Ankle Pain - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

tUrRrRa · 05-22-2008, 02:25 PM

What are some good ways to prevent ankle pain while running? I'm an indoor jogger that likes to use indoor tracks or treadmills. I also use the elliptical machine when I want to mix things up. I was feeling some pain in my bones and realize it wasn't really my knee, but everything was starting from my ankles and it kind of goes up. NOthing severe, but I don't want it to get worse.

My shoes are about 2 months old and are meant for running and made by Asics. It took me so long to find the perfect fitting shoes because I get bunionettes if shoes are too narrow around the outer edges. They are very comfortable shoes, but I'm thinking that maybe some kind of athletic gel insole will help with more cushioning or maybe wrapping my ankles in ace bandages before running. I don't go very fast at all. Actually, the slower I go, the more it bothers me (other than walking).

Any tips on this? Thank you!

snogal · 05-23-2008, 01:07 PM

I don't want to hijack your thread, but I'm having very similar problems. I feel your pain - literally. I got new running shoes last weekend - Asics as well. I used them for the first time on Sunday and ran about 5 miles on the treadmill. When I was done - my ankles really hurt. I took Monday off, and Tuesday was a weight training day, then when I went back to the treadmill on Wednesday, I could barely finish my workout. My ankles were in sooooo much pain. I thought maybe it was because the shoes were new. My old running shoes were Asics as well, and I had them for almost 2 years with no problems. When I played sports in high school (12 years ago), I always ended up with stress fractures in my ankles (at least that's what the trainers told me). I'm wondering if that problem is coming back. I've been using the elliptical machine for the past few months - I never have any pain with that - but for the past 3-4 weeks I've been doing a lot more running on the treadmill to change things up. I used the elliptical again yesterday, and I had no pain in my ankles. As soon as I'm done, and I try to walk, the pain comes back - big time. I'm not sure what's up. Maybe it's the shoes, maybe it's something else. I'd love to know what others think as well.

janewhite1 · 05-24-2008, 05:19 AM

Maybe it is the shoes. Just a few questions:

Where exactly does it hurt? Can you pin it down, or is it kinda diffuse?

Wrapping ankles usually only helps if ankles are abnormally weak, due to injury, or if you're doing something high-impact, where injury is likely. Still, if they're wrapped correctly, it won't hurt.

Maybe what you need is better arch support?

Stress fractures in your ankles? That's not a typical problem, and it's certainly not something you'd want to ignore. Maybe you should consult with a good orthopedist or sports medicine doctor to find out if you have a problem with the mechanics of your feet.

tUrRrRa · 05-24-2008, 01:24 PM

Hmm do you think Asics shoes (the newer ones) may have something to do with it? I used to mainly use the elliptical, so running is still generally a new thing for me anyway. My shoes are meant for running and I bought them in March. I wouldn't think they would go bad THAT fast. Do you think maybe some good gel sport insoles with arch support would help? I think maybe there isn't enough shock absorbing material... it feels like I almost need more padding because I just feel like my feet are hitting the ground very hard. I also need to wear heels sometimes, so I'm sure that doesn't help, but I've been doing many interviews and end up having a good walk from my car anyway.

I can't really pinpoint the exact spot... more of just feeling an overall pressure when my feet hit the ground. It's been helping to do about 2 miles on the treadmill and then switch to the elliptical, but I really enjoy the treadmill and will be sad to have to give it up. I've had MUCH better fitness results with it than with the elliptical, so it would be a bummer to have to stop. I'll have to try the gel insoles and will see if that helps and will let you guys know!

getinshape18 · 05-27-2008, 07:15 AM

It just may be those <removed> shoes!

I have heard several people talk about how they hate running, and so many times it ends up being their shoes, it really does make a huge difference to run in good shoes. The best shoes I have ran in, and ironically the cheapest I have are New Balance. I would definitely recommend looking into some new ones if they feel that hard when you land. I doubt the shoes went bad, just maybe they were never good? My NB's lasted nearly three years now.

Also I have read some good things about many show inserts, so a cushioned insert may be a better alternative.

Also I'm sure the more and more you run, the better it will get, as long as you leave some rest time when it gets really sore. Our bodies are great at adjusting.

Hopefully that does the trick for you, let us know