it. Any other suggestions for cardio activities?

Replies

  • Tiffy_Pea
    Tiffy_Pea Posts: 49 Member
    Bumping for any advice or suggestions!
  • dysonspacz
    dysonspacz Posts: 76 Member
    How long has this been going on? Did it gradually start bothering you or was it suddenly one day you were in pain? Do you wear supportive shoes regularly or do you wear flip flops or just socks a lot when you're at home or working or out and about?

    Tendonitis takes time to heal depending on where it is and the severity of it.
  • 1brokegal44
    1brokegal44 Posts: 562 Member
    I'd give it longer than a week to heal. I've been fighting a pulled/cramped hamstring for 6 months. I'm definitely not suggesting you wait 6 months, but it will probably take longer than a week of anti-inflammatory meds and icing. Also, X-rays won't show soft tissue damage so if your regular doc doesn't have a solution, you may want to see a doctor who specializes in sports related injuries.
  • ncahill77
    ncahill77 Posts: 501 Member
    Tendonitis sucks, I got it in my forearm elbow area a year ago and I am probably at about 80-85% finally. Give it a little time then start working back into things slowly, if it hurts back off.
  • Tiffy_Pea
    Tiffy_Pea Posts: 49 Member
    Thank you very much everyone! I wasn't expecting instant relief, but I thought it would have atleast improved. I did go get some better shoes, so that when I am able to work back up to exercise, I will have more support. It certainly wasn't a gradual thing, this pain came on very suddenly. I was told by the doctor after I posted to call back in a week if there was no change so that they could schedule a bone mri. Hoping that won't be necessary!
  • grimendale
    grimendale Posts: 2,153 Member
    Try doing toe lifts. When you're seated on the couch (or wherever), lift you leg off of the floor and point your toes straight out. Rotating at the ankle, point your toes towards the ceiling, as far as they can go, without moving your leg. Return to pointing your toes. Do this until the muscle starts to get tired. This will strengthen the stabilizer muscles for teh front of your leg and help take the stress of off the tendons. It will reduce the chance of shin splints and tendonitis in the future. Hope this helps.
  • Emtabo01
    Emtabo01 Posts: 672
    I got what I'd guess is shin splints after a very hilly walk/jog. I'm not a walker or a jogger. They took about 1-2 months before I stopped noticing the pain completely. It wouldn't hurt constantly after a week or so, but I'd notice it if I was jumping during a warm up or if walking up or down hill in that month or so time frame. I'd just give it a little more time personally, but I have crappy insurance and pretty much have to have a bone sticking through skin before I bring my *kitten* to a doctor.

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