pain in legs from jogging

[nodeal]

i just recently started doing cardio the past couple of weeks. the first couple of times i went running i felt a sharp pain along the inside of my bone on my leg starting a little bit above my ankle and extending about 5 inches or so up my leg. the pain feels like it is on the bone, kind of on the inside of it if that makes any sense. anyway, a cardio session consisting of jogging last thanksgiving made this pain return and worse than ever. people told me it was normal its just my bones adapting to the stress of cardio(i am 6'3, 220 pounds) but now whenever i have a jog session even if its light my legs start hurting again. its gotten to the point where i cannot run any longer. anybody have any ideas about this pain from my cardio training?

[Nathan]

The back or the front? U ushally get this from running up to many hills especially when not warmed up.
If it's the front it might be shin splints if it's the achillies tendon u need to back off the hills for a bit or warm up better. I hope this helps

[dalkiel]

I had the same problem briefly. It feels like your shins are about ready to shatter doesnt it?

I solved my problem by buying a new pair of shoes (Nike trail runners). Luckily it wasnt a case of full blown shin splints and since i started running in the new shoes the pain went away completely. Now when i wear my old shoes i can feel the imbalance in the soles of the shoes.

I would suggest trying a good pair of (new if possible) shoes for starters.

If that doesnt work you may have to warm up-do some stretching before running. Hope this helps.

[pumpster]

Shin splints. The following may help:

-Better/new shoes
-Better warmups, specifically involving the shins
-Softer running surfaces - grass or sand
-Treadmills - different dynamic, may not be as tough on the shins, especially running on an incline.


If all of those don't help, you'll have to avoid or limit running. Fast walking's a decent alternative and doesn't cause the same pounding.

[GET_BIGGER]

I hit the eliptical machine because it is easier on your joints and s**t.

[nodeal]

thanks im definitely going to try new shoes thats a thought that has crossed my mind before

[figgs]

They're absolutely right. You wear casual shoes for cardio. I started cardio nearly barefoot and that hurt like a bitch but I eventually got used to it.

[Mr. Intenseone]

I've posted on this before so I'll make this brief, true shin splints are rare for the for the "weekend runner" or the people that just want to drop a little weight. You have either 1. Just some muscle aches that are common when just starting out or getting back or 2. You have "compartment syndrom" thats when you have so much blood in the cells in your lower leg that it creats pressure and is extremly painful to the touch for a couple of days, it goes away with rest and ice. In extreme instances, surgery is needed to release the pressure, but that is extreme!

[Fury]

Try running on grass or a soft track.

[pumpster]

I've posted on this before so I'll make this brief, true shin splints are rare for the for the "weekend runner" or the people that just want to drop a little weight. You have either 1. Just some muscle aches that are common when just starting out or getting back or 2. You have "compartment syndrom" thats when you have so much blood in the cells in your lower leg that it creats pressure and is extremly painful to the touch for a couple of days, it goes away with rest and ice. In extreme instances, surgery is needed to release the pressure, but that is extreme!

Anyone with shin splints who can't cure the problem through various means has to run infrequently, which often defeats the whole purpose. Ice & rest will eventually cure the problem but won't allow for regular running to be used for conditioning.

Different shoes are only *one* of the variables.

[MidniteRambo]

I hit the eliptical machine because it is easier on your joints and s**t.

Agreed.  It's the only cardio equipment I own and well worth it.

[pumpster]

Agreed.  It's the only cardio equipment I own and well worth it.

It's great but there are other good alternatives that work just as well for some, including treadmills and stairmachines. In both cases they're actually a little more rigorous and won't injure some who use them. Some of the treadmills for example, have a soft surface.

[pobrecito]

Run on a treadmill.

I was running up to 2x/day on the treadmill with no shin splints whatsoever, but the minute I went out and ran on the concrete I was in pain. The flexing of the treadmill platform really helps a ton with knee/shin pain.

[pumpster]

Run on a treadmill.

I was running up to 2x/day on the treadmill with no shin splints whatsoever, but the minute I went out and ran on the concrete I was in pain. The flexing of the treadmill platform really helps a ton with knee/shin pain.

Ya i'm hoping it will continue to make a difference, have just started on a treadmill. Hven't been able to run outside for years and years. Running's *the* best thing for fat loss & excellent for cardio, if it can be done without injury.

Using an incline may help with injury avoidance, as will 4 minutes or so of brisk walking to warm up with shins.

[dontknowit]

Go to shoeshop who's specialized in running.
It could be your feet.

A good shop has got video and/or treadmill to check out your feet and how you run. It will cost some more,
but it's better to buy a pair that's a bit more expensive and that are suitable than to keep on running. Were talking about your feet,
they have to last a lifetime

[rockyfortune]

i had this problem when i first started running last year...i attributed to me being too fat which i was partially correct...after losing 30 lbs...i still have tenderness in my legs after i run but it goes away quickly and am able to run on consecutive days which i could never do...stick with it and you will adjust.

[DarthNemesis21]

Stretching did the trick for me.Throw in some calf raises,Your good to go.Pain is completly gone.

[Saxon]

I get shins splints from even walking, they come and go but when they strike, even after half a mile of walking I can be in agony. Stretching, rest and ice help a bit but they really seem to be random with me...

[BuffGoddess]

It's great but there are other good alternatives that work just as well for some, including treadmills and stairmachines. In both cases they're actually a little more rigorous and won't injure some who use them. Some of the treadmills for example, have a soft surface.

I agree with GetBigger and Pumpster. I have my clients who "have to run" to do it on grass, the beach or on the treadmill. I still believe that the Elliptical trainer and Stairstepper to be the best cardio there is to avoid injury to joints and to avoid shin splints. And like the others have stated, get a good pair of shoes. Those are key.