Why do your calves hurt when you run?

Make sure your shoes are suitable for you. Shoes that are too tight can disrupt blood circulation, and high heels increase the risk of Achilles tendon deformities and corns (according to the WHO, up to 25 % of women over 30 suffer from discomfort caused by uncomfortable footwear).

Causes of knee joint pain

The knee joint has a very complex structure. Constant movement puts a lot of strain on it, which increases significantly when you run. Pain can be caused not only by a congenital or acquired disorder, but also by an injury to the ligament apparatus. The strain of movement can cause inflammation that has so far gone unnoticed. Therefore, pain, even if it is only mild, should be a serious warning sign of a possible health risk.

It has been found that knees always start hurting after running. The following causes can be identified:

1. Dislocation of the kneecap (patella). This injury is the most common among runners. Although not dangerous, it can lead to further ligament sprains. Frequent sprains lead to. Painful sensations become the norm, the joint loses its former mobility, and the kneecap tissue gradually breaks down. This phenomenon is known as 'runner's knee'.
2. Damage to the round cartilage in the knee joint (meniscus), which is connected to the adjacent cartilage by ligaments. A failed squat or a sudden leg twist can cause some of the ligament fibers to tear. This causes pain and, over time, swelling. Leaning on the injured limb becomes very painful.
3. Rupture or sprain of joint ligaments. These injuries usually occur as a result of increased exertion or carelessness while running. The area around the knee swells, mobility is limited, and the pain is acute.
4. Pathological conditions that appear after excessive loads. These include arthrosis, arthritis, periarthritis, rheumatism, synovitis, bursitis of the joints.
5. Disorders affecting the circulatory system. Due to the disturbed nutrition in the knee area, the pain is non-localized and short-lived. They resolve spontaneously or are treated with analgesics. They are most common in adolescents in the first years of life and in adolescence. Vascular pain can also occur in people who have excess cholesterol, which can form atherosclerotic plaques that impede normal blood flow.

What to do with chronic and acute pain?

It is clear that chronic pain is related to congenital or acquired diseases of the body; in this case, running is only one consequence. However, if you follow the recommendations below, you can make your workout enjoyable and comfortable:

• If you have persistent pain after running, you should see a specialist who can help you determine the cause and advise you on correcting your training or the possibility of continuing it. If you have a known illness, you should see your doctor regularly.
• Wearing an elastic bandage or orthosis can give good results. The use of warming ointments or medical compresses will speed up metabolic processes in the problem area.
• Worsening pain should be a signal to stop training. However, termination should not be abrupt. You should switch to one level first and then stop altogether.

Acute pain syndrome can be a one-off event. But even in this case, immediate intervention is required. It is important to remember:

1. In order to relieve the joint, it must be carefully secured. This can be done with an elastic bandage or bandage. Don't put too much pressure on the joint to avoid cutting off blood flow.
2. The leg should be positioned over the body. It is best to lay your body down in a comfortable position.
3. A cold compress relieves the pain. The ice pack should be wrapped in a cloth to avoid frostbite. The treatment is repeated four times at one hour intervals. The ice pack should not remain on the body for more than 15 minutes.
4. If there are no contraindications or allergies, a painkiller from the group of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be taken.

Even if the unpleasant symptoms subside, it is advisable to consult a doctor after some time.

What to do if the leg cramps persist?

If you have this symptom, you should see your GP. During the first consultation, the specialist will take an anamnesis, take your medical history, examine you and ask you about your symptoms. It is important to tell the therapist all the signs that precede the onset of convulsions (walking, stress, taking medication). You should also accurately describe the symptoms of the leg cramps:

• how often they occur;
• whether they are accompanied by static tension or rhythmic spasms?
• how quickly they subside;
• what the person is doing to relieve the spasms.

Based on the information obtained during the consultation, the specialist will draw initial conclusions and prescribe screening tests, which may include the following

• a blood test
• a urine test
• a blood test for vitamins and minerals
• Duplex scanning ultrasound of the blood vessels in the legs (ultrasound of veins and arteries).

Based on the results of the examination, the doctor makes a diagnosis. Treatment can be recommended by a general practitioner or a specialist (phlebologist, neurologist, cardiologist, endocrinologist).

How are the cramps treated?

How to treat leg cramps will be determined by your doctor after diagnosis. Treatment for skeletal muscle spasms depends on the underlying condition. If the spasms are severe and frequent, the main therapy can be supplemented with symptomatic measures. Vitamin and mineral complexes, muscle relaxants, massage and physical therapy are prescribed.

