Excruciating Pain HELP!!

Hi,



I'm a new runner but play football (Soccer) 3-4 times a week, I started to build on a moderately slow run of about 0.5 miles and slowly progressed up and often do 1.5 mile runs now (aerobically these are not a challenge in the slightest but physically is where the issues start). These runs are not without difficulty and wondered if anyone had the same issue as below:

I jog for about 5mins only and get incredible burning constant pain at the back of my ankles to the bottom of my calf muscle, I have ran with people who have never ran before and although I'm not out of breath the excruciating pain at the lower rear of my leg gets too intense and forces me to stop. I never get this issue when playing football short sprints and short recovery seem fine its the constant running that take its toll.

This means that to date my longest run has been a measly 1.6 miles (pushing myself through the pain) and I feel fine to continue in terms of my breathing but my legs won't let me.

Normally when I stop and stretch half way round i can run for another couple of minuets but the same happens. I'm fine within 10mins or so and no problem the next day.

I am booking myself into the doctors but believe i will have to see a specialist, When searching the Internet for any similar issues all that comes up is Compartment Syndrome, Has anyone had similar issues or Can anyone help me?:(

Thanks in Advance

There could be a number of sources of pain but the most likely is a problem with your Achilles tendons. You could have some form of tendonopathy which may be amenable to a particular form of exercise. Sometimes the cause of this is due to a problem with the joints of the hind foot In which case getting the right sort of runners and sometimes orthotics can greatly help matters. In addition the alignment of the trunk and lower limbs can all take a role in poor body mechanics when you run.

I would recommend you see a MSK/sports physio who can give you a thorough assessment. For example they should watch you running on a treadmill. The physio may identify any problems you are having with your running and check and the joints, muscles and tendons. They can then advise you on the best course of action.

Usually these problems can be helped and can get you back to effortless running.