ouchy legs mystery!

[WhoseGotMyEyebrows]

I've been running for the past 6 weeks or so but have the last few days had pains in my legs. Not muscular but feel like it's in the bones, almost like they might splinter! It's at the bottom of both legs and comes about halfway up each lower leg. Deos anyone know what might be causing this? It hurts when I run and also coming downstairs. Other then that I can't feel it.

Shin splints (ouch)

Shin splints?! What's that?! Should I be alarmed?

?shin splints, think it is where the muscle has partially been pulled away from the bone. I had them when I first started running, not sure of how to cure them but they will go away after a while,

deffo shin splints. Have you got good proper supportive running shoes? I recommend you go to a running sports shop and be filmed on a treadmill so they can supply you with the correct pair. Circa £70 IME.

shin splints, stop running immediately. You have to rest of it will get worse and worse.

Definitely shin splints.

V.painful. Only suffered once myself, changed trainers and sorted it, other people are not so lucky and it can be a persistent problem, I think.

Look on the runners world website, that is a pretty good starting point for injury information.

Rest until the pain is gone too. Ice and ibuprofen may help.

And when you're better don't run on roads/pavements if you can avoid it

It's very mild at the moment, or at least only actually hurts when I try to run. I have been wearing quite old trainers but can't afford new ones

Sounds like too much, too soon. Are you following a training plan? Are you taking rest days? They are JUST as important as your running days. If something hurts you need to stop what you're doing and rest-up, especially if it feels like bone. You don't want to end up with a chronic problem so take it easy so you can run for the long-term.

Don't run on pavements?! The only other place I can run is the park and I'd definately get murdered in there!

Not really a running plan. I was running on and off for a while and then increased to 4 times a week. Did that for a few weeks and then made my route a bit longer which I've done for the last 2. I'm really enjoying so gutted that I have this problem! I thought I was being pretty sensible and have been walking/running/walking/running etc.

It will be fine.

Rest until the pain has gone, get your gait analysed and decent trainers if you haven't done that already and start back slowly.

Injuries are very common among runners, it doesn't mean you will be out forever, you just have to listen to your body and not run with pain. I got injured after running my first marathon and took me months to get back to where I wanted, running wise but I got back to it and have been fine since I felt very miserable at the time but the pain went and I have rebuilt my fitness slowly.

Pavements are less forgiving because the hard ground doesn't absorb any of the impact. Most have no choice but to run on pavements or roads but getting off road does reduce the impact and is great fun.

Where do you get your gait analysed and how much does it cost?

I'm so upset about this I feel like crying! The pain isn't even that bad I just don't want to properly hurt myself. Since my dc started school recently this is the first time I have been able to fit in some exercise and I have been really enjoying it! I run very slowly as have short legs so thought it would have have been quite gentle on my body.

Oh, Eyebrows. I totally feel your pain. It's so easy to get carried away with running because it makes you feel so great...until you hurt yourself. The good thing is that the pain tells you to back-off a bit so you don't do permanent damage. Rest usually takes care of most problems.

I ignored a twinge in my hips about a year and a half ago and ended up with stress fractures in my pelvis. It has taken a good year to get back to where I was. I think the hardest part was the first few weeks when I was completely immobile. That sharp drop in endorphins can make you feel doubly miserable.

Try resting until the pain goes and then start in gradually again (try to save up for new trainers and run on trails or grass if possible). If it persists then a physio might be able to help but they will usually tell you to just rest too. Swimming and stationary cycling were my lifesavers when I couldn't run and you can do that quite affordably at your community centre.

There are no community centres round here, just stupidly expensive fancy pants gyms (I got the hump now)

I've rather

Honestly, don't worry, it will be fine

If you go to a decent independent running shop or somewhere like Sweatshop they will film you running and assess how you feet fall when running. Based on this they will advise you what trainers would suit and you can test run them! I did this after I got shin splint pain and the difference was significant. The trainers were much more comfortable and I have not had pain in my shins since.

I went to a local shop and bought trainers from them. The analysis cost nothing, the trainers cost more than I would have paid online but the service waas fantastic and well worth the money.

Running is a great form of exercise but because of the impact of our body weight through each leg and foot with every step, it can cause injuries. Best to get these sorted as soon as they crop up before they get more serious.

Have you got a bike?

That's what I did when I was injured. It's non impact and a good substitute for running. I don't enjoy cycling as much but it's better than nothing.

I don't think I've ever even been in a sport shop! No idea where there is one near me. Will have to look into it.

I don't have a bike although there is one in my shed which might just be small enough. Wouldn't want to ride on the road though and don't have a helmet etc so would have to think about it. The reason I liked the running was because it was free (if I made do with my crappy old decorating trainers!)

Cycling is free too!!! Do need a helmet though! I could bore you with the tales of my bike accident but I won't

Running is only cheap until you start, then it Can quickly become expensive IME. Great fun though, I love running!

Don't give up, just give your body the respect it deserves and get fitted for some decent trainers. Still much cheaper than a gym membership!

I paddle... kayak/canoe/raft/dragon boat. Great upper body workout - no bingo wings for me!