I thought I'd relay my story about this too since I found this thread only because I did a search on this lower leg burning issue, hoping to find a solution.
I've been more or less sedentary for like 5 years now. I've gotten the running bug again and really want to work up some serious endurance for trail running. Well poo poo on that. It's not happening. Just hiking is killing me.
Here's how my symptoms go. I start out with a brisk walk and sure enough, the lower leg burn begins right away. It's not just a little "feel the burn" sort of thing where you know you are making gains. It's so severe that I am in serious pain. The pain is all around my lower legs and each of the muscles are affected. If I reach down and grab my calves, which are huge anyway, They are so swollen there's very little give in the skin. They are about to pop.
The good news is, if I just keep on going for about 30 to 45 minutes or 1.5 to 2 miles or so, it seems to clear up. After that I am free to hike at a brisk pace without the awful burn for 3-4 hours.
You'd think that's it, problem solved. Trouble is, I don't want to go and just hike each time and spend the first 2 miles in awful pain. I want to run. Even after the first couple of miles when the burn from walking stops, the minute I start running, it all comes back. I can't run more than like one minute without having to stop. So my trail "runs" are 90% walking and a good bit of that is painful.
My uneducated theory is PAD - peripheral artery disease. It seems to make sense that lack of blood flow to areas producing the burning acid byproducts would cause the acid to just sit in the muslces rather than being wisked away like is supposed to happen. What do I know though?
I have begun deep tissue massage to the areas but it hasn't seemed to help. I'll give that some more time along with the suggested potassium. After that, if those things don't work, I'm headin' to a leg Dr.
Just wanted to share.
I've been more or less sedentary for like 5 years now. I've gotten the running bug again and really want to work up some serious endurance for trail running. Well poo poo on that. It's not happening. Just hiking is killing me.
Here's how my symptoms go. I start out with a brisk walk and sure enough, the lower leg burn begins right away. It's not just a little "feel the burn" sort of thing where you know you are making gains. It's so severe that I am in serious pain. The pain is all around my lower legs and each of the muscles are affected. If I reach down and grab my calves, which are huge anyway, They are so swollen there's very little give in the skin. They are about to pop.
The good news is, if I just keep on going for about 30 to 45 minutes or 1.5 to 2 miles or so, it seems to clear up. After that I am free to hike at a brisk pace without the awful burn for 3-4 hours.
You'd think that's it, problem solved. Trouble is, I don't want to go and just hike each time and spend the first 2 miles in awful pain. I want to run. Even after the first couple of miles when the burn from walking stops, the minute I start running, it all comes back. I can't run more than like one minute without having to stop. So my trail "runs" are 90% walking and a good bit of that is painful.
My uneducated theory is PAD - peripheral artery disease. It seems to make sense that lack of blood flow to areas producing the burning acid byproducts would cause the acid to just sit in the muslces rather than being wisked away like is supposed to happen. What do I know though?
I have begun deep tissue massage to the areas but it hasn't seemed to help. I'll give that some more time along with the suggested potassium. After that, if those things don't work, I'm headin' to a leg Dr.
Just wanted to share.
I have been reading all of the comments here and decided to get an account. I also been having problems with my legs. I do a lot of heavy lifting and minimal cardio. I started jogging again this past month and I started getting pain in my calf on both legs. I have jogged 2 miles, but I am not able to do it again the next day. I recently jogged 3 miles and I struggled, but finished at 37:02. I would like to get better and jog a long distance since all of my friends and my partner love jogging. We will be doing Tough Mudder in several months and we are in the stages of training. I just hope to get better and finish the 14 miles in september. I bought potassium pills from GNC and I am hoping this solves the problem. I'll post the results in a week =)
I have had this burning in my shins for years,,, I too was a runner and had to eventually stop,,, I can barely walk a couple of blocks without siezing up and screaming with pain,,, the funky new walking shoes that are unstable seem to work well.... and after years of searching I believe I may have an answer...
go to google and do some research on Compartment Syndrome and Active Release... I have had clients who have had active release for carpel tunnel, plantar, tendonitis,,with tremendous success,,,but I never thought of trying it for the shins,,, and even though I am in a small town,, i know a practitioner a couple hours from here and will go and see her.
