"Burning" Calves? This Runner is Stumped

[Natasha]

Hi!

Even though I've been a runner for years, and have read a lot about running and biomechanics, someone asked me a question I just couldn't answer. I wasn't able to find out anything online either, and my last coach has moved across Canada. So I'm stumped! I thought I would see if any of you knowledgeable folks had had this experience/had any idea what could be going on. I may also post this Q. on Runner's World but wanted to ask y'all first - 'cause I value your input, and, heck, 'cause I just like you all better than I like the folks on the RW boards! :D

Enough rambling. One of my potential teammates is building up her running fitness (for a long multi-discipline event that includes trail running) and is experiencing a burning sensation in her calves. This seems to happen after she's been going for 45 minutes to an hour. I know she needs better shoes and possibly orthotics, as she pronates. But I wonder if there's something else going on that could be causing this sensation. Anyone know, or have any tips for reducing the pain? I haven't had a chance to speak with her much about it, so don't have more details than that as yet.

Thanks!
Natasha

[JHolcomb]

Could it have something to do with a buildup of lactic acid? I always thought that just caused cramps, but maybe it has something to do with this as well. Eh, it's just a guess...

This happens to me as well (don't run, but walk a smart clip) every once in a while. Whatever's causing it, I find it helps to get off the treadmill and rest my legs for a minute or two, stretch really well and get back going a little slower for 5 minutes or so. I pronate too thanks to a poorly healed ankle break in the 1st grade, by the way, but I don't know if that's contributing to the prob.

Some mag (Health??) did an article not too long ago about good shoes for pronaters and the opposite of pronating-it might be worth it to see if you could find that article.

[Natasha]

Hi Jen!

Yay, a reply! Thanks! :)

Lactic acid: I thought of that too, and agree with you that it might be an option, but I'm not sure. I originally thought it couldn't be that because she gets this sensation even when she walks quickly (which I forgot to mention - oops) ;), and because she says that other than that she finds the workout really easy. I guess I figured that she'd feel more like she was struggling if she was having a lactic acid buildup (ick! I hate that feeling!!) :D But I think you might be right - it could be that. I will definitely mention that possibility to her, and suggest that she take little breaks, as you have suggested, and see if that helps.

Thanks also for the heads-up about the article. I have heard and read about underpronation but that's not her problem. I pronate too - so I know one when I see one! :p But I would like to check out the article anyway.

Have a GREAT day!
Natasha

[Scout]

Natasha I wish I could help you but I can't. I have no good answers. Although, at times I have experienced this feeling. My pain starts at the beginning of my run and about 30 -45 minutes disappears. Mine doesn't happen all the time but it seems to flare up when I so a specific calf stretch. Well I realize this has not been helpful at all but if you do get any information and would care to share I would appreciate it.


Anne

[Jen]

I'm not a runner, but I get a severe pain in my legs that I would describe as "burning" - I've always been told it's likely shin splints. It is bad in the front of the calf, but it hurts the entire lower part of my legs. Hmm, I'll have to keep an eye on this thread - maybe it's really been something else all along! It's extremely painful and irritating, whatever it is.

[funnybone]

I first thought they were shin splints as I have had that (even though I'm not a runner). I solved the problem by placing a "gel" heel pad in my regular shoes (I think they are Dr. Scholl's). I haven't had them since. I've never had this pain wearing aerobic shoes.

As you said, she needs better shoes, and that could be the cause of her problem. I don't think it will get better until she gets new shoes.

[Natasha]

You know, I'll bet it is some kind of shin issue. I hesitate to use the term "shin splints" because it's used to refer to a number of different ailments and sports docs tend to shy away from using it for that reason. There are a number of specific shin injuries/problems that I remember reading about. I'll review my chapter on shin pain in Running Injury-Free etc. and ask her some more questions and see if we can diagnose this thing!

Funnybone, I do agree, though. New shoes are a MUST for her!

