INJURY! And only WEEK 9 to complete!

[EarthRise]

Finished Week8 run 3 on Wednesday. Due to start Week 9 tomorrow, so was thrilled to be in sight of completing, but suddenly yesterday, the day after finishing week 8, I developed a sharp stabbing pain to the right of my right shin, just above the ankle bone. Came from nowhere! I am totally flat footed and arthritic in ankles and knees, overweight too, but up until now, a bit of tlc after the run, and some warm up and cool down, exercises before and after, have always seen me through to the next run. I am due to start Week 9 tomorrow, but can't put weight on right ankle. It feels bruised and tender above the bone. I've put an elastic sock around it, but is that enough? How long might this last? Also, I didn't buy proper running shoes, but have been running in my comfortable trainers. I am so gutted, I was feeling so good about the whole programme, Blood Pressure down, stronger legs, could run for a bus . . . and now this! Has anybody had a similar mishap? What's best to do, please ?

[linda9389 Graduate]

Oh no! Sympathies. No you must not run just now, you must take a break. You should get a proper pair of shoes, undoubtedly that will have exacerbated any problem. In the meantime see if there is any other form of exercise you could do that doesn't aggravate the shin pain.

If the pain doesn't improve with rest it is probably worth getting a proper diagnosis from your GP or from a physio (obviously not as easy just now, but many physios are doing online/phone appts). It's impossible for us to say how long it will take to heal, but you must listen to your body and not rush it. The runs will wait. You may lose some fitness and have to step back a bit, but it's not the end of the world. I had to take 6 weeks of early in my C25K journey because of a knee problem, but I restarted from the beginning and am still running over three years later. It made me more determined than ever.

[EarthRise in reply to linda9389]

Thank you so much. You have given me hope. It's only a week since injury. It's still painful, and no way would I be able to jog. It's probably a bone stress injury, having done research online. I am frankly loathed to go to hospital, and doctor's can't see foot anyway, properly. A shin splint, apparently very common in new runners. I guess the combination of being out of condition, overweight, flat feet and unsuitable trainers have brought this on. Have been online loads, resting but have to get on with things. Next thing is to visit a proper trainers shop. Run and Become, do gait analysis. A combination of rest, then a bit of exercise and good shoes. I hope that'll get me back to a bit of running. Again, thanks!

[linda9389 Graduate in reply to EarthRise]

Its pretty hard self diagnosing, but I get your point about hospital! You may be able to get a telephone appt for some initial advice though. I had a metatarsal stress fracture last year. It was impossible to diagnose without an MRI in my case. Treatment was an orthopaedic boot for several weeks followed by several weeks non running. I was told to buy my own boot while I waited for the MRI which I purchased from the physioroom. This allowed my foot to rest and me to get on with essentials. It also enabled me to ride my old bike which helped keep my fitness up! I came back to running and built right back up to a half marathon PR in just under 6 months . Sending you bucketloads of patience and optimism, hang on in there - hopefully it will heal quickly with rest 😊

[EarthRise in reply to linda9389]

!!! Ahhh the boot sounds quite major. I'll try to get a physio consultation in, and if it's a boot then that's fine. I have time to reflect. There's always a silver lining . . . Thank you