Vascular diseases, namely chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins, are considered the most common cause of leg cramps. For these diseases, comprehensive treatment is prescribed, which includes:

• drug therapy (venotonics and agents that prevent blood clots);
• diet (balanced diet with moderate fat content and increased intake of vitamins from food);
• wearing compression knitwear;
• Physical therapy to improve the function of the musculo-venous pump;
• moderate physical activity;
• Rational work and rest periods to prevent failure progression.

In severe cases (late stages) of varicose veins, surgical treatment is performed. Modern phlebology prefers minimally traumatic methods of eliminating blood flow in pathologically changed vessels (sclerotherapy, laser coagulation, etc.).

Treatment or self-treatment – what happens next?

What can I do if my knees hurt after exercising? Many athletes, experienced or inexperienced, prefer to wait and see. No one rushes to the clinic, and sometimes this can lead to serious consequences. Self-medication may be recommended in cases of apparent overtraining, knowing that it will pass within a few days. However, with chronic overtraining, when the knees hurt constantly or only one knee hurts, it is better to consult a doctor. He or she will identify the source of inflammation and establish the true causes.

Patients with a high BMI are at risk - they put a lot of strain on their joints even without regular long-distance runs. Such people need special running shoes to correct the load. Pain in the leg joints after running also occurs in beginners who have never done anything like this before.

Beginners are advised not to self-medicate and, as a precaution, consult a doctor. The same goes for people with orthopedic problems. You should definitely see a doctor if:

1. Constant pain in leg joints after running. If the pain isn't due to overuse, improper footwear, or the athlete's fitness level, the cause can be very serious. As a last resort, even if nothing serious is found, your doctor will recommend good vitamins, sessions with a chiropractor, or osteopath.
2. The area around the knee is swollen, red, and the pain is persistent. Each of these symptoms indicates an inflammatory process. The cause can be an injury or a disease of the joint.
3. Mobility in the knee joint area may be restricted. This is an alarm signal that indicates an illness.
4. Pain in the back of the knee after running.

Serious medical conditions that can lead to these problems include arthritis and osteoarthritis, synovitis, tendinitis, rheumatism, bursitis, and periarthritis. This is by no means a complete list of conditions that can be diagnosed. The diagnosis is made with the help of special equipment, and in some cases blood is taken from the patient for analysis.

Who should be contacted?

If you experience pain below your knee after running, you should consult a doctor. Such problems are treated by an orthopedist/traumatologist. In some cases, your doctor may refer you to another specialist. For example, in case of inflammation, you need to see a rheumatologist. You may also have to undergo a number of diagnostic procedures. Once a definitive diagnosis has been made, treatment will be prescribed. If the pain is severe, the patient may be prescribed painkillers and immobilisation of the painful joint. In sports, taping is used for stress pain when the outside of the knee hurts after running.

Your doctor will give you specific advice on what to do if your knee hurts from running. If you visit a specialist, there is no risk that he will overlook the symptoms of a dangerous disease and detect them at an early stage. In addition, the doctor can prescribe a treatment tailored to the individual patient.

Exercises for calf pain

If your calves hurt a lot, it's worth doing a set of exercises. They are also an effective way to prevent cramps.

Exercise 1

• Stand facing a wall at shoulder height. Place your feet shoulder-width apart.
• Support yourself with your hands on the wall at shoulder height. Don't bend your arms at the elbows, keep them straight.
• Without lifting your heel off the floor, pull one leg back. At the same time, bend the other knee and lean forward. Make sure your back stays straight. You will feel your lower leg stretch. There shouldn't be any pain.
• Stay in this position for 30 seconds.
• Repeat the exercise with the other leg.

Repeat for 3 sets for each shin.

exercise 2

You need a fitness band or a normal belt. If you don't have one, a towel will suffice.

• Sit on the floor. Straighten your legs.
• Bend your left leg at the knee. Your foot must be pressed against the floor.
• Slip an elastic band or strap over your right foot. Hold on to the ends.
• Relax your ankle and foot. Then pull the band towards you until you feel a tug in your shin. Hold the band taut for 30 seconds. Make sure your right knee is straight.
• Stretch the shin of the other leg in the same way.
• Do several repetitions on each leg.

This is a very effective exercise for leg cramps. It stretches the lower leg far beyond the calf.

exercise 3

• Sit on the floor. Straighten your legs.
• Place a strap or elastic band over your right foot and straighten.
• Lie on your back. Raise the stretched leg. Be careful not to bend it at the knee joint. Pull the leg towards you until you feel a pull in the hamstrings. There shouldn't be any pain. Hold this position for 30 seconds.
• Repeat the same with the left leg.

