What I Felt: Initially, I thought it was just an ankle issue. Then I felt it in my calf. Later, it presented as shin pain. I couldn’t quite pinpoint it, so I rested for a week, thinking that would solve it. When I returned to running, the pain came back. I rested again, tried again—rinse and repeat—until eventually, I could barely walk.
What I Did: I relied on rest alone, hoping time would heal all wounds. I wish I had incorporated cross-training, strength training, and mobility work (things I religiously do now). At the time, I lacked a structured plan and was caught in a frustrating cycle of injury and re-injury.
What the Experts Say: The experts recommend early intervention with a mix of rest and active recovery. Stretching, strengthening exercises for the lower leg, and targeted mobility work can help. Physical therapy might also be recommended for more severe cases.