| cyhawk |
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Hi letsrun- I have a case of periostitis, which I *think* is a fancy way to say shin splint. I tried to train through it for a while as I was aiming for the Boston marathon and the doctor said I could continue training as long as the pain was manageable. Eventually, it became painful to walk and my gait was being affected, so I decided to just take time off and try and heal it. That was a bit over 4 weeks ago. I've done two runs since: one 5mi and one 7mi. The 7mi was this past Sunday and I would characterize the pain as "slight", but definitely more than zero. The run did not seem to make my leg worse, but after three additional days off, I don't think its gotten any better either. So finally my question: Do I just continue taking time off until I feel 100% (no pain) when I step out for a run? If not, what is a better path forward? Thanks! |
| Doctor in the making |
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Periostitis is just fancy for shin splints. just inflammation of connective tissue around your bone-mostly from pulling of the tendon from your muscle on the bone and that portion is irritated. by running on it you cant really hurt it anymore than you have. Basically no permanent damage. But by training through it will take longer to recover.people have trained through them-its quite common. I think of them as a mental injury-accept the pain and recognize you cant get hurt anymore. that will help you toughen through it. |
| cyhawk |
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Thank you for the reply. One follow-up question: This injury started off as just a slight nag, which I ignored and continued training. In the early stages it probably felt about what it feels like now. After 4 weeks of trying to train through the injury it became steadily more painful. I did have an MRI that showed no stress fx or the like. Are you saying that I may have continued through that pain and eventually healed? I'm just wondering why if I start my training now it might be different this time. Thanks! |
| gatogatogato |
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Have you been icing/rolling out your calves? How about strengthening core and hips/glutes? Also, are your shoes busted up? All of this will help you to heal while you continue to run. I've been there... and it goes away if you do the maintenance. |
| cyhawk |
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I stopped the rolling/icing when I stopped running. I have been doing some exercises to strengthen the muscle at the front of my tibia, nothing about core or hip strength though. Should I be doing something here? I was also going to try some PT/massage, have an appointment tomorrow. |
| gatogatogato |
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I'd continue to ice it for as long as it remains tender, and roll or stick the tendon itself (gently), as well as the affected calf. Core and hip strength will almost always help - often we as runners have weak cores and especially glutes, which can throw off everything down the line. Your PT should be able to help you pick some exercises that will work for you. Massage will also help, but be prepared for it to hurt like a mother. |
| cyhawk |
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You were not kidding! That was the most painful 30min I can ever remember. |