Prevention of calf pain

To prevent the occurrence of various leg ailments, experts recommend following the following recommendations:

• Avoid blood clots during long car journeys or air travel to stay active. Get up every 2 hours and walk around a bit. Don't sit for long periods of time.
• Control your body weight and keep it at an optimal level. Avoid obesity. This puts less stress on your joints in your lower limbs.
• Exercise daily and do gymnastics.
• Monitor your diet. This should be done in the form of a balanced diet.
• Women should avoid high heels.
• Choose comfortable shoes.

When your calves hurt, it's important to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This is an excellent preventive measure against diseases, the symptom of which is unpleasant sensations in the legs. A healthy and balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and smoking, daily physical activity and plenty of rest will certainly prevent many health problems. If you follow these recommendations, you will quickly see an improvement in your well-being.

Causes of pain below the knee

In order for your doctor to understand why your leg hurts below the knee, you should carefully analyze and describe your pain before your appointment:

• where it occurs: front, back, side, in the knee or under the kneecap;
• the intensity and nature of the pain: is it aching, stinging, pulling, stabbing or dull;
• whether the pain increases with walking, bending the leg, running, or other physical activity
• whether the pain is felt above the kneecap or in the hip
• whether the pain is localized in the muscles, joints or bones;
• whether the symptoms occur at rest or at night during sleep.

The legs below the knee hurt not only from fatigue, but also from dislocations, meniscus tears, arthritis, arthrosis, varicose veins and nerve damage. Stiffness, tingling, and cramps are also caused by vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Joint diseases, arthritis, arthrosis, meniscus tear

The joints work by bending and straightening the legs. They are burdened by habitual walking, running, fitness and weight lifting. The burden increases when the sufferer is overweight. With age, metabolic disorders and untreated injuries, the joints wear out and the joint tissue begins to break down. Arthritis, osteoarthritis and other joint diseases develop.

If you notice any of these symptoms, you should have your joints checked:

• the leg (one or both) hurts when walking, bending, or stretching;
• The pain is dull and extends above the knee to the hip, but may become severe if the joint is inflamed;
• Sometimes a crunching sound is heard when running or walking;
• limited mobility, pain and difficulty bending and straightening the leg in the knee;
• Swelling and deformity of the kneecap and small bones can occur as the tissues of the joint break down.

If you have pain under the knee and difficulty bending and straightening the knee joint, you should consult a surgeon or traumatologist to rule out a meniscus tear. Sometimes the pain only occurs when climbing stairs.

Which doctor should I see?

If the painful sensations persist for 3-4 days after a long walk, workout or strenuous physical activity, or if they occur at night while lying or sitting, you should consult a doctor to determine the cause.

If you've recently suffered a bruise, treated a broken tibia, or dislocation, you should make an appointment with a trauma surgeon.

However, if you do not know why you are having problems, you should see your GP, who will refer you for tests (blood tests, X-rays, ultrasound, MRI, CT, arthroscopy) and specialists. A comprehensive medical examination may be necessary to rule out diseases such as diabetes, other endocrine disorders, vitamin and mineral deficiencies.

Depending on the diagnosis, your doctor may be an arthrologist, chiropractor, orthopedist, or traumatologist. Some patients are looked after by two doctors from different disciplines, many patients also go to a massage therapist and work together with a trainer.

How to prevent side pain while running?

The best way to have a successful workout and not experience pain in your side is to prevent pain.

How to prevent side pain while running:

Side pain while running is a symptom of inexperienced runners and those who don't follow the rules of running. Take care of yourself and your body and remember that your workout will not be effective and efficient if you are plagued by side pain.

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diagnosis of pathology

Osteochondrosis and hip pathology have similar symptoms. In order to make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will examine the patient and explain the symptoms, the type and location of the pain. To determine the treatment of the disease and determine what drugs are contraindicated in the patient, additional tests are ordered:

• Blood test – shows whether there is an inflammatory process in the body and how strong it is;
• urinalysis – reveals hidden puffiness, disorders of the excretory system and the degree of intoxication of the body;
• blood tests for fibrinogen levels and other non-specific markers;
• Examination of the rheumatic fluid - determines the rheumatoid factor;
• Proteinogram - detects inflammatory processes, malignant and benign tumors, characterizes the composition of protein compounds in the blood;
• X-ray - shows the condition of bones, cartilage, tendons, fractures, tears, ruptures, dislocations, degree of destruction or deformation;
• Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) or computed tomography (CT) - shows abnormalities in the soft tissues: muscles, ligaments;
• Ultrasound – shows the condition of the joints, the increase in the volume of their inflamed membranes, the presence of synovial fluid in different parts of the joint.

