Ankle pain after running

Question
I'm going to college this fall, and I've done track since junior high.  The past few years, though, I've only done field events, not much running.  I want to get back into running again in college, so I started running more this summer.  I've gradually increased my distance, and now I can run a 5K.  But in the past couple weeks, I've noticed that my lower fibula near my ankle hurts after my runs, and the pain is in the same place on both legs.  It's gotten worse recently, so I took a few days off.  The pain went away, but returned the first time I ran again.  It doesn't really bother me while I run, but afterward, even walking hurts.  It's really not more than just a mild pain, though, so I'm hoping it's not too serious.  I thought it could be shin splints, but that's usually on the front of the leg, not the side.  I considered that it could be a stress fracture, but would that happen to both legs at the exact same time?  I feel like I can train through this, but I don't want to make it worse and possibly jeopardize my college track season.  Do you have any idea what it could be or how to help?

Answer
Dear Sami,

This Orthopedic Chicago Podiatrist located in West Loop 60661,Roscoe Village 60618, Elmhurst 60126 & Bartlett 60103 says...
Sounds like tendonitis of the Peroneal Tendons. Do good dorsi-flexion stretches before & after running. Back off on the running enough for the pain to stop & Ice & Protect. Heel lifts & good arch supports may help.Will take about 3-4 weeks to quiet down completely-don't aggravate -or it will take longer. Otherwise see a podiatrist for possible orthotics.
Hope this helps.
Good Luck!
The Chicago Podiatrists of AnkleNFootCenters.com are specialists in orthopedics and sports medicine.
We are located in Chicago & Elmhurst

Dr George Tsatsos & Svetlana Zats
Podiatrist Chicago 60618 & Elmhurst 60126 Podiatrists
Board Certified in Foot and Ankle Surgery & Orthopedics
New South Loop Location-Chicago 60661


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