Why do my ankles hurt when I run distance but not sprints?!
Question: When I run long distance, 1 mile plus, both my ankles start to hurt on the outside, then the pain shoots up my leg and stops at my knees. This happens if i run on the concrete or grass. I play soccer and I'm trying to condition myself into better shape, but its hard with my ankles hurting.
Also, what can I do so that they don't hurt?
Answers: When I run long distance, 1 mile plus, both my ankles start to hurt on the outside, then the pain shoots up my leg and stops at my knees. This happens if i run on the concrete or grass. I play soccer and I'm trying to condition myself into better shape, but its hard with my ankles hurting.
Also, what can I do so that they don't hurt?
You may not be stretching your muscles properly...before you do any strenuous activity, it is important that you drink plenty of water and stretch your muscles in order to avoid muscle spasm...also, try building up on the amount of stress you are willing to put on your legs...run 10 minutes for about two-three days to get your muscles conditioned (that way you can avoid pain), and build up from there, in increments of five or ten. After your workout, be sure to do a cool down too, so that your muscles can release the tension slowly.
If you do stretch and you still have muscle pains, then it could be that you are overusing your muscles...if this is the case, then you should give your legs a break from running (your muscles can rupture if they are only exposed to stress and there is no recovery gap to regain flexibility....ice your sore spots too, especially after a big workout, so that your muscles can recover from the stress...
Sounds a bit like shin splints.... also known as stress fractures. The best way to deal with them is to try and avoid running on concrete or any other hard surface. And before you do any exercise its really important to try and warm up properly!!!
Stretching your calves is a good way to start.... do this before and after exercise and whenever it hurts.
Also icing after exercise on the sore spots can be helpful.