Urgent question(s) about Posterior Shin Splints and Posterior Tibial Tendonitis...?

[CrepuscularLight]

Sorry, there is a long story ahead. I believe all of the information provided leads to the present issue at hand. So, please bare with me...


Due to running excessively in the military, I believe my leg and feet injuries are related to Posterior Shin Splints and Posterior Tibial Tendonitis.

I am a female, 5'7, 1601bs, and in the military.

I run approximately 15 to 20 miles a week.

I have high arches, and run flat footed.

I have hereditary varicose veins that have gradually become worse over time.


**5½ YEARS AGO** I dropped a three year weight class due to constant painful sores in both inner calves. The pain went away within a couple of weeks.

**2½ YEARS AGO** I received a second metatarsal hairline fracture on my left foot, due to an over excessive rucking competition (nearly 50 miles in two days, with zero training beforehand) I was volun-told to compete in a few days prior to the event. It healed within three months respectively, and the doctor had orthotics made for my feet. The orthotics worked great for walking, but instantly made my feet hurt while running. The problem continued to persist.

**2 YEARS AGO** I deployed overseas with my hairline fracture injury 99% healed. For most of the deployment, I did not experience any major problems. Towards the end, the unit conducted organized physical training, which included long runs. I started experiencing severe inflammation in my shins, inner calves, and swelling in my feet. The issue continued back home.

**1 YEAR AGO** I went to physical therapy when I came back from from deployment, and received deep tissue therapy for my shin pain. The deep tissue therapy helped my shins recover after each run, and the bumps on my shins started to disappear after each session (once a week). After my physical therapy sessions were completely over, I only had sensitive and tender shins after working out.

**½ YEAR AGO** When my unit increased the amount of running per week, I noticed the pains/sores were coming back in my inner calves. My shins remained tender, but the main focus was the pain in my inner calves. I went to the doctor for this issue, and they gave me a no running profile for a month. That was fine and dandy, until I came off profile and the situation became much worse than before. I played the “catch up” game to get back to how I used to be before I was on profile. In order to do this to my superiors standards, I had to to do this much faster and harder to achieve the results they were looking for. In doing this, the pains came back sooner, hurt more often, and did not require a hard physical workout to feel randomly throughout the day.

**PRESENT** Fast forward to present day, and now we run nearly every day of the week. Granted, most of the runs are now short runs, but now my pains are making any running absolutely miserable. I now have sharp pains starting from my inner calves, shooting up my legs, reaching the bottom of my knees. My inner calves are extremely sore and tender to the touch, even when I'm not running. I noticed just recently that I now have lumps/bumps on the bottom of both feet, in between the arch and heel (which I believe is called the Post Tibial Tendon). None of these issues are clearing up, unless I do absolutely nothing at all. But, once I start to exercise again, the pains and problems come back with full force. The bumps on my feet are not going away at all, I have had them for a few months and they continue to grow larger. So here are my questions:


1. Do you think I have Posterior Shin Splints and Posterior Tibial Tendonitis?
2. If not, what condition(s) do you think I have?
3. Do you believe these possible conditions can be fixed on my own, or should I see a doctor again?
4. I really cannot afford to stop working out, is there any low impact workouts that can keep me in shape if this turns into a medical issue?
5. Any extra advice is greatly appreciated!


Again, THANK YOU for your patience. I know that was a long one and if you did not stick with me I completely understand. Lol.

Thanks in advance for all answers and advice on this matter!

[Foggy2]

You're welcome and good luck to you.

[CrepuscularLight]

Thank you for responding. I have not notified a doctor of my current issues with my feet and legs, because I just transferred from the Active Duty Army to the Army Reserve.

I am planning on seeing a civilian doctor anyway, due to not having any success with an Army doctor when any medical issues came up. Since I am now in the Reserves, I have more rest time, and am able to workout the way I want to, for the most part.

The only problem is, I have had these issues off and on going on 5 years... So, I know the problem is going to come back again.

I have not seen a Foot/Ankle Specialist while I was in the Active Army, but now that I have more time on my hands I think I will do just that with a civilian doctor.

Again, thank you for taking the time to respond to my question, and thank you for all the info and advice. I will keep this post updated, just in case anyone else may have or may be experiencing the same problem.

[Foggy2]

Thank you for the comprehensive history.  Have you notified the doctor recently that since you have been put back on run that your symptoms have returned and are worse?  If not, you should and is there any way to have permanent restrictions put in place?  

Have you seen a Foot/Ankle specialist? I know it's difficult within the VA to work around their system.

Here is info. about Posterior Tibial Tendonitis: http://orthoinfo.aaos.org/topic.cfm?topic=a00166 , which it doesn't sound like you have.  I'm leaning more toward the shin splints, which you can research online.  Regardless, you need to see a doctor again, be treated to avoid future and progressive injuries.  After researching online as I suggested, I would request going to PT to learn how to keep in shape and do exercises safely without getting hurt.