To be qualified to train to use active release, you have to be a dr or physiotherapist, to chiropracter, etc. there are three levels of active release, so make sure the person you go to is well qualified.
I hurts, but its extremely effective and surgery free....
will let you know how it goes for me... ive been trying to get back into running for about 7 years,,,,
Linda
So, does anyone have updates as to whether the potassium supplements worked? How about ART?
I've had CS for 15 years and I'm tired of managing it. I just want to run without having to think about it. I know surgery has about a 90% success rate but don't want to go under the knife.
The frustrating part is that I get the 'shin lockage' in some races but not in others. I've ran many races where I don't get the symptoms and others where I just have to stop.
These solutions have worked for me but are not 100%. I get less symptoms if:
I run hilly courses, run in flats, had a hard workout the day before, have lost weight, faster intervals or sprints.
Again, not 100% solutions/conditions which make it frustrating.
Thanks for any feedback.
*** contact info removed ***
I've had CS for 15 years and I'm tired of managing it. I just want to run without having to think about it. I know surgery has about a 90% success rate but don't want to go under the knife.
The frustrating part is that I get the 'shin lockage' in some races but not in others. I've ran many races where I don't get the symptoms and others where I just have to stop.
These solutions have worked for me but are not 100%. I get less symptoms if:
I run hilly courses, run in flats, had a hard workout the day before, have lost weight, faster intervals or sprints.
Again, not 100% solutions/conditions which make it frustrating.
Thanks for any feedback.
*** contact info removed ***
hi mkp007 - I have exact same problem - I have a very muscular leg - really very thick calf but the lower calf, shin get tight 2-3 min into running... I have to run in cycles at low speed... I stay pretty close to your place - want to get in touch and get the doctor info - can a private message be sent? thanks in advance! :-)
Hi all, dsc5890 is exactly right. I visited a very good orthopedic surgeon here in San Diego and explained to him my problems as mentioned by others in this post and he knew exactly what it was. This compartment syndrome is tough to deal with because most of us are not willing to undergo the surgery. My doctor explained to me that they use very long shears to cut slits in the membrane surrounding the muscles to let them properly expand. There is a good chance for permanent numbness due to accidently cutting nerves. I already have a numb patch on my knee from my ACL surgery and it kind of bugs me. I couldn't imagine having a numb foot or something like that. I've been analyzing the mechanics of running and I thought I'd share some thoughts with everyone. Running can be broken into two main phases: the landing phase and the pushing phase. The landing phase is not the root cause of our problem. If you're like me, you can ride a bike and there are no issues with cramping (because biking does not over exert the shin muscles). It's the pushing phase that creates the most exertion in the shins. During this phase, you are pushing forward and slightly up. The front part of your foot springs off the ground and the shin muscles are doing a lot to counter these forces. For example, relax your foot and feel your shin muscles. Now push on the ground with your front part of your foot. You should feel these muscles tighten. If you run a mile, this happens about 1000 times per leg. Your shin muscles expand and are restricted and you start to lose strength. When you lose strength in your shin you may notice that your feet begin slapping the ground. This is because your shin muscles also lifts your foot up during the landing phase. I�m not an expert but just a mechanical engineer with the desire to understand why and how to fix it. I�m considering designing a shoe that minimizes exertion to the shin muscles. Mark mid 30's, 5'11", 185lbs
A bit more in detail so others can pitch in suggestions - I wud be grateful
- I dont feel pain while playing tennis with tennis shoes even for upto 2 hours coz it is on/off run instead of continuous
- I am 30, 5'11, weigh 172 lbs, medium built, but legs and thighs are really tough due to lot of playing and biking since young age. I have never run in earlier years execpt I always played, walked long hours, etc... so I dont have a running result to compare
- I dont lose breath - I am forced to stop because of the shin and lower calf/ankle area.
