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Originally Posted by TOCrat
Im not sure this is the proper place for this, so forgive me if its not. My BDE just started adding ruck marches to the PT training schedules. Today it was for 4 miles with a 35lb ruck(I was using a 50lb ruck). Just recently I started to get a pain on the outside of my left leg by my shin. I was wondering if Im not walking right, it feels like im forcing myself forward with big heavy steps. or something else? Any help or advice you could give me would be greatly appreciated.
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TOCrat-
Hopefully what you’re describing is shin splints; not a diagnosis but a general name given to pain usually at the front of the lower leg (tibia). It can also develop along the inside (medial edge) or outer (lateral) aspect of the tibia; also occurs in the metatarsals of your foot (common with runners). It’s generally caused by repetitive stress.
When the pain is quite sharp and focuses on a very small area of the bone, you need to consider that it may be a stress fracture; a type of overuse injury. These tiny cracks in your bones (usually the weightbearing bones of the foot or tibia, or heel) develop when your muscles become fatigued and are not able to absorb the shock of repeated impacts. When this happens, the muscles transfer the stress to the bones, creating a small fracture.
The pain your describing sounds more like a stress fracture which is a common tibial injury. You might consider taking it easier for awhile or at least putting 35lbs in your ruck when you're doing 35lb ruck marches.
In the final analysis, active duty have access to "socialized" medicine - go see the medics with initials behind their names!
P.S. Use R.I.C.E.; lay off the Motrin.