lewber Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 So I started the Couch to 5k this summer. I progressed through nicely but from the time I reached running about 3 miles, i started developing pain in my lower left leg. Sometimes it's my Achilles, sometimes it's my inner or outer leg, but always low around my ankle, below my calf. I walk 1/2 mile and stretch before I run, and it hurts for about the first 1/2 mile. Then it feels ok when I run, but the rest of that day and the next it hurts. Not all the time, but sometimes it will catch, and when I first get up it really hurts. I tried jumping on my rebounder to warm up and then stretch more, but that didn't really help. I am currently running 3 days a week. I run for 3 1/2 miles and walk to total 5 miles. I love running! I don't want to give it up. i want to get this under control so I can still run. I ordered some superfeet orthotics but haven't tried them yet. I got new running shoes in the middle of this and didn't notice any real difference. Help!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
6packofun Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 What kind of stretches? I'd say double up on whatever you're doing to stretch your hamstrings and calves. (Some basic ones here: http://www.webmd.com/fitness-exercise/stretches-for-achilles-tendon-problem AND this one! http://www.healthline.com/health/fitness-exercise/better-achilles-tendon-stretch ) Lots of people "stretch" by doing a few toe touches and lunge-y type things rather than a good *routine*, which often needs to include sitting on the ground and/or using a wall or other support. Those aren't always handy on the trail or wherever. 2 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
kroe1 Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 So I started the Couch to 5k this summer. I progressed through nicely but from the time I reached running about 3 miles, i started developing pain in my lower left leg. Sometimes it's my Achilles, sometimes it's my inner or outer leg, but always low around my ankle, below my calf. I walk 1/2 mile and stretch before I run, and it hurts for about the first 1/2 mile. Then it feels ok when I run, but the rest of that day and the next it hurts. Not all the time, but sometimes it will catch, and when I first get up it really hurts. I tried jumping on my rebounder to warm up and then stretch more, but that didn't really help. I am currently running 3 days a week. I run for 3 1/2 miles and walk to total 5 miles. I love running! I don't want to give it up. i want to get this under control so I can still run. I ordered some superfeet orthotics but haven't tried them yet. I got new running shoes in the middle of this and didn't notice any real difference. Help!! Shoes should be changed about every 8 weeks considering how much you run. Try looking at the soles to see how much wear and tear you have. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
happi duck Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 You could have muscle knots. Using a roller like "the Stick" could help. A running store could help. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lanabug Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Change shoes every 8 weeks? That's crazy! Most running stores tell you to get new shoes every 300-500 miles. Even during marathon training season, a pair of running shoes lasts my dh 4 months. It sounds like tendinitis to me. Have you tried icing after a run? Does ibuprofen help the pain? Lana 5 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hikin' Mama Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Shoes should be changed about every 8 weeks considering how much you run. Try looking at the soles to see how much wear and tear you have.Running shoes should be changed out depending on mileage, not weeks. The general rule of thumb is 300-500 miles. OP, try this link http://www.runnersworld.com/injury-treatment/running-times-injury-help-lower-leg. I don't know if anything there will be helpful, but it focuses on lower leg injuries. If you can't find help via the web and funds allow, I would suggest a physical therapist. Find one that is a runner him/herself or one that deals with sports injuries. I've been helped by PT in the past. Also, I've read many times that strong hips help keep knee and ankle injuries at bay. Google hip exercises for runners and start doing those (I shoot for three times per week). I faithfully do hip strengthening exercises and I've never had knee or ankle problems. (Could just be luck, though, ' cause I'm currently dealing with plantar fasciitis.) And my norm was higher mileage (currently much lower while trying to heal my PF). Best of luck to you. I too love running and am having a hard time right now trying to limit myself while my foot heals. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
skimomma Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 I have had mystery leg pains in different areas many times. I almost never figure out what caused them or even what really fixed them. My long-suffering chiropractor tells me that usually whatever hurts is not the source of injury.....something else is unbalanced or strained causing one to unconsciously baby an area so it can be really hard to stop/fix runner's leg/foot pain. He also says that if it is not getting worse or sharp when I run, it is probably not harmful to keep running while I sort it out. If you have a chiro or are open to seeing one, that would be a good first step. Stretching after is better than stretching before. If you are stretching before your run, warm up first or you may be hurting yourself more by trying to stretch cold muscles. My first line of defense is always ice. I ice what hurts a few time a day just to keep the inflammation down. Arnica is also something you can use for inflammation that I find works well. I like to use both ice and arnica. Also, you might have to slow your run a little. Are you running at a pace where you can easily hold a conversation? I bought a heart rate monitor last year and was alarmed to find that I had been running at an effort that was WAY too high. Consistently doing so leads to more injury everywhere. If I keep it in the low end of my target zone, lots of things get reduced (shin splints, side stitches, and mystery pains). I am currently battling a mystery knee aggravation while in the end stages of marathon training. I have no idea what is causing it (chiro suspects a weak ankle) but I am managing it by using the steps above and have kept it from increasing in intensity even during my 15+ mile days. I might be SLOW but at least I am doing my training plan and not running in misery. Good luck! 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewber Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 I don't think I could run any slower :lol: I think the stretching could help.Sometimes I am better than others and I know it would help to do more. Today I walked on trails and stretched a ton when I was done. I warm up either with a walk or on the rebounder before I stretch. I started with the rebounder so I could stretch at home - longer and better. I also looked at the link above and others and tried the heel raises on the steps. That was very effective. I need to ice more when I get home, but it is such a hard place to ice. I think it is the achilles or possibly some PF. I'm interested to see if the insole might hold my heel steadier and help out. Thanks for all the tips. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Seasider Posted September 24, 2015 Share Posted September 24, 2015 Are you sure it's not the rebounder causing the pain? If I hit it cold, and do more than a gentle bouce, I end up with the kind of pain you're describing. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
lewber Posted September 24, 2015 Author Share Posted September 24, 2015 Are you sure it's not the rebounder causing the pain? If I hit it cold, and do more than a gentle bouce, I end up with the kind of pain you're describing. I have had pain from the rebounder before if I jumped too long, but this leg pain was before I started using it to warm up. I am really just running in place slowly to warm up enough to stretch. But I know what you mean. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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