Rash+Pain after running

[bekkiz]

I'm asking this for a friend who has already seen the doctor once and is going again tomorrow, but the Dr. seems to think it's a skeletal issue, where my friend thinks there's something else going on. I'm hoping someone may have ideas for her to present to the doctor.

So, M (my friend) started the Couch to 5K running plan about 4 weeks ago. 2 weeks ago, she started to experience severe pain in the ankle area, but not in the ankle itself. It was sort of on the side of her leg. Soon after she also got a rash that was really itchy, and seemed to be along her veins there. She tried different shoes and lower cut socks because she thought it might be from that, but it didn't get better. Then she saw her doctor (a family physician) who told her to rest, ice, elevate--standard for any type of overuse injury.

It's now been almost 2 weeks where she has done no exercise beyond normal day to day activity and she's been icing at night. She also tried hydrocortisone cream. The pain is still there, and the rash is spreading. The doctor is having her come get x-rayed tomorrow.

Anyway, to me this does not sound at all like a joint or bone issue, but more something vascular, but then again, I am not a doctor. M agrees. Has anyone experienced something similar or maybe have idea what else it could be?

(I also feel guilty because I'm the one who told her about the Couch to 5K plan in the first place )

 

[crashbb]

The running may be a red herring. I've been running for a number of years and I've never heard of a running injury involving a rash (other than, I suppose, recovery from chafing). Not saying it doesn't happen, I've just never heard of it.

It could be something that conincidently start around the time she started running. The fact that it is getting worse (spreading), despite the lack of running may be some evidence that it is not running related (or, then again, it may not).

ETA - on the other hand I did find this:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Exercise_urticaria

Although even that should not be spreading after two weeks of running (and looks like hives rather than a rash).

 

[Green Tea]

Is it on the outside of her ankle area, like maybe she grazed by poison ivy or some other toxic plant at ground level while running in the street?

Shingles?

 

[NotUrsula]

Is the rash all over the area, or only in the area NOT covered by her socks? That could be a clue in terms of something dermatological.

 

[bekkiz]

She has only been running on the treadmill and the rash is located on the ouside of her ankle to her lower leg, not where the sock hits. It does seem to be following along veins-not spread all over.

 

[wvjules]

Cellutitis?

 

[Green Tea]

I found this:
1. Leg Itch in Unfit Runners
A person, starting to run after a prolonged period of inactivity can experience intense itch shortly after the start. In a fit runner, the small arteries in the muscles usually open rapidly in response to high demand to blood, but in an unfit runner arteries may not open properly, resulting in irritation of adjacent nerves and itch (1). The problem should resolve with training.

It was on healthhype.com No idea if the site is legit, but it sounds like what you are describing.

 

[beachlover9395]

Wonder if it could be golfer's vasculitis, a condition I read about on this board. Some people get a rash on their lower leg/ankle area when walking a lot, like on a golf course or at Disney World, which is how I found out about it on this board. Here's a few links:

http://www.mja.com.au/public/issues/183_01_040705/nix10218_fm.html **This article actually has a quote about the Disney connection - "However, a colleague who practises in Florida and who is familiar with the condition refers to it as 'Disneyworld leg'!"

http://walking.about.com/od/medhot/a/legrash.htm?nl=1

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Golfer's_vasculitis

 

[FireDancer]

I found this:
1. Leg Itch in Unfit Runners
A person, starting to run after a prolonged period of inactivity can experience intense itch shortly after the start. In a fit runner, the small arteries in the muscles usually open rapidly in response to high demand to blood, but in an unfit runner arteries may not open properly, resulting in irritation of adjacent nerves and itch (1). The problem should resolve with training.

It was on healthhype.com No idea if the site is legit, but it sounds like what you are describing.

First, I love the quote in your signature, I never noticed that before. It reminds me of the Pearl Izumi ad:

But, back to the topic, I was going to say I don't think the itching has anything to do with running but the post above makes sense. The pain could very well stick around a while. I have been nursing a calf injury for about 2 weeks now even tough I have been taking frequent ice baths. It hasn't kept me off the road but it is just there enough to be annoying.

In a new runner who hasn't tested their joints in a while it very well could be an over use injury even after one day because that use is relative. She could have had a preexisting joint issue that was inflamed with the additional exertion. I would have her ask a good local running store for an orthopedic doctor they would recommend. If it is merely a muscle issue a good deep tissue massage can do wonders but a doctor would be my first stop if a couple of days of ice and rest didn't help.

 

[Green Tea]

I think the statement was a Pearl Izumi ad!

 

[The Mystery Machine]

I am sure it is vascular. I would see a specialist. However being allergic to prednisone, I would have to suffer because I could not do that treatment.

Most important thing is to determine that she does not have a blood clot. She should be getting a MRI for that, I think.

Any updates?

 

[Disney Doll]

First, I love the quote in your signature, I never noticed that before. It reminds me of the Pearl Izumi ad:

.

Thanks for sharing that Pearl Izumi ad Firedancer. Since I am a long-distance walker and biker, I assume I am not good enough to wear their clothing so I won't buy any. Runners...so cocky with ther bad knees....

To the OP: Sounds like cellulitis to me.

 

[bekkiz]

Thanks guys, I'll talk to her tonight after her appointment and I'll let you know what comes of it!

 

[SAHDad]

Thanks for sharing that Pearl Izumi ad Firedancer. Since I am a long-distance walker and biker, I assume I am not good enough to wear their clothing so I won't buy any. Runners...so cocky with ther bad knees....

To the OP: Sounds like cellulitis to me.

Actually, a lot of people got really upset at Izumi for those ads. They caused quite the controversy in the running community when they came out.

I don't wear them (had nothing to do with the campaign, because I was, and am, happy with the shoes I have been wearing for a couple years now), but the ads make me feel that I can't wear them until I can either break 5:15 for the mile, 1:20 for a half marathon, or 3 hours for a full.

 

[crashbb]

Actually, a lot of people got really upset at Izumi for those ads. They caused quite the controversy in the running community when they came out.

I don't wear them (had nothing to do with the campaign, because I was, and am, happy with the shoes I have been wearing for a couple years now), but the ads make me feel that I can't wear them until I can either break 5:15 for the mile, 1:20 for a half marathon, or 3 hours for a full.

Agreed.

And, I think that their shoes are crappy.

 

[FireDancer]

Thanks for sharing that Pearl Izumi ad Firedancer. Since I am a long-distance walker and biker, I assume I am not good enough to wear their clothing so I won't buy any. Runners...so cocky with ther bad knees....

To the OP: Sounds like cellulitis to me.

There was a thread on the WISH boards about the ads and even most of the back of the packers found the humor in them. They were just meant to be a funny part of their run like an animal campaign, nothing more.

They are also quite active in the cycling and triathlon community so I think you'll be ok.

I saw a couple of blog postings about them but I am pretty active in the running community and heard barely a word about them. It is just a marketing angle.