What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

[pstansel]

So I am getting back to excercising and I started by walking. I'm getting these incredibly tight knots on the outside of my shins about half way up. It gets so tight it looks like half a golf ball sticking out of my leg. I have to stop and rotate my ankles/kness for a while to get rid of it. I'm worried I'm doing something wrong to develop these knots. It's making it REALLY hard for me get any meaningful time in on the treadmill

[Porcelain]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

If I were you, I would have that looked at. Of course, if it comes and goes it won't be there when the doc looks at it. If you get another, take a pic and take it with you to the doctor.

[pstansel]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Yeah... once I stretch it out it's gone, which makes me think it's something physically I'm doing wrong. My form is bad or something.

[Porcelain]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Do you have access to an orthopedic doctor or a sports medicine doctor? Do you belong to a gym? Sometimes trainers (If they have good training) know answers to questions like that. ..or physical therapists.

[pstansel]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Yeah... I'm going to have to go see someone. I'm in agony tryng to use the treadmill for more than 10 minutes. *sigh*

[TheDogAteMyName]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Paul - do you have an update? I'm wondering how everything is going with the pain....

[Tommy]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Paul, look up compartment syndrome. I dont think you have shin splints since you specify the outter shin.

If you think you have CS, get tested right away. Dont wait like I did until I cause permanent muscle and nerve damage to most of my leg.

[drrubberchub]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Hey there. I was wondering if you found out more about this problem. I just started a running routine this week and am experiencing the same thing. It's like a knot about half way up my lower leg in the muscle on the outside of my shin. Mine isn't quite golfball sized, but maybe a large marble. I assumed it was just a gnarly cramp from running my big frame on underdeveloped muscles, but would be interested to know if you found out anything else.

BTW, I ran my first 10 minute mile today, and the cramping wasn't as bad as its been every other time.

[clogger]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

I agree with what Tommy said. Check out compartment syndrome or exertion compartment syndrome. Here's one link. This is different than shin splints. Shin splints cause pain on the inside of the legs, not the outside. A co-worker is having surgery this week because of exertion compartment syndrome.

[pstansel]

Re: What is this golf ball knot in my shins...

Hey guys, somewhat coincidentally I checked back in for the first time in a couple months today. I actually suffered quite a few setbacks (car accident, then hospitalized for some stuff for a couple weeks) and this is really the first weekend where I've been able to excercise in forever. Thanks for all the advice. I did get GOOD running shoes, but they didn't help much either. So I'm going to try and see if it's what you are suggesting before I go back to running. I can use the eliptical and bike with no issues so for now I will stick to that.