Running is harming my ankles?

browneyedsquirrel

Okay so I've been back in the running and exercise groove for a bit now and I'm noticing a problem in my ankles...

I have all these lil purple veiny type things on my ankles. I don't know if you would call them broken blood vessels, spider veins, varicose veins... but they are there. They aren't horribly big or noticeable unless you are looking at my ankles more up close, but I also don't want them to get any worse.

I used to get them back when I ran cross country and track in H.S. and I always assumed they were normal and just a side effect of the shock absorption of running. But I've talked to a few other runners and they don't seem to have the same problem.

Is there something wrong with my ankles or circulation or running style.... anything?

Any way to prevent/treat these?

I know a common response might be to use an elliptical or bike, but I really do not feel comfortable on those machines. I really just enjoy regular running and can push myself much harder in my workouts doing that more than anyting else.

Also I just bought a new pair of running shoes recently so I would think that cushion/support isn't the problem?

Thanks for any light you can shed on this for me!

Fizban140

I have the same thing I think I got them from running in combat boots, maybe your shoes are too tight?

Ryadic

May want to see an orthopedic doctor. It sounds as though you may have a problem with your joints that may worsen without treatment. Probably shouldn't run. I would recommend riding a bike, but you also said you don't wanna do that.

I wouldn't ignore it at all though. Definitely have it checked.

HyperDeathKill

I used to have the same thing, it's a subset of shin splints which the wikipedia article says is a combination of symptoms more than a particular problem, I run about 30 miles a week.

Outside running is really harsh on the human body, if you're serious about keeping it up, you'll definitely want to spend some money at a running store and get some fitted running shoes... it's possible the ones you bought aren't the right type for your feet. You also might want to consider treadmill running if you can stomach the boring-ness, as it's easier on your legs.

And blah blah blah see a doctor blah blah blah

browneyedsquirrel

Well I definitely have shin splints, got them back in H.S., ran every practice/race iced up and taped up lol.

So that makes some sense if it's related to that. I don't run quite as much, maybe 2-3 miles 4 times a week right now. I currently run on a treadmill as I'm in a new area now and haven't braved finding an outdoor trail or such yet. (it's not so bad, I watch the Cubs game while I run to counteract the "I'm running in one spot" monotony). The treadmill I use is a lil old so the shock absorption may not be what it once was.

I used to wear New Balance but I opted for a pair of Avia's this time around mainly based on price.

I know, I know, should never sacrifice a good shoe for a sale shoe if you're serious about running... but I honestly didn't know if I was going to stick to my exercise routine back when I bought them in like April. Maybe I'll look into something a lil more higher quality/fitted if you think it would help.

Is it really something worth seeing a doc about though? What could be the possible benefits of that... like maybe he'll put me on some sort of vitamin/supplement?

I really hope the only cure to this isn't "stop running do something else" because that would just kill the likelihood of me continuing to be motivated to go down to the gym on a somewhat daily basis, it's the best part of my workout.

Also, any chance icing before/after a run would help if it's at all related to shin splints? I haven't had any real pain with the shin splints as of yet, but I'm just starting to really push myself in my runs. Been a long time afterall, have to build back up ;op

What about more stretching of the ankle/shin area?

Ryadic

Is it worth seeing a doctor about? Possibly no. What are the benefits? Prevention mainly.

I work in the health insurance industry, so I'm pretty familiar with medical conditions and such. Also my brother runs a lot so I know what problems can occur. It never really hurts to see a doctor about something like this. Like I said it's mainly for prevention. May not be serious now, but the doctor could tell you if it can develop into something serious and can also recommend different things to do to treat it so it doesn't worsen.

Heir

See the doctor, if nothing else than for preventitive measures. He/she will help you rule out any serious conditions.

Go to a running store where they will actually measure your feet and fit shoes for you. You may just have shoes that are too tight (or too loose really). It might also be that you just need shoes that provide more stability.

Stretch stretch stretch! Warm up a bit (I usually do jumping jacks and running in place). Stretch until your muscles feel loose. Stretch before and after you run. Don't bounce when you stretch.

Finally, have you looked at your posture and stride when you run? When I first started training for a marathon, my shins would kill me after only a mile. Turns out I was running completely incorrectly.

This video is alright at helping to demonstrate how to have a good stride:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90cHm9UO9bs&feature=related


You might also want to see about joining a running club in your area. Even if you're not training for anything, it's a great source of encouragement and advice from people who are very experienced in running.