running issues

spalihena

SO i am doing C25K and loving it. I am on week 6... I have had issues with my tendons (achilles) before and never  been able to run, but the slow progression of the C25K hasnt hurt or strained my tendons.
However - the lower part of my leg, to the side of it, starts to hurt really badly when I run... I did my 20min run fine a week ago, but now at about the 8min mark my leg hurt so bad i cant even walk for a little while... it goes away in a few mins...

ANY ideas what is going on?

medicapril

How old are your shoes?  Have you had a foot/gait analysis done?  Your foot can be striking the ground oddly, causing your connective tissue to be stressed.  You could also have shin splints.  I'd check your shoes first, then maybe consult with a running coach or seasoned runner to see how you're striking the ground and rolling through in your gait.  If all else fails, make an appointment with your ortho doc to rule out overtraining injuries like shin splints or tendonitis.

JW28

Is it similar to a calf cramp? I'm not sure what's going on, but usually when things hurt like that you should try iceing it for 10-15 minutes every day (until it feels better). You could also try various calf stretches, maybe you've got some muscle tightness thats putting your lower leg out of whack somehow. 

lbarr088

Shin splints?  

Toe taps and icing helps mine.

parrothead84

Definitely get an analysis of how you run from a local running store or coach. It could very likely be your shoes. Even if they are newer, you may not have purchased the proper shoes for your feet.

spalihena

OMG - shin splints! havent even heard of that before but i looked it up and thats exactly what hurts...

Jaridds68

I had shin splints when I played lacrosse, not fun. But there are some stretches you can do beforehand, including toe taps. During the day when you're sitting down, 'write' out the ABC's in midair using your toes, one foot at a time. Before a workout I used to sit down, have my legs straight out in front of me, and then have a friend gently but firmly push on the top of my feet (near the toes) towards the ground. After a run ice your shins. A bag of peas or cold press is perfect. Bc I was a poor college student I'd freeze wax paper dixie cups filled w/ water, and then peel back the paper and rub the ice on my shins. 

I'd also follow the PP's advice to follow up w/ your shoes, and see somebody about your gait. Personally I found when I ran on just the balls of my feet (ie didn't let my heels touch the ground) I could stave off the pain longer. But if they're getting worse, you really need to see a dr bc this can become a stress fracture. 

J&K10910

I used to get awful shin splints.  Debilitating.  What worked for me: get fitted for shoes, change them every 400 miles or so, ice for 15 minutes after every run (even if they don't hurt) and later that day too if they were sore, and compression sleeves.  Zensah compression sleeves saved my runner-ness.

spalihena

thanks for the advice!