Injured leg from running, now what do I do?

lmmenard78
lmmenard78 Posts: 14 Member
in Introduce Yourself
I love to run and will normally run 3-4 times a week, but about 2 weeks ago I did something to my leg, while running, and now I'm having a hard time to even walk on it. The pain is in my quad, but will spread from my hip down to my knee. I have been running on it and know i shouldn't but I'm too stubborn sometimes :) I finally come to realize that I need to give it a rest for a week or two, but I also don't want to stop all cardio. What can I do for excerise since I can't run? I do live in a small town and there isn't a gym or pool with in 30 miles of me. Any advise would be greatly appricated!

Replies

  • JupeJones
    JupeJones Posts: 107 Member
    Are you able to ride a bike?
  • thatjosiegirl
    thatjosiegirl Posts: 362 Member
    I'm in the same boat! I have been having some persistent shin pain (I fear it's a stress fracture), so I'm also taking a step back from running for a couple of weeks.

    You should probably start by visiting a Dr and have them take a look at that before continuing to exercise. As for a good non-running cardio workout go download the Nike Training Club app. They have some killer workouts on that app that are pure cardio, you will love them! I am obsessed with that app and it's workouts!
  • lmmenard78
    lmmenard78 Posts: 14 Member
    I could ride a bike, if I had one :)
  • lmmenard78
    lmmenard78 Posts: 14 Member
    I will definitely look into that app! Thanks :)
    I just love running so much and it makes me sad knowing I need to take a break for a couple weeks but it's for the best, I guess!
  • shank35l
    shank35l Posts: 102 Member
    I would suggest two things

    1. transition to low impact where possible for a time.
    2. If it continues seek medical help.
  • _Waffle_
    _Waffle_ Posts: 13,049 Member
    I'm in the same boat! I have been having some persistent shin pain (I fear it's a stress fracture), so I'm also taking a step back from running for a couple of weeks.

    You should probably start by visiting a Dr and have them take a look at that before continuing to exercise. As for a good non-running cardio workout go download the Nike Training Club app. They have some killer workouts on that app that are pure cardio, you will love them! I am obsessed with that app and it's workouts!

    Change shoes. My shins were bothering me and this fixed the issue instantly.

    // True Story
  • awesomedjmcvey
    awesomedjmcvey Posts: 50 Member
    Last year I blew my knee out running. During the healing I did Yoga 4 days a week. Low impact and actually progressed the healing in the knee. Now I do yoga 2 times a week.
  • kshadows
    kshadows Posts: 1,315 Member
    Check your shoes (are they fitted by a running store?), your form, and see an orthopedic surgeon or sports medicine doctor. Don't give up running, just get past the injury :)
  • KpopGrad92
    KpopGrad92 Posts: 93 Member
    I fractured the bottom of my tibia a few weeks ago. I was lucky that I only needed a walking boot for a few weeks and am almost out of it. I have been doing arm exercises with small weights. They are less the 10lbs and I got each for $5 at 5 below. I also have been doing ab work and been doing sitting cardio. I forget exactly what site it is on but run a google search and it should come up. Give it time to rest too. I only would do 2 or 3 30 minute workouts and then a ton of resting. Best of luck mate!
  • brandiuntz
    brandiuntz Posts: 2,717 Member
    1. Figure out what exactly the injury is so you treat it properly. Pulled quad? IT band issue? Figure that out so you know what you can do that won't aggravate it.

    2. Look up low-impact exercises. Cycling or swimming are good choice, usually. Otherwise, calisthenics that are low-impact might be good.

    3. Get it healed before you run again. Two weeks off from running is nothing compared to making the injury worse and having to take months off.
  • GiddyupTim
    GiddyupTim Posts: 2,819 Member
    I like the yoga idea. Or some kind of calisthenics that do not involve jumping or impact (sit-ups, push-ups, air squats or goblet squats, reverse lunges, etc.)
    Remember, you gotta take a break when injured. Otherwise, it just lingers, and you are either down or under-performing for even longer.
    It is hard. I know what you are going through. I recently was on crutches for 12 weeks, and then had to take the long road back.
    Good luck.
  • thatjosiegirl
    thatjosiegirl Posts: 362 Member
    I'm in the same boat! I have been having some persistent shin pain (I fear it's a stress fracture), so I'm also taking a step back from running for a couple of weeks.

    You should probably start by visiting a Dr and have them take a look at that before continuing to exercise. As for a good non-running cardio workout go download the Nike Training Club app. They have some killer workouts on that app that are pure cardio, you will love them! I am obsessed with that app and it's workouts!

    Change shoes. My shins were bothering me and this fixed the issue instantly.

    // True Story

    That's the plan once I am pain free! I am almost sure my issue is bio-mechanical in nature, I'm hoping to get a full gait analysis done to get better insight into what is going on. I've had other injuries from running and changed shoes, that seemed to fix those issues but now it seems I've just run into others. I'm not about to give up running quite yet. :smile:
  • lmmenard78
    lmmenard78 Posts: 14 Member
    thanks everyone for the great advise :) I'm definitely going to take some time off from running and now I'm focusing more on core and hip work so hopefully this iinjury doesn't happen again!
  • GuybrushThreepw00d
    GuybrushThreepw00d Posts: 784 Member
    Injured leg from running, now what do I do?

    hop.
  • clensor1955
    clensor1955 Posts: 187 Member
    Definitely rest so your injury can recover, but you could do some upper body calisthenics, yoga, and foam roller exercises until you are healed enough to resume running. You might want your doctor to evaluate your injury just to be on the safe side. I love running to, but I have found that alternating between cycling & running really helps with injuries and muscle soreness. Hope you get back to running soon. Add me as friend if you like.

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