Yesterday I biked 2.5 hours the the kids swim meet. No problems on the ride. While I’m sitting “Indian style” on the side of the pool deck I notice that the tendon (I think) that runs around the the front of the medial malleolus and then medial posterior (?) up the inside of the shin is a bit swollen. I notice it, but don’t really pay much attention. Then, after the meet (4 hours later) I bike home the short way 1 hour. No problems, felt very good.
As the day goes on, the medial lower leg next to the shin gets pretty sore. I believe I can trace a swollen tendon the way. It stops about 1/3 of the way up. It is quite tender to the touch, but does not seem to hurt with activity. I experimented with several runs up and down the driveway with no issue.
FYI - I am 4 weeks post IMCDA. I have eased back into running and biking with no issues and am feeling pretty good. I did have a fairly back crash 4 weeks pre-CDA and still have a little lump/bruise, coincidentally, right at the top of where the pain ends approximately 1/3 of the way up the medial shin.
I can’t quite tell if you are describing anterior or posterior tibial tendonitis, but likely one of the above. They are both treated similar, but PT tendonitis can progress to a much more serious issue (PTTD) if not addressed. Anterior tibial tendonitis generally resolves without incidence.
I’m sorry I’m not the best at describing this. It is medial to the Tibia bone and right up under it about 1/3 of the way up from the ankle. I would think it is anterior…it is just point tender to touch, and I can “feel” it just sitting around. I can also feel a coarse band around the front of the ankle and up the inside of the shin. Absolutely no symptoms on my long brick today.
I just don’t want it to get worse. I appreciate the feedback.
… It is medial to the Tibia bone and right up under it about 1/3 of the way up from the ankle. I would think it is anterior…
Ummm … still confused
I think you are describing anterior tibial tendonitis since that tendon is generally very visible, corresponding to your description, and runs under a tight retinaculum on the front of the ankle you are also describing. The PT tendon is not generally as visible in most people and should also be more symptomatic with your runs.
The AT tendon is also commonly irritated from tight shoe gear, so make sure that is not the culprit.
OK, this is continuing so I took a couple of photos. Note, it does not bother me at all to swim, bike, run, or any other activity. I ran every day this week, a couple of times hard, 1 brick, and today did a 4.5 hr ride - no problem.
Here is where it feels like a ropey tendon around the front of the medial malleolus:
Here’s my opinion. Get it checked. The differential diagnosis list is long. I would consider you an elite athlete. As such health concerns are paramount, however trivial or not they may be. Hope that helps.
FYI - Had ultrasound 1st thing this morning - superficial thrombophlebitis. Repeat study in 4 days. So, for now all is well. My wife is relieved, and I appreciate the insight.
FYI - Had ultrasound 1st thing this morning - superficial thrombophlebitis. Repeat study in 4 days. So, for now all is well. My wife is relieved, and I appreciate the insight.
I’m pulling up this thread to add my experience. About a week ago I started getting some serious discomfort in my left calf. I attributed it to coming back from a strained foot injury as I prepare for an upcoming marathon. However, there was way too much pain for that theory. Plus, the pain seemed to come from outside the muscle too. However, the key indicator was when I noticed redness running up one of my veins outside my calf.
On Saturday, I showed the leg to my neighbor, who is a retired Med School Professor. He instantly recognized it as superficial thrombophlebitis and recommended that I go see the doctor on Monday. I went to the doctor and an ultrasound confirmed it.
I will know in the morning whether I go on a round of blood thinner injections or just run a course of anti-inflammatory meds. The key is how close the clotting is to a deep vein. Deep vein Thrombo’s are bad.
Anyway, I’m writing this post to add to the knowledge base here on ST. Aside from a couple days of rest and worry, I understand that this shouldn’t derail my training.