- Massage therapists and chiropractor have said my legs are very tight. I did not visit chiroprator for foot problem but rather some strained back /neck - which has happened only very rarely
- I have always been fit and athletic, agile, and more so now than before, I exercise entire body... my running has been utmost 2 miles in 20 min.... thats painful... these days it has reduced ... bmi 24 and 12% body fat...
- I can run in cycles of medium speed run and slow walk. Even after stretching by deep massage therapist, I experience the same problem. I have also tried barefoot on treadmill.. new asics shoes... roadrunner store told me my running is fine and I dont need any special shoes... just neutral or neutral+.... I have used inserts from Dr.Scholl at CVS where a kiosk approximates your foot profile to one of the shape/size they have....
- I feel exactly like I wore a tight shoe or something... sometimes I wondered if I weigh too much for my foot to withstand....
- I seen same observations with upper wrist movements... less in intensity
- Now that somebody mentioned - my landing is a bit shaky than before may be due to pain/ precaution and conscious landing?
Surgery scares the hell out of me - I rather not run at all... I am not a running fan but I want to be sure I wont have problem with tennis etc in long run...
- I dont feel pain while playing tennis with tennis shoes even for upto 2 hours coz it is on/off run instead of continuous
- I am 30, 5'11, weigh 172 lbs, medium built, but legs and thighs are really tough due to lot of playing and biking since young age. I have never run in earlier years execpt I always played, walked long hours, etc... so I dont have a running result to compare
- I dont lose breath - I am forced to stop because of the shin and lower calf/ankle area.
- Massage therapists and chiropractor have said my legs are very tight. I did not visit chiroprator for foot problem but rather some strained back /neck - which has happened only very rarely
- I have always been fit and athletic, agile, and more so now than before, I exercise entire body... my running has been utmost 2 miles in 20 min.... thats painful... these days it has reduced ... bmi 24 and 12% body fat...
- I can run in cycles of medium speed run and slow walk. Even after stretching by deep massage therapist, I experience the same problem. I have also tried barefoot on treadmill.. new asics shoes... roadrunner store told me my running is fine and I dont need any special shoes... just neutral or neutral+.... I have used inserts from Dr.Scholl at CVS where a kiosk approximates your foot profile to one of the shape/size they have....
- I feel exactly like I wore a tight shoe or something... sometimes I wondered if I weigh too much for my foot to withstand....
- I seen same observations with upper wrist movements... less in intensity
- Now that somebody mentioned - my landing is a bit shaky than before may be due to pain/ precaution and conscious landing?
Surgery scares the hell out of me - I rather not run at all... I am not a running fan but I want to be sure I wont have problem with tennis etc in long run...
Have you checked out the possibility that you may have compartment syndrome. When the muscles of the lower limb are being used in physical activity there is swelling associated with the increased blood flow to the working muscle. The muscles of the lower limbs are encased in fascia and divided into compartments. In some people the fascia restricts the ability of the muscle to expand when working and dilated. This causes pressure which may result in symptoms such as pain and even numbness. See a good sports physician who can test this.
Thanks Glen.
1. I read about compartment syndrome.... it made sense about the feeling of constriction at the ankle also due to muscle fatigue since I don't feel it at slow speeds of walking.... I am certainly not up for any procedures esp if it has a slight chance of causing numbness, etc... dont know about potassium deficiency, etc yet... but interestingly
2. I also checked with a myopractor (chiro:bones, myo:muscles) who said I have a rotated hip on left. This is due to an early walking habit with left foot slightly outward (balance is wise as analysed at a shoe store... not balance wise, it is lateral/medial quoting the Dr.)... continuing to quote the dr. "That has caused stress through the knee." The right leg gets stiffer since it is trying to compensate for it taking more load, especially so since I am RH... Further quoting the Dr. - it creates lower back pressure, patella (knee caps) loose on both sides... attachments need strengthening... solution recommended - special therapy exercises with "CUSTOM ORTHOTIC inserts" support to my feet... duration - slow - correction and exercises for 8-10 weeks, orthotic support for longer up to may be 2 years - it should correct my habit as well.