Features of the treatment of pain of different types

There is no single treatment plan for hip joint pathology. You need certain medications for arthrosis and others for pinched nerve endings. After diagnosis, the doctor prescribes treatment, taking into account the stage of the disease, gender, patient's age, other chronic diseases, and possible allergic reactions.

Pain and inflammation in arthritis are suppressed with anti-inflammatory drugs. To prevent the disease from progressing, hormones are given to the patient. In addition to drug therapy, physiotherapy is performed.

With synovitis, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are prescribed. If the examinations reveal an increased inflammatory process, injections are made directly into the joint. The doctor selects the solution for injection (dipropane, hydrocortisone) after examining the specifics of the disease and the general condition of the patient. If there is a high risk of complications and the disease is severe, treatment with dexamethasone, prednisolone, or another corticosteroid is done.

In the early stages of coxarthrosis, treatment with nimesulide, meloxicam is effective. However, if the patient does not seek treatment if they experience leg pain when walking and the disease is advanced, total or partial joint replacement is required. Chondroprotectors are prescribed to repair the cartilage.

Glucocorticosteroids are prescribed for connective tissue abnormalities.

Strong drugs should not be used alone without medical supervision. During therapy, the doctor monitors the general condition of the body and recommends regular blood and urine tests.

The most common mistakes runners make that cause post-run joint pain

Why this is happening. Imagine that many beginning runners are people who have lived a sedentary lifestyle for years and then suddenly took up running. If your heart, blood vessels and respiratory system aren't failing, your joints could be in for a nasty surprise.

Long distances. Don't start long-distance running right away. A beginner who has never run should do a short training session. The load should be gradually increased. Run 1km on the first day, then rest for 1-2 days to allow your muscles to recover. Gradually increase the length of the route. Always take breaks! There is no need to run every day.

High intensity. Don't set yourself up for records right away. Start with a light jog. As a general rule, get your body used to the movement.

Don't watch your heart rate.. Your heart rate is a good indicator that you are overexerting yourself. For very young people it should not be more than 155 beats per minute, for everyone else 130-140 beats per minute. Therefore, before exercising, get a heart rate monitor so that you can monitor your heart muscle: how your heart is beating, how fast your heart rate is increasing. Especially during the first training sessions, you should keep an eye on your heart rate so that you don't let your heart beat too fast.

What to do if your joints hurt after a run?

Here are the three main reasons why your joints can hurt:

• you have suffered an injury to the muscles surrounding the joint;
• you have suffered a ligament injury;
• The joint surfaces are damaged due to degenerative changes and cartilage diseases.

If the joint pain occurs systematically during or after running, the athlete must consult an orthopedist. Orthopedics is a branch of sports medicine: it deals with the changes in the human body that occur as a result of physical activity. During the examination, the trauma orthopedic specialist will help to determine the exact cause of the pain syndrome and choose the best method of solving the existing problems. If the results of the first examination are insufficient, the doctor will refer the patient for further examinations with an imaging diagnostic device:

Treatment with physiotherapy and nutritional therapy

In combination with medication, the doctor prescribes physiotherapy. A child with pain and spasms is prescribed electrophoresis and drugs with increased levels of potassium and magnesium. Similar therapy is also used in adults to achieve deeper penetration of the drug, which increases the effectiveness of the treatment. Other methods are:

• magnet therapy;
• almag sessions;
• paraffin applications;
• massage sessions;
• therapeutic exercises.

As part of prevention, the patient's diet is adjusted to increase the effectiveness of treatment. Fresh vegetables, fruit and freshly squeezed juices are consumed more frequently. Meat, fish, sour dairy products and low-fat cottage cheese should be included in the menu. Floury foods, sweets, salty foods, carbonated drinks and alcoholic beverages should not be consumed. Broths, legumes and canned fish are allowed with caution and in minimal doses. Moderate physical activity is also permitted.

Further information

Leg pain below the knee in women has a variety of etiologies. Some causes are superficial and easily remedied with proper diet and stress reduction. Others require urgent medical attention. To find out the cause, it is important to see a specialist. The doctor will take into account your medical history, your symptoms and your examination results and will prescribe a treatment for you.

A burning, dull, aching pain can indicate the beginning of a progressive disease. If the pain persists for a long period of time, you should be concerned. If it is a single pain that does not last more than a day, this does not indicate an existing pathology. To avoid pain, it is advisable to eat a healthy diet and be aware of weight fluctuations and fluid intake. Moderate exercise keeps muscles engaged and prevents the release of large amounts of lactic acid.

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