Killer legs!

[beegeener]

Well well well.. I hate running! Well not really... I can run for ages, but the only thing that gives way are my legs My shins feel like they are splitting.. its almost impossible to walk sometimes after a run

Anyone know whats going on here?

Even after fast walks, it can occur..

[JayBon]

hmmmmmmm that doesnt sound great. Are we talking about cramping, or do you feel it in the tendons? How long does it last? Does it only occur duing running?

If the pain in that bad, have you considered alternatives to running where your shins don't hurt at all?

[MaxOT Yian]

My understanding is that a lot of runners experience pain in that area. Things like shin splints or fractures can occur there if your doing frequent running. Of course a range of things can cause this from wrong foot\ankle alignment to overuse to lack of calf flexibility.

Obviously we don't know your situation and you might have something completely different, but if your getting pain I would have it checked out to be safe and in the meantime do less impact cardio like the bike or ski machine etc.

[beegeener]

Well I just think it's because I weigh too much and my legs can't handle it

The thing is I used to be very active in my younger years, and I could run untill I ran out of breathe.. but now-a-days I have to stop running because of my legs.. I probably haven't ran so intensely in over 2 years, so maybe my legs are just getting back into it.

I think might have to contact my doctor.. see if my legs are working properly

Thanks guys for the good replies:!:

[Nix]

Hi Guys, I get sore shins sometimes too after running or walking. Mostly it happens if I haven't done this for a while, or if I'm on a surface that I'm not used too. It kind of feels like a muscle ache in your shins, if that makes any sense? And its a horrible feeling.
But Beegeener, I would say the same as everyone else has already said and if it persists, see your doctor.
( I have heard icing your shins afterwards helps ease it, but I've never tried it so I don't really know).

[JayBon]

Yeah...a general rule - if it hurts, don't do it. I know it sounds common sense, but sometimes it's really hard not to due to dedication, determination or simply enjoyment. And of course get it checked out if need be.

[Andj]

Sounds like shin splints to me. Ice is the only thing that you can really do to ease the pain.

From http://www.rice.edu/~jenky/sports/shin.html

The term shin splints refers to a painful condition that develops along the inside (medial edge) of the shin (tibia). The usual location is along the lower half of the tibia, anywhere from a few inches above the ankle to about half-way up the shin. The repeated running cycle of pounding and push off results in muscle fatigue, which may then lead to higher forces being applied to the fascia, the attachment of fascia to bone, and finally the bone itself. Respectively, this represents a spectrum from mild to severe. On the relatively more severe end of the scale the injury may progress from stress reaction within the bone to an actual stress fracture.

In the early stage of shin splints a runner will describe a pain that is present when the training run first begins, but then disappears as running continues. The pain will often return after exercise or the following morning. As the injury progresses the athlete will experience more time with the pain, and less time without it. There is frequently a tender zone along the medial edge of the tibia that one can map out by pressing with the fingertips as they “march up” along the bone. Eventually, if ignored and training continued, the pain may become quite sharp and may focus on a very small area of the bone. If this happens a stress fracture should be considered.

The treatment for shin splints is rest. Depending upon severity it is often necessary to completely stop running for a period of time. Generally this is done until day-to-day activities are pain free. When running is resumed – and this is where many injured runners make a mistake – it must be significantly different from the routine that lead to the injury. The concept of relative rest employs lengthening the interval between training as well as decreasing the volume and intensity of training. One can often substitute cross-training activities (e.g., bicycling) for running to help increase the interval between running days. There should be a graded and gradual increase in run training, keeping an eye out for the return of any shin splint symptoms.

Stretching and strengthening the calf muscles can help prevent the injury from returning. However the most important preventive strategy is not to repeat the mistakes that lead to the injury. Examine all the training variables – surface, shoes, training volume, intensity, workout type, hills, weather conditions, etc. Seek help from a qualified trainer or coach. This all takes time and effort, but it is well worth it.

[beegeener]

Thats a very good post and sums up my injury perfectly

I was telling my friend about it.. and he said one of his friends had the same problem, but went to a physio and it was fixed.. I might try

[JayBon]

Physios are so good.

Speaking of killer legs, back in 2002 a mate of mine jumped on me from behind without me knowing. I put my left leg out and hyperextended it as a reflex and OUCH!!! I had a limp for weeks - although I was still able to ride my bike.

Saw the physio, he gave me a list of things to do and eventually the pain subsided. It wasn't until I began building up the strength of my thighs that the pain completely went away.

Morale of the story - make sure you know where your friends are