Injured again?

[fed68]

I managed to get through all of C25K and most of my 10k plan without injury. That has really changed in the last few months.

I developed ITB pain a few weeks ago. I rested it and it only gives me a tiny niggle every now and then. I started running again, and felt really good. Then I started to feel a pain in my shin, which is now so bad I had to bail on my run 2k in last night. I was due to start my half marathon training plan this week. I’m raising money for charity, and am now desperately Googling ‘Stress fracture symptoms’ and ‘Shin splints symptoms’ whilst getting increasingly worried that I won’t be able to run my half.

I won’t be able to see a GP for weeks, or an NHS physio for even longer. I also can’t really afford a private physio. Does anybody have any advice about low cost assessment options? Or about how to stay as injury free as possible? I’m joined a gym to improve my strength, and I religiously follow training plans recommended on here. I don’t know what I’m doing wrong!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I don't suppose you live anywhere near Sussex University? There's a good and cheap professional sports physio service there. Other than that I can't offer any cheap assessment suggestions I'm afraid.

I hope you have made an appointment with your GP even if there is a long wait.

If you do have a fracture you should be keeping off your feet for a while, so swimming and possibly cycling are your best options for retaining fitness.

When you get the all-clear, then you are right, strength work is key to keeping yourself as injury-free as possible.

Sorry if this is not helpful, but with any possibly medical issue we are not qualified to comment - you need to see someone about it.

I wish you all the best xxx

[Madge50 Marathon]

Might be a silly suggestion......but, are your shoes ok? We’ve recently upped our training and my OH was getting shin pain, shoes seemed fine......but went to get them checked and in the shop (a really good independent) said his shoes looked 18 months old.....they’re actually only about 6 months old....he got some new ones and things are improving...

Mx

Just to add, I see from your posts you’ve come a long way in a very short time, which is fantastic, but it takes longer than you think to build running strength, these things you mention are also overuse injuries, too much too soon? Maybe dial back a little and see how you go

Hope things settle down for you.

[linda9389 Administrator Marathon]

I managed to see someone at our local uni with a previous injury. It was a completely free service as the assessment was carried out by third year students who were building up clinical hours, together with a qualified lecturer. That might be an option at other unis too - although I suspect this isn't a great time of year as final year students will probably have finished.

I'm currently injured and it has taken me four weeks to get to a proper NHS assessment. All I would say is it's worth getting in the NHS system ASAP, because the wait time will be just as long if you leave it for a couple of weeks rest to see how it goes ... only you'll be two weeks further down the line by then! Push them. You're worth it!

All the best.

[MadDave]

Have you tried electrolytes? I get ITB and soleus cramps and tight quads / hams. I found that electrolytes help ease the cramps. After using electrolytes on a run I find I can do much deeper stretching and therefore manage the ITB issue a lot better.