I'll keep you guys posted on what my reading uncovers as it seems that my hopefully-teammate is not the only one with this problem!

Thanks for getting my brain functioning. :)

Natasha

[SusanT]

Natasha - if she's just started doing trail running, that may have something to do with it. I know from my DH's running and observing other trail runners that it's a lot more demanding on the muscles in the calves than road running.

Just a thought.

[Natasha]

Hi Susan,

Thanks for your message! How's your DH recovering from his race?

I completely agree about trail running. It's better on your joints in some ways than road running, but certainly does require a degree of ankle strength and calf strength that is a bit different from what you need to run on pavement.

This woman runs on the treadmill, though. She's not up to a lot of trail running yet. So I guess it can't be that ... Hmm ... will read up on shin pain some more!

So we'll see! Have a great night!!
Natasha

[SusanT]

Natasha - I forgot you're in Canada so I'll bet there's not much trail running going on right now!

DH feels fine. He said the race really pushed him hard physically but not to the point of injury or anything else bad happening. I can tell he's really getting into much better shape. A good night's sleep and he was back to normal

I went with him the first time he did this race and there were a lot of really seasoned trail runners from the Little Rock area. They had enormous calves! I've hiked this trail and really don't see how anyone could run it without breaking a bone. It's very steep in places with lots of loose rocks. The guy who came in first did it in about 5 hours or a 7 minute pace which I think is pretty awesome for this trail.

I asked DH about the shin pain and he commented that running on a treadmill seems to lock the stride into a form that it wouldn't normally have road running - you know - slowing down at intersections, etc. Maybe that's causing the pain. I always find walking on a treadmill harder on my body than walking on pavement.

[Natasha]

Hi Susan!

You're right; there's not really any trail running yet in this part of Canada, but hopefully very soon it will be a reality again! :) Can't wait...that's my FAVOURITE kind of running. And I especially can't wait to take out the beloved mountain bike again!! I am starting to have bouts of mountain bike withdrawal. :p

That's terrific that your DH could just get a bit of rest and be 100% again. He must be in tremendous shape.

That's true about treadmill running. When I run on the 'mill I try to vary my posture, footstrike, speed, and/or incline every few minutes to keep things changing (and my body alert). I still haven't had a chance to get back to my friend on the shin pain, but hope to figure it out after chatting with her tomorrow. :)

Natasha

[Natasha]

Hi!

Well, I got more info from the woman who was having the shin pain, and my feeling is that it is a combination of (a) improper footwear; (b) ramping up intensity and distance too quickly; and (c) still recovering a little from a previous injury. It seems like she has some tendonitis going on and needs to work on this by getting fitted for good shoes, and quite possibly orthotics at some point, and working up more carefully. I also am going to give her some exercises that she can do to strengthen her calf muscles generally.

So - I think you guys were bang on! Knew I could count on you. :)

Also, some of you mentioned that you have also had shin pain, so I thought I would copy this passage from Running Injury-Free in case you might find it helpful. Not determinative, obviously, and not as good as having a sports doc or physio look at it, but for what it's worth...

"Shin splints can mean any pain around the front, inside or outside portion of the lower leg. What we call shin splints can be any of the following:

1. Tendinitis of the lower leg. This can occur from overstress or excess pronation. The pain will normally be felt along the inside of your shin bone, but may occur on the front or outside portions.
2. Inflammation of the bone covering. Periosteum is the material that coves your bones. When there is too much shock or jarring, it becomes inflamed, generally along the inside of the shin bone.
3. Stress fractures. These can occur in the leg or foot. Normally, it will appear low on the fibula, where the bone is thinnest.
4. Nerve irritation. The tibial nerve runs down the inside of the leg and around the inside of your ankle. It can become inflamed on the lower portion of the leg if it gets caught between muscles and veins that have become enlarged.
5. Compartment syndrome. When fluid builds up in a compartment or muscles enlarge too quickly, pressure builds up there, and can diminish blood flow and cause pain."