Hi VRBs. I have had tight calves on my last couple of runs and noticed pain on the inside lower leg between my ankle and calf muscle on both legs. Could this be shin splints?
I always stretch after running and am a Japanese slow running fan, so I’m not sure where this has come from. I run on a combination of road and trail. I have had gait analysis and know I over pronate so I have good running trainers.
I have been massaging my calf muscles and icing when I can. Other than that I don’t know what else to try or how long it takes to heal.
This is my third attempt to complete C25k after injury pulled me up in graduation week last summer. Any suggestions gratefully received from a very frustrated Delly-dot!!
Hi Delly-dot I can’t give advice on shin splints as I’ve never experienced it but I would think it would be in the shin rather than calf I may be wrong. I hope you get it resolved soon.
Thank you Maz . I’m also not quite sure as I thought shin splint pain was at the front. However the pain is on the inner-side. I’m puzzled as up to now I’d been fine ☹️....
Keep stretching calves, use roller and also do the foot exercises. I now do arch rolling, toe stretches, (sit on toes bent back in kneeling position) and wear toe separators for an hour or so every evening. As all connected to calves it helps as my legs were like concrete after last run.
I think my tight calf muscles could be the root of the problem here, so I shall follow your advice (my torture with the roller!) and continue to ICE when I can, then hope for the best.
I have a muscle inbalance problem which I have been working on with a body alignment therapist whilst I've been on the IC. The interesting thing for me is that it is equal pain in both legs, which is novel as I have always been one-sided and wonky with pain previously! Maybe the new balanced up me also has something to do with it and my muscles are learning to work differently.....
Thank you. I'm feeling frustrated but also very mindful of injury after last time. I'm getting some good advice here, so going to try out a few suggestions 😊
I’ve struggled with shin splints, I do stretch etc as that’s the key advice. I use ice after running and I wear compression socks. I’ve slowed my pace to snail pace and leave at least two clear days between runs. When they were at their very worst I was on IC for some time. I think though I’d exasperated the issue by failing to address the problem and just kept bashing on. Finally a visit to physio set me on the management and recovery route. All the best with finding the solution that’s right for you.
Thank you Dowat for the advice about compressions socks - I haven't heard of that before so will definitely look into it. My pilates instructor is a physio so I shall ask him when I see him for my class tomorrow. It might be that a physio session is also a good idea. Thanks for replying.
I would definitely do this! I have an assortment of niggles that need to be kept under control and my best resource is an excellent chiropractor/physio. For me, the cure is rarely located where the initial pain is. 🤔😳 Everything is connected, and dodgy this leads to painful that, as far as I can tell! Job for an expert. Good luck. I’m sure you’ll conquer it all. 👍
Thank you - yes I agree with you! A niggly pain can be a long way from its true source! I'm wonky, so have had plenty niggles that I've been working on. I was just starting to hope that all my efforts were paying off.....
Hi Buddy. I found this clip last night when I searching for help on the forum. I used it and it made me realise how tight my calves really are!! I shall be doing it daily I think to help clear up my current problem, but it would be a good habit to get into anyway.
Lots of massaging the calves with small amount of oil can help and also stretching your feet so small raises up and down can help, or rolling on a tennis ball. I try to do these daily and even if I’m not running.
I also find Epsom Bath Salts AMAZING now and help my legs as mine too can feel very tight at times.
So many helpful tips from everyone. Having read people’s replies I’m now thinking it’s possibly not shin splints but more to do with my calf muscles. I’ll ask my physio-Pilates instructor what he thinks tomorrow. I shall try the heel rises too. He gets us to do those in class so I guess I need to do more of the class stuff at home.
Quick question - If you do your massage or your exercises for an injury at what point do you ICE and how frequently?
I have only ever used ICE once that was when I had slight trouble with plantar fasciitis in my foot.
It can reduce swelling and pain and I used to do it for 10 mins a day.
I do know that warmth/heat can help muscles so massaging lightly (the movement in your hands will heat up your legs) with an oil helps the blood flow, dilate blood vessels and can make muscles relax...much better method than cold.
In a previous life I was a qualified massage therapist. (Not trained in sports injuries though)
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