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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Running injury..

23 replies

AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 11:23

Hi there. Around 3 weeks ago I developed shin splints in both legs. I stopped running (but carried on exercising moderately on my bike at home), I've rested and iced etc and my right leg has been totally fine for a couple of weeks now. My left one though seems to be getting worse. It hurts when I weight bare, so walking down stairs, getting up from sitting etc. My dds school has a big hill and it's killing me walking up and down it. I've started limping now. Is this normal? I've never had them before..

OP posts:
generallygenial · 17/12/2020 11:25

No, not normal to be getting worse after 3 weeks of offloading.

It sounds like it could be a stress fracture, you need an xray/MRI

Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 11:26

A fracture? I didn't realise you could have a fracture and still be walking about?

OP posts:
generallygenial · 17/12/2020 11:28

Yes, I had a stress fracture in my hip and walked around on it for a month! And it wasn't anywhere near as painful as yours sounds, it only hurt when I tried to run or jump.

pinkbalconyrailing · 17/12/2020 11:32

agree you need to get seen.
from whaf you describe the pain should have reduced a lot with stopping running and resting.

though when I had shin splints they mainly hurt when walking and when pressing on the area (felt like a bruise).
no pain when actually running or resting.

pickingdaisies · 17/12/2020 11:32

No, not normal. Get it looked at. If GP is useless, try a sports physio, or go to a&e and get it x-rayed. (Don't know what your GP surgery is like, but my local NHS trust seems to be in a standoff with GP surgeries over who pays for what. )

Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 11:32

Oh gosh that's awful! I'm glad you realised something was up before that got any worse for you.
Do you know if I need to ring the gp to get advise or should I go to a&e? There isn't a minor injuries near me. (sorry for the questions, this is all new to me 😂)

OP posts:
Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 11:33

Oh right, ok, thanks a lot everyone!

OP posts:
generallygenial · 17/12/2020 11:36

I went today physio first and they told me I needed an MRI. Got that done privately (£300) within a week as it would have taken months on NHS!

If you can afford it, would recommend paying private.

pinkbalconyrailing · 17/12/2020 11:38

and when that's resolved take a look at the shoes and gait (with a physio) to prevent it.

McPie · 17/12/2020 12:29

Shin splints is usually caused by poor form or incorrect shoes for your gait. Too much load goes through the muscle attached the length of your tibia and the pulling on the bone causes the pain. It should have started to feel better by now so do go get it seen and I would reccomend looking for better trainers.
I had shin splints during lockdown due to my new trainers not having the same cushioning as the previous pair and have not had them since I went back to the old style.
There is plenty on the internet about gait and you can do the wet foot test to see what type you are and places like start fitness group their trainers into the different types. You can also go to a shop that can assess you but remember you don't have to buy their suggestions as they generally stock the latest, most expensive ones!

Literallynoidea · 17/12/2020 12:31

I had a stress fracture in my left shin from running, just as you described. It took ages to get diagnosed.

You basically have to rest it for ages and eat lots of cheese and yoghurt to mend the bone.

Literallynoidea · 17/12/2020 12:31

Don't go to A&E. Go private if you can.

putthehamsterbackinitscage · 17/12/2020 12:42

Agree with others - start with a physio friending in where you are an initial appointment will vary from around £30 upwards...

They'll be more help than gp and tell you if it needs a&e or other follow up...

My DD went to a&e a while back (uni housemates took her) for running injury and advice was rest and buy a boot from Amazon... next day I arranged to feel her in with physio for his opinion / help and he provided mix of treatment and advice and she was running again within a couple of days - no boot needed 😳

Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 13:39

"You basically have to rest it for ages and eat lots of cheese and yoghurt to mend the bone" I'm dairy intolerant 😂

Yeah, I don't want to go to a&e particularly, in a weird way I think I'm wasting their time. I rang my GP but they're closed today, I might try 111 but again kinda feel like a time waster. I definitely can't afford to go private though, my car just cost almost £500 in repairs this week 😦.

I'm taking on all the running advice, thank you 😁

OP posts:
generallygenial · 17/12/2020 13:46

How far is your closest minor injuries? May be worth a trip if you can...

Strange day for GP to be closed!

generallygenial · 17/12/2020 13:47

Should add I ended up being told to go to A and E with my fracture as it was the only way to get crutches...! So you may need to go there anyway.

Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 14:04

That's what I thought, I can't say it's unusual for them though, I do wonder if sometimes they just turn the phones off (kind of joking...) The minor injuries is 10.5 miles away. My OH thinks I'm ridiculous for even considering it Hmm it does make me doubt myself though or at least worry about being called a time waster. .

OP posts:
bigpricklyfern · 17/12/2020 14:10

I had this a few months ago and along with all the bits you tried, I also got some compression socks. They seem to have made the biggest difference, and the pain went quite quickly after that.

generallygenial · 17/12/2020 16:59

Ignore DH, if it's painful even standing up and you're limping and it's getting worse then it needs to be looked at.

10.5 miles isn't toooooo far, especially as you have a car. Get yourself down there tomorrow!

If you can't have dairy, do you take calcium supplements? Do you take vitamin D?

Agree with PP about compression socks/sleeves when youre back running, my shin splints have never returned since using them.

Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 17:29

It's a good point when you say it like that 🙃. I'll have a look and see if there's one nearer, I did think there was one at the local hospital but it's not on the website. I'll definitely go tomorrow though.

I did buy compression sleeves actually...after the fact though of course 😬

Thanks a lot for all the advice today

OP posts:
Original poster
AnxiousWeirdo · 17/12/2020 17:31

Oh and yes I was severely vit d deficient a few years ago (6.5...) so I make sure I take the tablets now.

OP posts:
CandidaAlbicans2 · 17/12/2020 19:09

You're not a time waster OP. Think of it this way, it's in the NHS's best interests to get you "up and running", as inactivity related conditions cost them billions. PHE are really pushing the exercise message. Plus you've tried to remedy the problem yourself which hasn't worked, so it's more than reasonable that you seek expert advice.

pickingdaisies · 18/12/2020 10:19

Don't worry about wasting their time, with GPs on lockdown it's the only way to get seen, and they aren't as busy as usual because of covid. My GP surgery told me to go straight there as that's where I'd end up if I needed an x-ray. Didn't book me in. I'd spent two days on the sofa with DH saying it can't be broken, you can wiggle your toes. It was broken.
Of course if you CAN speak to a doctor first, that's great, but they can be a bit useless with injuries. It's the fact that it's only one leg, and you can't put weight on it that is worrying. Good luck.

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