Runner question- aching lower legs

I've been increasing my mileage recently, going up to 6 days a week. But I wasn't increasing any more than the golden '10% rule'. So I'm not quite sure why my lower legs/ calves started aching. It's not shin splints, I've had them before and it's not just a pain in my shins. When I had a massage last week he said that there was fluid around my calves for some reason, and told me to ice them and try sticking my legs up the wall. So I've been doing that but it's still sticking around. I hadn't run for the last 2 days (because of a blister) and they still didn't feel great when I ran tonight. I can feel a bit of an ache when I'm not running too. I'm going to try and see a physio, but I'm just wondering if anybody else has had this before and do you have any suggestions?

I might give it a few days more before you take the time and money to see a doctor -- it sounds like usual soreness from increasing mileage.... Unless you are posting because the pain seems very great or unusual, in which case I apologize!

I'm not sure how much you are currently running or from where you've increased... In my current training for a half I had really horrible calf and knee pains after the first month when things started to get real. Now, about three months later, I rarely ever have pain or soreness except the usual tiredness above the 8-mile mark.

Of course you want to try RICE as your other therapist already recommended -- rest, ice, elevation, compression.

Other things I did that helped my pain decrease were strength training and foam rolling. The strength training has really helped the muscular imbalances caused by running, and has strengthened both my calves and all the muscles around my knees. Foam rolling helps stretch out the myofascial tissue that connects all your joints. It also feels SOOO GOOD after a brutal run! Google "foam rolling exercises for runners" for some ideas I got a cool one with different raised areas on the surface for acupressure, so you can use it for self-massage of your muscles.

Good luck!! Hope you feel better soon. I'm betting you will.

You might need better running shoes or it's getting worn out. That usually helps with most of the pain in the legs

Again, I think this might be related to overall foot and leg strength High-support "stabilizing" running shoes can actually weaken your natural foot muscles over time. I run in low-support shoes for long distances, and totally barefoot sometimes for a few miles (anything over that and the ground here gets too hot). I don't have any arch issues though, so I can't speak to that... BUT, I trained myself to get up to low-support shoes by spending months walking around barefoot and/or in flat, hard-bottomed flip-flops or shoes like Converse, Vans, etc.

I think this has made a huge difference in my running pain levels -- or rather, lack thereof! Check out the book 'Born to Run' for some interesting perspective on it.

Running isn't good for you, no one smiles when they run, drive instead ;-)

Again, I think this might be related to overall foot and leg strength High-support "stabilizing" running shoes can actually weaken your natural foot muscles over time. I run in low-support shoes for long distances, and totally barefoot sometimes for a few miles (anything over that and the ground here gets too hot). I don't have any arch issues though, so I can't speak to that... BUT, I trained myself to get up to low-support shoes by spending months walking around barefoot and/or in flat, hard-bottomed flip-flops or shoes like Converse, Vans, etc.

I think this has made a huge difference in my running pain levels -- or rather, lack thereof! Check out the book 'Born to Run' for some interesting perspective on it.

Great book! I've been running pain and injury free ever since I got my minimalist shoes.

Are you training for anything in particular? Maybe take a step back to 5 days and go back to the mileage you felt comfortable with just before this happened. It may be a small set back in your progress but could be preventing more injury. I'm wondering if this could be tendinitis? My husband has these symptoms and his sports dr put him on RX strength Aleve ( basically 2 at a time) and less millage until symptoms subsided.

I'm definitely not one that can wear a minimalist shoe. I've had ACL surgery 2x's and my dr's all advise against it. While I love the thought in it, I agree it isn't for everyone.

I always encourage a dr's visit to be on the safe side.