Couple of more observations [please excuse me - I am writing in detail - so it may also help others who have similar issues].
- lying on the back with feet stretched out touching each other along - if I relax the feet - must not be under your consciousness - sub consciousness - left foot tilts over outwards a little more than the right foot - this is an observation technique used by the doctor...
- in contrast to the outward rotation above - when lying on the back with 2 feet touching and stretched out - fold left leg at knee and place feet on the right thigh... try moving left knee to touch ground - this is far more difficult than the other way...?!
3. I am however taking a second opinion from an osteopath/orthopedic Dr. from mainline medical field..... will update if I feel it is useful...
FOLKS - please feel free to advise
1. I read about compartment syndrome.... it made sense about the feeling of constriction at the ankle also due to muscle fatigue since I don't feel it at slow speeds of walking.... I am certainly not up for any procedures esp if it has a slight chance of causing numbness, etc... dont know about potassium deficiency, etc yet... but interestingly
2. I also checked with a myopractor (chiro:bones, myo:muscles) who said I have a rotated hip on left. This is due to an early walking habit with left foot slightly outward (balance is wise as analysed at a shoe store... not balance wise, it is lateral/medial quoting the Dr.)... continuing to quote the dr. "That has caused stress through the knee." The right leg gets stiffer since it is trying to compensate for it taking more load, especially so since I am RH... Further quoting the Dr. - it creates lower back pressure, patella (knee caps) loose on both sides... attachments need strengthening... solution recommended - special therapy exercises with "CUSTOM ORTHOTIC inserts" support to my feet... duration - slow - correction and exercises for 8-10 weeks, orthotic support for longer up to may be 2 years - it should correct my habit as well.
Couple of more observations [please excuse me - I am writing in detail - so it may also help others who have similar issues].
- lying on the back with feet stretched out touching each other along - if I relax the feet - must not be under your consciousness - sub consciousness - left foot tilts over outwards a little more than the right foot - this is an observation technique used by the doctor...
- in contrast to the outward rotation above - when lying on the back with 2 feet touching and stretched out - fold left leg at knee and place feet on the right thigh... try moving left knee to touch ground - this is far more difficult than the other way...?!
3. I am however taking a second opinion from an osteopath/orthopedic Dr. from mainline medical field..... will update if I feel it is useful...
FOLKS - please feel free to advise
You may want to also check out your pelvic stability. Plenty of athletes have weak Gluteus Medius ( I do ) and this can cause plenty of leg/foot problems. There are strength and stability building exercises you can do yourself. I do them regularly as they helped with ITB and knee problem, and help keep things at bay. All the best
I have been working out since I was 13yrs old ...from aerobic videos to sports to running ...and so on. I am now 31 (32 next month). I have always worked out 3-6 days a week for the most part ...but for the last month or two I may have worked out 2-3 times total! When I stop working out and then go back to it, I have a bad habit of going back to it hard-core! ...When in fact you are supposed to start back slowly ...working your way up to "hard-core." When you jump into something (especially not stretching or getting adequate hydration) you can do some damage ---> burning pain in calves.
If you are pushing yourself harder than usual, or maybe harder than your body can take ....then you need to take it easy on yourself and slowly work your way up. Every body is different in what it can take and achieve physically.
I use to only run 2 miles, but I started going 3 miles and faster. This is what did it for me! (burning pain that is).
Low impact aerobics I find to be just as effective as running, step aerobics is a great alternative and fun!
Mix up your workout, don't run everyday because not only does it put too much pressure on the same areas but you are not working your body out in different ways to get maximum results
There are (Clif) electrolyte chews that you can buy online or at Academy, and sometimes target (where the nutrition bars are located) which will help you stay hydrated. I like the chews because you're staying hydrated without consuming liquid which sometimes interrupts a great workout (having to break to use the restroom). Or you can buy the energy drinks such as vitamin water to stay hydrated.
You already know about the potassium and bananas which is also very helpful.
