Severe ankle pain spreading to calves and affecting walking

Hi everyone,

F29, 165 cm, 61 kg, mixed, based in France

Primary complaint: bilateral ankle pain during running, radiating to calves, with increasing intensity, since returning to running in late February (gradually worsening)

I’ll try to explain my situation as clearly as possible, as I’m starting to get a bit worried.

I used to run regularly (3–4 times a week) up until August. I had to stop due to lung-related issues, and it took me several months to find a treatment that actually worked. Since late February, I’ve been able to resume running regularly.

However, as soon as I started again, I began experiencing pain in both ankles during my runs. In the following days, the pain extends into my calves. It feels like stiffness and pressure, sometimes quite painful, almost like my calves are going to “explode.”

At first, I assumed it was just due to returning to running after a long break. I’ve also had mild circulation issues since my teenage years (not serious, I wear compression stockings at work), so I didn’t worry too much initially.

But the pain has progressively worsened. During my last run, it became so intense that I had to stop before finishing, and I was in tears. Since then, I’ve been having difficulty walking without pain, which is what concerns me the most.

Relevant context: Previously running 7–8 km, 4 times/week, and had completed multiple 10K runs, currently following a gradual return program (C25K-style), same running habits as before (morning runs, empty stomach, same routes), I stretch after every run

Medical history: Lung condition (currently managed, allowed me to resume running) and mild circulation issues (no formal diagnosis, managed with compression stockings)

Current medications: Flixotide 250, Mometasone nasal spray, Opticron (eye drops), Aerius 5 mg

No smoking, no alcohol, no recreational drugs

No visible swelling, redness, or prominent veins.

I have a doctor’s appointment scheduled, but it may take some time to get answers, so I wanted to ask here in the meantime:

Has anyone seen something similar, or are there any possible explanations I should be aware of?

Thank you very much for your time.