Lower Leg/Calf Area Pain

[stipem]

I have pain that started on the side of the calf that will not subside. My chiropractor said it was a torn tendon and I could run on it. He prescribed Advil and ice which I’ve been doing religiously. The main problem is that the pain seems to move around. The tendon on the side of my calf (inside part of the leg) is very tender to touch but I other areas are fine when I apply pressure. However, throughout the day I feel pain on the opposite side of the leg, in the ankle and calf. When I apply pressure, mainly bend my ankle with full body weight everything around my ankle hurts (feels pulled). I also have pain going down stairs (ankle and lower calf).
When I run it seems to take about 30 minutes to subside (I assume it’s endorphins blocking the pain). It is always worse first thing in the morning. I stretch and stretch but it doesn’t seem to do much. I now have laid off running for a week and gave it a test run last night. I got 2 steps in and had to stop.

Anyone with something similar?

[Heidi]

Hi
I would say that if it were a tendon tear then you should have been resting from running anyway. However, I doubt this is what it is...unless there was a specific point of injury....such as rolling the ankle.
If it just came on gradually as your post suggests then I think its more likely a tendonitis or other problem, maybe with the Tibialis Posterior muscle.
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/tibialisposterior.htm
http://www.sportsinjuryclinic.net/cybertherapist/front/ankle/tibialis-posterior-tendinopathy.htm
Have a look at the above pages.
Either way you should have been resting it. Stretching all of the muscles around the ankle is good, make sure you are doing this regularly.
The Tib post muscle is strongly linked with the arch of the foot, so I would also be looking at making sure you don't overpronate or have fallen arches. If you do, make sure you get this corrected with some insoles or orthotics.

[stipem]

Thanks for the advice/suggestions. I had an MRI the other night and just got good news that it is not a stress fracture. A running doctor suggested starting physical therapy to strengthen Glutes. My “new” question is why would I have pain in my lower leg, for 3 weeks, which hurts when I walk if it was a Glute issue? Is this overuse of the muscles from weak Glutes (poor form)? I guess anything is possible when it comes to running……

Thoughts on compression sleeve to help alleviate muscle strain? K tape?

Thanks in advance.

[Heidi]

Hi
Weak glutes is a common problem in runners which can cause injuries lower down the leg. Basically having weak glutes means when you run, your knee falls inwards, causing your lower leg to rotate inwarrds. Everything is like a big chain.
Give strengthening the glutes a go!
A compression sleeve may help, just to keep the muscles warm and so flexible and also to increase the blood flow to aid healing.
As for kinesio tape, I'm afraid I don't really know enough about that to offer you any advice.

[stipem]

Thanks again. Saw a chiropracter the other day and he said I had the symptoms of anterior compartment syndrome. I can't wait to see what the orthopedist has to say.

[joocylucy131]

holy crap. I didn't think anyone else had this type of problem-until I stumbled across your post! (even though this was posted over a year ago) I have EXACTLY the same issue! The pain is awful and it usually takes me at least 30 minutes for it to subside when I start running (I call it my half hour hell hump) and after that it starts to get a bit better... if I don't take pain relievers first.

I have seen a PT in the past years and they did say it was a weak glutes issue-so for this race I've been trying to weight lift and bike to strengthen my glutes, but if I don't do it at least a couple times a week my calves hurt like hell. I have this issue every time I start to run again. My question for you, Stipem, is did you try compression socks or weight training? Did it help you? or that K tape you were referring to?

I never thought glutes could cause this much pain... and I have a big butt. I guess a big butt does not constitute a strong butt! ha. anyways, let me know what your results were, if you still follow this forum. Thanks!!

[Heidi]

Whilst cycling and weights such as squats/lunges will strengthen the glutes, they do not work specifically on the gluteus medius which tends to cause the biggest problems in runners.
Find the side lying clam exercise (on this website). This is the one you really want to be doing. Bridges will help too.

[leobaby61]

Hi, last Saturday I suffered a pain in my left caft after almost (by one block) completing my 10 mile run. It was very painful and had to have help back to our start line. Since then, I went to my doctor who referred me to Orthopedics who referred me to physical therapy 3 times a week. I start that next Monday! I am icing and I am wearing my compression socks. I am also online looking up similar stories. This is my first time ever participating in a sport (I am running a marathon on 2 1/2 weeks and I just basically want to know if I will be ready. I looked at the three grades of Calf injury and I know that I fall into the 1st grade. I would also like to know if it's ok that I at least "walk" as part of my training this Saturday. And if I can, how many miles do you suggest I walk?

[Heidi]

Hi
If the marathon is in just over 2 weeks then you will have completed most of your training so a week or so off shouldn't be too much of a problem as you will be tapering so the hard work is done.
You will have to do what feels comfortable. If something hurts it then you are just doing more damage.
Icing and compression are good. try some stretching, gently to start with and maybe massage in some ibuprofen gel.
Definitely walk if it causes no pain. I would walk the distance you are due to run if possible. But again, stop if it starts to hurt.

[michz_fe]

hi, i think i have the same problem..my lower legs, I always have cramps, specially when I exerts more strength.. i don't know really what's the caused..And it's giving me a hard time, most of the time during my sleeping time, i woke up because of the pain..