Persistant Leg Pain (both)

[Andrew Glass]

Hi there,

I have a little problem which is serverely affecting my ability to run. I have been getting pain/discomfort whenever I run, some days I can get to 2 miles, some days 800 yds before my shin and calfs seem to seize up on me and get really painfull. Ive been to specialist running shops thinking it may be my running shoes and I have tried both neutral and structured support shoes as advised by different running shops. Ive tried the **** Structure Triax 11 and Brooks Vapour 7's for structured shoes. Ive also tried **** Air Vomero 2's for a neutral shoe. Ive also been told I have very low arches. These however have been no help. Yesterday when I went out on the track the pain started in the soleus region on both legs then my calfs tightened up and then my shins (currently using the structure triax shoe). Im also getting a throbbing pain on the lower inside of my right leg, sometimes present in the calf muscle as well and slight throbbing along the outside front of the shin. This is becoming very demoralising and I had to give up after 3 laps. I feel lost and on the verge of giving up running. I don't want to though as I enjoy it so much and I was hoping to do the Great North Run again this year but feel that if this doesnt get any better I wont be able to participate in it.

Does anyone have any idea as to what the problem is? If its of any help Im also overweight 5'10" and 14 stone.

Many thanks

Andrew

[physio.smith]

Often these type of problems are related to overuse of the muscles in the lower leg. If your feet over flatten and you are overweight then the muscle on the inside of your legs will be working hard to prevent collapsing of the foot inwards.

You need to be able to walk painfree before you can run.

It is definetly worth seeing a sports specialist therapist, they should be able to assess what is cauing your problems and what you can do to help. You can have the best footware money can buy but if you have weaknesses in certain muscles the problems are likely to continue until you address them.

In the mean time may be look at increasing activity levels with lower impact activity such as running, swimming, cross trainer etc...this will help maintain your fitness levels, allow your symptoms to settle (don't to activity if aggrevating) and help reduce your weight.

Good luck and be patient...rest alone may not be the answer though, so see a therapist.