Running, Shin pain, HELP!?

kjwiggins868

I have recently been put on a strict no bread, rice, pasta, grain-based diet until I see a nutritionist. Anyhow, I started to run (more like jog) a couple days a week. This was my second week and my shins have been killing me. At first I thought it was shin splints, however, I have only pain in one spot (on both legs) and it hurts to bend/walk/stretch. Someone suggested stress fracture?? I am new to all of this but, if I do have fractures how in the heck will I be able to continue to lose weight and exercise? I am super worried. Thanks for any advice. (*Disclaimer: I do realize no one is a medical professional and cannot be bound by their word. Any reply given to this discussion is merely a suggestion of what it could be and that I need to seek proper medical care if need be.)

KiwiAlexP

I can only speak for myself but for me (as explained by my physio) shinsplints are caused by a couple of knots of muscle in my legs that sort of stop the impact of hitting the ground from being distributed properly - the solution is to not put my heels down while running, i.e. run on the front part of my foot.

I would recommend getting it checked out by a doctor or physio and then coming up with a solution but don't push it. If it is a fracture you may be able to work out in water instead - walking in the pool or aquajogging etc

LilacSnow

I have no idea, but I know that when I run, my shins (and eventually knees) start to hurt like hell. Personally, I think it's because I'm too fat to run, and that all the weight I'm carrying is bearing down on my joints when I run for more than a couple minutes.

CMNVA

I actually do think you have shin splints. They happen for a variety of reasons:
1. Doing too much too soon.
2. Not properly warming up the shins before jogging.
3. Wearing shoes that don't fit properly (this is ALWAYS the reason for mine).

My son, who was on cross country in high school, did get the stress fractures in his shins. This comes from going to fast and too far too quickly. It took a LOT for that happen so I doubt this is what you have. And it was excruciating for him.

My suggestion to you would be to walk briskly for 5 minutes before starting to jog. Then jog VERY slowly. Or use an app like Couch to 5K. It starts out really slowly. Using that was one of the first times I never got pain in my shins. It does start out very slowly and you might feel like you can do more than the app tells you, but don't.

Tried30UserNames

My first recommendation would be to go to a good running store and get fitted for proper shoes. I think about 95% of the time shin pain is from improper or worn out shoes.

Vladimirnapkin

Tried30UserNames wrote: »

My first recommendation would be to go to a good running store and get fitted for proper shoes. I think about 95% of the time shin pain is from improper or worn out shoes.

This x1000.

Then, shin splints are due to strained muscles along the front of your shin that lift your toes upward. An exercise to strengthen these muscles can be as simple as tapping your foot. Try tapping your feet every time you brush your teeth. (Using your time wisely! ) Good luck and happy running!

Ann262

I am thinking shinsplints too and I totally agree with CMNVA and Tried30User.

ritzvin

[1] That's pretty common when you first start to run, and should start to get better as your body adjusts.
[2] Watch your form (and possibly try different shoes).

lbuxx17

Have you tried rolling the front of (kinda to the side) of the shin on a foam roller? It will hurt like hell and brought tears to my eyes but made the shin pain go away. Also try rolling the quads and the area on both sides of the top of the calf right below your knee - use a racquet ball on the back of the calf areas.
It hurts like hell but knees and shins don't hurt when I get done.