Running. Why do my lower legs hurt 5 minutes in?

Question

i started running a few weeks ago. (short distances, run/walk, and rest days)

breathing was hard but no unusual discomfort.

Now, my calves HURT! when i run, 5 mins in it's a killer i have to stop and walk. i can't stretch them tho as they feel solid like tree trunks and hurt even more. so i just keep walking until it subsides, as soon as i run again, it flares up.

I want to keep running but feel anxious about this problem.

(should i be stretching on days off? or running slower tho i don't think i can run much slower without stopping!!)

Help me please?

Answer 1

You should be stretching all of your muscles after every workout, this should prevent any muscle fatigue problems as long as you keep the volume of the workout sensible (don't increase the workout by more than 10% every week).

Sounds like you got shin splints to me. Classic fatigue and indication of overdoing your workouts.

You should lessen the total duration of running for 2-3 weeks and slowly start running again using a run/walk system.

For now what you need is stretching, ice bath (or just cold water) for your legs (could be done after every tough workout) and most importantly REST!

Answer 2

I also had this problem in the fall. its not shin splints so don't try to wrap your calf. my coach told me to stretch it by pointing your toe then pulling back and repeat it over and over. also you could work on writing the alphabet in the air with your toes. this builds up the muscle while helping to stretch it. if you can, I would take a break from running for a bit to help the muscle heal. if not then continue to stretch it. my leg no longer hurts when i run but i think that it is mostly because i took a month break from running. i hope it starts to feel better!

Answer 3

shin splints is a catch all phrase. ppl will debate forever on its definition.

so lets not label it and call it "the pain assosiated from years of doing nothing and then jumping into a running program all of a sudden"

sounds like it could be your calves as well as a muscle lower than the calves called the soleus.

this is common in beginners. you need to cut back and walk more. this will strenghten the attachments of your tendons/ligaments/muscles... once those are strengthened. then you can run. maybe not without any pain, but you will have a better base to start off with.

stretching is good. but this will only ease the symptom not clear the underlying problem.

and lets be clear about that. you are maybe overweight, yes? not used to this amount of battling with gravity?  

give it time.... lots of time walking. got to strengthen your lower legs before you punish them so.

Answer 4

from what you are describing when i first started running i had the same problem. it would get to the point where i couldnt finish a 2 mile run, i had to walk and even then if i tried to run again the next day it would start hurting again. after the first week of dealing with this, i started stretching before i ran. id warm up with a 1 lap (.2) walk and then stretch, stretch stretch! every angle especially focusing on my calves. then id run and stretch again thoroughly when i was done. i also bought some new running shoes because my old ones were well, old. i dont have this problem anymore and i run every other day now. i also dont have to stretch as much as i was doing at first, but its worth it to avoid that pain. i dont know what it was, but basically it sounded like what you have :) stetch before you run and after, and yes i do stretch on days off too.

Answer 5

It's doesn't sound like shin splints - that's an issue with the connective tissue, not muscle, and is only at the front of your leg .

I'm not sure what might be causing your problem, but as you say your calves feel very tight, I would definitely recommend stretching them every chance you get, especially before and after running, for several minutes.  Stretch gently at first, then more as the pain subsides.  

A good stretch is to stand with the front of one foot on a step, (lift the other foot slightly), then let your weight push your heel down towards the ground. Hold for a minute then switch legs.

If stretching doesn't help I'd go and see an orthopedic doctor who specializes in sports medicine.  Good luck.