Ouch! Setback. Mind very willing body weak

[BJR67BJR]

Did wk 2 day 2 on Tuesday and loved it. Got the bug. Was on a treadmill so made my walks fast and running faster. Rather than cool down I whacked it uphill and did a five min speed walk. Then a five min cool down. Came away hot sweaty and buzzing. Great thinks me. Tuesday evening instep of left foot feels tight. Yesterday tighter so I went for a long walk to loosen it. Went to bed early with the plan of getting up early to go to the gym before work. Kit packed and ready, then...... 3am this morning woke up in agony. Left foot completely seized up with calf the same. So bad I couldn't even bear a sheet on it. To make things worse a gout attack, left foot big toe. Nearly crying it was 500g of paracetamol, an email to the boss and a day working from home. Still in agony now. Can't put any weight on my left leg. Feeling extremely frustrated as my plan is going to be in tattlers until I recover. Fat was painless Fit is killing me. What a joke. Any tips on lessening the pain most welcome.

[mrslazy Graduate]

Sorry I am not sure I can help but feel for you. It's so frustration when you are raring to go. It might be better to take ibroprofen as it reduces inflammation rather than paracetamol. But sounds like you might need the doc. Also lots of people say cold compress. Hope you feel better soon.

[BJR67BJR]

Thanks - the drug tip is a good one. I usually have a stock of anti inflammatories for the gout but I am stocked out. Limp over to the docs tomorrow aim to finish week two on Sunday

[Grammadog1947 Graduate]

Make sure you are drinking enough water and s-t-r-e-t-c-h (but don't OVERextend) several times during the day

[sfb350 Graduate]

You don't mention stretching after a run - it's pretty essential;

Gait analysis - find a decent running shop, have your gait analysed and choose suitable shoes;

Dehydration - it's not usually just about water, you need salts as well. A small packet of peanuts as well as a drink should help.

I had a phase of bad foot cramp so I've been trying various foot stretches. Google it or have a look at the latest Runners' World magazine for recommended exercises.

[lucylou77 Graduate]

You need to build it up slowly. The temptation to do more when you are feeling so great is very difficult to resist but resist you must. As for pain relief - RICE is the way to go - Rest, Ice, Compression, Elevation - this elevates the swelling the the surrounding tissues and moves the fluid from the area which will be causing a lot of the discomfort. Also 500mg of paracetamol is not a big enough dose for pain relief - you need 1g (2 tabs). 2 hours after taking the paracetamol, try taking ibuprofen 400mg. BUT only take this if you have no underlying stomach issues and ensure you take them with food. Good luck, I'm sure you'll be back to it in no time!!

[lucylou77 Graduate]

That should say that RICE alleviates the swelling!! Haha

[BJR67BJR]

Thought you had it in for me! Thanks for the good advice. Can't wait to get back on track