Running Injury

[Tyke2]

I normally run about 30 miles per week. But 6 weeks ago had a minor lower leg pain , The day after it was slightly sore so I decided to try and ""run it off" resulting in much more pain.
I went to a physiotherapy who diagnosed soft tissue damage and gave me a massage and some exercises and after a week advised me to start gently getting back into running. I went for a 1 mile jog and ended up in pain. The next day it was so painful that I couldn't put any weight on it. So went to A&E . Possible Achilles injury diagnosed, cast on leg for a week until I saw a specialist consultant at the hospital. he felt my calf , declared no Achilles damage and discharged me within a minute.
Six weeks in from the beginning now and have acute pain (man pain , not labour pains) in knee 10 and calf, and twinges in thigh. So it seems to be moving about!
I am basically house bound.
Any ideas on
a) what is wrong?
b) next steps ?

At present I have rebooked with a different Physio that has come recommended and I am thinking that I should go to my GP for some sort of referral. By the way I am very fit and healthy (normally) work full time, and don't actually know who my GP is so will have to find out tomorrow.

Thanks

How long have you normally run 30 miles a week? Months, years, decades? Have you had previous injuries related to running?

6 weeks isn't long for an acute injury. Sounds like you made whatever it was worse initially. And now because you are moving differently due to pain/reduced range of motion this is having a knock on effect further up maybe. Stress fracture? Seeing a physio who is a specialist in sports injury would be a good idea.

I once ended up with a horrible sprain just by running on a sore foot - my leg was black and blue for a week, I couldn't walk for two. So I feel you with the injury coming out of nowhere - you just want to know why so you can fix it.

Thanks , Both.
I have been running about 3 years.
I have had real acute pain increasing over the last 24 hours .
I spoke to my GP who has prescribed some pain relief, but I'm not too keen as it can be addictive. Also he's referred me to an NHS physio.
I had already booked to see a new private Physio that I had recommended. But my worry is that after 6 weeks of resting it is getting worse rather than better.

Can you list exactly which bits of your leg hurt?

@ragged

Can you list exactly which bits of your leg hurt?

That would be :- Knee - All around Lower Front area Calf - sort of in front of the muscle, but rear and side of calf bone Shin bone area its pain inside not at the surface.

Is it a shin splint? Shooting pains up the front of the shin, but also Achilles pain.

Sorry, meant to add - there could be a tiny hairline shin fracture. It's a common impact injury (dancers get it).

Yeah that sounds like something.

It could be referred pain in your knee also, or swelling of the muscles around your shin bone causing the knee issue. Or compartment syndrome?

I hope your private physio helps. Do come back and let us know. It sounds awful, I've got to say!

Whatever this is, the fact it's getting worse even with rest (assume you are no longer running) is an indication it's serious. I've personally suffered umpteen running related injuries but I'd still be really reluctant to diagnose anyone else. If you are resting and seeking opinions from a range of professionals, including sports specialists, you're doing the right thing. I feel for you Tyke, it's horrible going from running and athletic to housebound and feeling rubbish. Most people come back with time and patience and a bit of rehab. I've always put a lot of effort into the rehab , but not sure it hasn't been time that's been the healer in the end.

Thanks everyone. When I originally had the injury symptoms I massaged my calf. Somehow I managed to clumsily knock my shin on the underside of the kitchen table. I must have hit it hard or hit a sensitive area as the pain was so excruciating I nearly threw up.
I only started running 3 years ago as I was overweight at 14 stone and 5’5. I’m below 11 now and will undoubtedly increase

the 2 types of knee pain I've had were patellular tendonitis & Patellofemoral pain. Both caused by cycling & for me they have different solutions. Patellofemoral pain is resolved best with ice & massage of the overworked muscles. The tendonitis is more rest & keeping joint warm to recover.

DH gets iliotibial band pain which has a different treatment.

I think you need to narrow down the knee problem, most of all understand what aggravates it, to start getting better.

Shins is probably general inflammation problem that can resolve if on its own with rest while you deal with the knee.

The general approach is anti-inflammatory drugs, keep warm when working but cold otherwise to reduce inflammation, massage if tight muscles, stay away from aggravating actions. Right now bending my knee under low (squats) is god awful, but I can go for a run no problem.