Run abandoned

[JennyMc83]

Feeling pretty low. I’d been getting pain up my left leg for quite a few weeks, it normally starts 5 mins into the run. It used to ease up after a while but now it just gets worse and worse and I didn’t even manage 25 mins. The pain starts on the top of my foot and then ends up in my calves and eventually my thigh, by that point my foot seems to be slapping on the ground. It looks quite swollen and bruised now on the top of my foot, towards the outside. I think maybe it’s the anterior tibialis tendon. Feel like giving up, I only started running in July, following C25K religiously so not done too much too quickly. Any thoughts from more experienced runners would be welcome.

[cheekychipmunks Graduate10]

That’s such a shame Jenny. I’m certainly not an experienced runner, only starting C25K in June 2018, but I’m a frequent reader/poster on here. You need to see a professional. It’s almost impossible to self diagnose, let alone have us guess what’s wrong with your foot/leg. I’m so sorry. ☹️

It might be something simple (did you ever get a proper gait analysis done?) or it could be something serious which only prolonged rest and exercises will fix.

Please don’t give up though. There are plenty of HU members who’ve been laid low on the IC, some for quite some while and they’ve made successful comebacks.

Chin up. We’re here to support you! 😀

[motherduckling Graduate10]

Well I wouldnt really consider myself an experienced runner yet - but I do think that its maybe a bit early to be quitting just yet. Have you had a visit to your GP, or a physio? They might be able to figure out what is going on and put you on the right track to fix this.

Another option may be to look into your shoes - I know I ordered a pair online without trying them, and couldnt make it past 20mins because they just hurt one of my calves so much! Could be worth getting a gait analysis done to find the right shoe if you havent already...

Also, have you just kept running through it constantly, or have you tried taking a week or 2 off to rest it - it could be something that just hasnt had time to properly heal?

Anyway I really hope you can work this out!

[Irish-John Graduate10]

I popped my hip out while running a couple of years ago, which lead to discovering the enormous value of Physiotherapists

I honestly had no clue how I was twisting and straining my body on a daily basis let alone when running. I learned an awful lot about how to prevent injuries and my misconceptions about stance and movements etc.

If you can, I think getting a Sports Physio to check things out might save you a lot of time, frustration and pain.

Wishing you many happy miles in your future

[UnfitNoMore Graduate10]

Have you had gait analysis? This doesn’t sound like a regular injury as such with it moving during the run, but a sports physio should be able to see what’s going on here... could be something in your gait that’s causing issues that then make higher muscles work harder than they should be. Top of the foot issues can sometimes be due to lacing too, possibly they’re too tight... there’s some different lacing systems that you can find online if it’s that. I’d be going to get this checked out though, I’m no medical expert and it’s best to be told to stop for a while than pushing through and making things worse.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Another vote urging you not to give up but to rest and find a good Sports physio to get a proper diagnosis and advice. I too have served my time on the injury couch (!) but each time, I repair and get back out there when I can. I have used a great local physio on several occasions and they really are worth their weight in gold! Good luck.🙂

[Grannyhugs Graduate10]

Poor you, please get it checked out, rest, recovery and physio. You will be back. Take care

[GoGo_JoJo Graduate10]

Something isn't right, might be something really simple like your shoe too tight but you need to know.

GP might take a while, physio privately is usually about £40 or even a sports massage, you might find one for 30ish but you need someone to get hands on with it to be even halfway sure what it is.

Do you use a foam roller or a massage roller? Does the leg/calf feel tight under your own fingers?

If it is the tendon you really need to rest it... and not for just a day or two 👎🏼

[JaoJao Graduate10]

Hey I’m so sorry you had to abandon your run. A few things below but definitely check with a doc / physio as it seems it needs attention.

Are your shoes tied too tight? Maybe circulation.

Have you had a gait analysis? Are your shoes supporting your running style? This can increase injury risk if your shoes do not support your running style.

Are you having rest days between runs?

This is most important... are you stretching before and after runs? Properly stretching, warming up and warming down.

[JennyMc83]

Thanks for all your responses. I have had a gait analysis at a running shop and my new trainers were fine for 3 months. I have seen a physio and she thinks it is anterior tibialis tendon, we thought we had it sorted but it has reappeared, so I’m hoping that a couple of weeks rest will help and then I will build up again very slowly.

I have never done any stretches before or after, I will try and find some.

[Deals1 Graduate10]

Hi. Please don't give up. Keep us posted