Pain in left leg when running

Hi everyone, will start by saying hello, I am Emma, 34, an occupational therapist from Oxford, UK. I have recently started running, only 5 weeks or so. I have been using the treadmill only so far. I have been getting pain and aching in my left leg only, making it hard to continue, which is frustrating as I know I can do more than I am currently doing.

I should mention that I had been wearing shoes that were too small (I had been wearing my everyday size, instead of getting a size bigger) and had been getting pain in toes of left foot also. However, went to specialist running store today, and had my gait analysed on the treadmill, and got shoes that fitted properly. Went for a run in new shoes when I got home, but still getting pain inleft leg, never the right. Toes are fine now btw.

I am hoping that this pain/ aching in left leg will resolve itself now I have the correct shoes, but should I wait a while before I run again? Has anyone else experienced similar? Why just the left leg?

I have heard pain/achey legs may be due to not drinking enough water also, which I confess I am terrible at.

Any thoughts / advice would be appreciated.

Many thanks. :action11:
 
What exactly is the pain like? Dull or sharp? Does it radiate or stay in one spot? What part of the leg is it? (Upper, lower, inside, outside, etc.)
 
Hello,

The pain is mainly in the lower leg, around the back, although sometimes occurs in the front too. Sometimes that keg just aches, like its tired, you know? I was wondering if I should pay more attention to stretching that leg, I must admit my stretching is not good, sometimes only a few minutes. Maybe when I do stretch, I am favouring the stronger leg (right side)?

Someone sugested looking on youtube for IT band stretches, as this could be the cause? will have to google IT band first ;-)

Would love to know your thoughts.

Many thanks

Emma x
 
My first thought is shin splints. Medial tibial stress syndrome often comes on when running at a brand new intensity that's too much for you. (Keep in mind, this term is a catch-all for compartment syndrome, stress fractures, and muscle strains.) Yes, you should always do good stretching, and yes, IT bands tend to be the bane of a runner's existence. (Unfortunately, it's a pretty hard one to stretch.)

You'll probably want to see a clinician for a full assessment. If it turns out to be a chronic condition, then you'll likely need to correct your form, your gait, and have a look at the structure of your feet and legs themselves.
 
The problem you are suffering right now is very common problem as a beginner. Maximum beginners usually face these types of problems because of not having proper running workout routine. Initially they make a running workout routine by themselves and make it quite hard. I believe you also did the same mistake and facing the problems now. Yes, Jrahien may be right. It could be spin splints. It would be better if you consult with your doc before it becomes a chronic problem.

But I would like to help you in completely different way so that you get a proper running workout routine. If you follow this accurately then I believe that you would not face this type of problem again.

To me running is the best exercise. It has high potential to be very beneficial to our health if you approach it correctly. Beginning any running routine depends on three things:

1. Your initial strength
2. Your Pace and
3. Your distance capacity

Once you've established your personal limits, you can begin to effectively increase your running capacity in speed and distance.

At this stage I would like to discuss it in step by step so that you comprehend what exact way you and the entire new runner need to proceed:

• Start off easy by learning your limits.

• Try running at a steady pace that leaves you just out of breath after several minutes. This can be a run, or even a brisk jog, but should not be a full out sprint.

• Once you encounter discomfort, tone it down to a slow jog or walk.

• Continue this run-walk routine, gradually increasing your consecutive run time while decreasing your recovery walk time. Once your ability to run grows to 15 minutes at a time, you can move onto working on speed.

• Relax your upper body. Try to swing your arms with your forward momentum rather than side to side or against your motion.

• Open up your stride by extending your feet in front of your body and far behind your body. The most important aspect is to run however feels natural to your body.

This is the proper runner workout routine.

Keep in mind that proper warm up, cool down and stretching are also vital to mitigating injury risk and discomfort after a run. What does it mean by warming up? Maximum of us do not know the proper answer. Warming up means warming up your muscles before you begin your workout. This can be as simple as a five-minute jog. Once you've completed your workout, do another five to 10-minute jog to slowly bring your heart-rate down. After you've cooled down, begin stretching your legs. Be deliberate in your stretching, holding each stretch for 10 to 15 seconds.

Your stretches should feel gratifying and never painful.
 
There are several causes of lower leg pain that are difficult to diagnose and their treatments. As per my knowledge following are the causes by which your lower leg pain.
1.Muscle cramps
2.Inflamed or torn tendons or muscles
3.Broken bone or a sprained knee or ankle
4.Shin splints
5.dehydration ...........:animal3:
 
Hello all I have a concern.
In karate we worked the yoko geri I know if it tells you something, in any case due to bad exécussions I have pain in the knee right leg to the inside of the left knee.
In general I hurt when I do a twist, that is to say when I'm on my leg and queje turns the knees or pelvis to the right.
But sometimes it back alone.
I have thought that by arresting Yoko ... but it persists!
And there are plenty of times in the day when I turn.
For example, if I turn to the right to make a not catch my laptop, hop I have hurt.
To situate: On the knees, the front one has two recesses; one on each side when it is folded. Bah it's inside, between the palm of the left and the tendon behind the knee left.
If you can m 'please help it m' handicap lot in my sports practices and I have fear that it bothers me for my tests firefighters' I will perform soon.
 
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Thank you so much for wonderful guidance albert. Recently I have started running but because of my busy schedule I am unable to do everyday running but from next week hoping for regular exercise and running because it keeps me very kalm and concentrated.
 
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