A Tale of Two Ankles

I got my first running injury recently. I have been having some pain around my ankles (on the inside of my leg, just above the ankle), but apparently this is very typical. It does not help that I have not been in the right shoes… so last weekend, I went to the Charlotte Running store. And I got a pair of New Balances. That sucked. I don’t think I really was properly fitted the first time – it was Saturday and kind of busy, and I get it. But I still wanted to exchange my shoes since they just did not fit right.

I went back on Tuesday afternoon, which was a much better time to go because I got lots of one-on-one attention. And after trying on about 10 more pairs of shoes, I settled on the Brooks Glycerin 9. This particular brand of shoe is shaped like my foot, and it fit like a glove. I chose the more cushioned model of this shoe for comfort.

This shoe provides me with the right level of support and cushioning for my foot, and provides my foot enough room to expand (which they do when you are exercising as I recently learned). And look how bright they are! I am hoping these look like new longer since they are darker in color.

I left the running store with more than just the shoes though! I got some training tips and learned that while I am still strengthening my ankles and legs, I should be taking more frequent walking breaks (like every 5 minutes, I should walk for 1 minute). I also learned how to massage my sore spots properly and do some exercises to strengthen my ankles. Hopefully soon this will pay off and I will be running pain-free! I definitely recommend going to the Charlotte Running company for your running shoe and apparel needs. The staff is friendly and will take time with you, and ask lots of questions to help troubleshoot any issues you are having.

I am hoping tomorrow I can get a nice long-ish run in after work. We are scheduled to be released early for Halloween (at least this holiday has one perk..)

Has anyone else gotten a running injury around their ankles/shins? How did you heal?

2 thoughts on “A Tale of Two Ankles”

  2. Camillaroo

    Sorry for the delayed comment but I know how frustrating shin splints can be so I wanted to throw in my 2 cents.Stretching is very important to prevent shin splints or any other type of injury. I know shoes can influence it too, but usually injuries occur because you didn't properly stretch before AND after the exercise. I've attached a video below for the stretches I always do prior to running (and after). I hold each one for about 10 counts, or until it feels loose. I also roll my ankles several revolutions in between stretches to help loosen them up. The other thing that can cause shin splints is your running style. Make sure you take out your ear buds for one of your jogs and listen to the sound your feet are making. If they are slapping the ground, you aren't running properly. You should be making a rolling action with your feet, heel to toe. It feels weird at first but once you get your body comfortable with it, it will help conserve your muscle strengh in the long run.If you still get a shin splint or strained muscle in your ankle, I always just took an ice cube and ran it down the shin or around the ankle bone. It works as a massage as well as helping relax the muscle. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kv6ycmOWnq0Of course, I am no expert and don't quote me here, but I've been running on and off for 14 years and this is what works for me (and what many coaches have told me to do).

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