It's imp to relax and let your muscles heal inbetween workouts, which is another reason why you should change up your routine. Yoga & meditation is also great for healing & relaxation ...as well as stretching! Taking a bath w/ epson salt is also know to do wonders (20-30minute soak).
Running on treadmills isn't as good and effective as running on a (dirt or football) track. DO NOT run on concrete or hard surfaces. Proper shoes and ground is needed for shock absorption ...which some treadmills are lacking. It's important to change your workout shoes every 6mos or so depending on how much you workout. Our feet are each designed differently, so you want to make sure you are getting the right support. If you need to, buy gel inserts!
I would avoid surgery if at all possible. Every thing we experience physically, science & medicine has tried to put a label on to help it or cure it. But some things in our physical lives is just merely over-stress ...mentally, physically, emotionally. I am a firm believer that healing can take place without surgery and medicine through personal experience & desire through taking care of ourselves individually, knowing our physical boundaries & having faith.
Make sure you are getting the proper nutrition in your diet. Too much coffee (caffeine & sugar) can affect your nerves in a negative way. If you absolutely need caffeine, try green tea itself, Puritans Pride south african hoodia gordoni w/ green tea, or essential amino energy (w/ green tea).
When you stay hydrated properly, that will also energize the body.
Know YOUR limits when it comes to exercise & consuming caffeine or sugar. Over-doing it will put added (physical & emotional stress) on the body.
I truly believe the burning pain comes from over stressing the muscles with improper stretching and hydration or vitamins (potassium). Sugar & coffee is known to cancel out vitamins, so be cautious in those areas.
If you are pushing yourself harder than usual, or maybe harder than your body can take ....then you need to take it easy on yourself and slowly work your way up. Every body is different in what it can take and achieve physically.
I use to only run 2 miles, but I started going 3 miles and faster. This is what did it for me! (burning pain that is).
Low impact aerobics I find to be just as effective as running, step aerobics is a great alternative and fun!
Mix up your workout, don't run everyday because not only does it put too much pressure on the same areas but you are not working your body out in different ways to get maximum results
There are (Clif) electrolyte chews that you can buy online or at Academy, and sometimes target (where the nutrition bars are located) which will help you stay hydrated. I like the chews because you're staying hydrated without consuming liquid which sometimes interrupts a great workout (having to break to use the restroom). Or you can buy the energy drinks such as vitamin water to stay hydrated.
You already know about the potassium and bananas which is also very helpful.
It's imp to relax and let your muscles heal inbetween workouts, which is another reason why you should change up your routine. Yoga & meditation is also great for healing & relaxation ...as well as stretching! Taking a bath w/ epson salt is also know to do wonders (20-30minute soak).
Running on treadmills isn't as good and effective as running on a (dirt or football) track. DO NOT run on concrete or hard surfaces. Proper shoes and ground is needed for shock absorption ...which some treadmills are lacking. It's important to change your workout shoes every 6mos or so depending on how much you workout. Our feet are each designed differently, so you want to make sure you are getting the right support. If you need to, buy gel inserts!
I would avoid surgery if at all possible. Every thing we experience physically, science & medicine has tried to put a label on to help it or cure it. But some things in our physical lives is just merely over-stress ...mentally, physically, emotionally. I am a firm believer that healing can take place without surgery and medicine through personal experience & desire through taking care of ourselves individually, knowing our physical boundaries & having faith.
Make sure you are getting the proper nutrition in your diet. Too much coffee (caffeine & sugar) can affect your nerves in a negative way. If you absolutely need caffeine, try green tea itself, Puritans Pride south african hoodia gordoni w/ green tea, or essential amino energy (w/ green tea).
When you stay hydrated properly, that will also energize the body.
Know YOUR limits when it comes to exercise & consuming caffeine or sugar. Over-doing it will put added (physical & emotional stress) on the body.
I truly believe the burning pain comes from over stressing the muscles with improper stretching and hydration or vitamins (potassium). Sugar & coffee is known to cancel out vitamins, so be cautious in those areas.
I see a lot of people posting about calf and shin pain. I have a recommendation. Everyday for as long as you can endure it, take a pair of ankle weights (about a pound) lay down and hang your feet of the end of a bed or couch and drape the weights from your toes. Lift the weight with your foot only flexing at the ankle. Over time you should build an endurance to this pain and be able to run freely without as much pain in the calves or shins.
Hello all - new to forums, but I have the same problem as all of you.
I used to run long distance, cross country, and then for the military. I ran in very poor shoes for much of it, getting through it by determination.
About ten years ago I had to give up running as an exercise because both legs, but my left in particular, developed a burning tightness in the muscle of the lower front (the anterior?). It kicks in almost instantly when I run - within a block. While the pain is bad - it's more that the muscles are so tight they can't function to allow me to bring my foot and toes up for the next step.
Last night I did hours of research looking at how to prevent this. Much of what I found focused on recovery after the fact. I wanted to find the cause - not manage the result.
Long story short - I did some study of 'chi running.' Name aside - it gave me some ideas to change my gait and posture. I was so excited I stretched my already painful shins and calves for about forty minutes, which I always do before running because of 'our problem' and then went outside at 11PM at night, in twenty degree weather...and ran.
It worked. Rather than heel-toe strikes, which require the lower leg muscles to push off to propel the body while simultaneously braking as the alternate heel strikes and 'brakes,' I used a mid-center contact with the feet, never allowing them to go beyond my chest. I was continually falling forward and catching myself. The pressure was off my lower legs. I now feel much more usage of my center and the upper portion of my legs.
I was able to run until I was absolutely out of breath (which occurred very quickly as I'm terribly out of shape) I plan on giving it a day, stretching, and trying again tomorrow. I don't want to overdo it.
I will post continual notes on my progress. For the first time in ten years, I may be able to run again. I don't care what they call it - chi running, posture running, whatever - the fundamentals of it seem to help so far.
I used to run long distance, cross country, and then for the military. I ran in very poor shoes for much of it, getting through it by determination.
About ten years ago I had to give up running as an exercise because both legs, but my left in particular, developed a burning tightness in the muscle of the lower front (the anterior?). It kicks in almost instantly when I run - within a block. While the pain is bad - it's more that the muscles are so tight they can't function to allow me to bring my foot and toes up for the next step.
Last night I did hours of research looking at how to prevent this. Much of what I found focused on recovery after the fact. I wanted to find the cause - not manage the result.
Long story short - I did some study of 'chi running.' Name aside - it gave me some ideas to change my gait and posture. I was so excited I stretched my already painful shins and calves for about forty minutes, which I always do before running because of 'our problem' and then went outside at 11PM at night, in twenty degree weather...and ran.
It worked. Rather than heel-toe strikes, which require the lower leg muscles to push off to propel the body while simultaneously braking as the alternate heel strikes and 'brakes,' I used a mid-center contact with the feet, never allowing them to go beyond my chest. I was continually falling forward and catching myself. The pressure was off my lower legs. I now feel much more usage of my center and the upper portion of my legs.
I was able to run until I was absolutely out of breath (which occurred very quickly as I'm terribly out of shape) I plan on giving it a day, stretching, and trying again tomorrow. I don't want to overdo it.
I will post continual notes on my progress. For the first time in ten years, I may be able to run again. I don't care what they call it - chi running, posture running, whatever - the fundamentals of it seem to help so far.
Hey all,
I have been having the same problem, but I decided to add more strength training specifically my calf’s and ankles with resistance bands and calf raises with my toes pointed in different positions. The burning usually starts for me about 1 mile in. I am not as tall as most of you 5’4 140, but I have experienced the same issue. I have been strength and resistance training my calves for about two weeks. My first real run since was yesterday and I was able to get to 2 miles before the burning… so maybe better strength and resistance training and more flexibility are worth a try. Anything that doesn’t involve surgery. I will keep plugging, hopefully someone responds to this post. Would love to hear your thoughts and experiences. Happy Trails