Shin splints

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Sooo I started running and I’ve developed shin splints and they are killing me! I can’t even walk I’ve been taking Ibuprofen but I just want to get back to running already! Is there anything else I can do for this? I know they go away by themselves but I don’t want to wait to run anymore.

Replies

  • rockymir
    rockymir Posts: 498 Member
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    Taping can help, but you need to stay off running until you're healed.
    Replace the activity with something low impact, swim, bike...
  • bribbyx74
    bribbyx74 Posts: 10 Member
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    Thanks I think I’ll try biking!
  • stanmann571
    stanmann571 Posts: 5,728 Member
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    Foam Roll
    Prayer stretch(kneel, toes back and lean back gently
  • bribbyx74
    bribbyx74 Posts: 10 Member
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    Thanks! I’ll try anything to get this to go away!
  • RadishEater
    RadishEater Posts: 470 Member
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    Do reverse calf raises i.e this kind
    https://www.freetrainers.com/exercise/exercise/reverse_calf_raises/

    They strengthened my shin muscles and helped keep shin splints at bay. Unfortunately for my the splints kept coming back unless I did mostly trail running which is hard on the winter so I switched to walking and spinning for cardio.

    Also you didn't mention the surface you run on but if you typically run on treadmill or sidewalks you can switch to a track or trail.
  • Tacklewasher
    Tacklewasher Posts: 7,122 Member
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    Do you know why you got them in the first place?

    I had shin splints last year and it took going to a running store, having a gait analysis done and buying different shoes with different support.

    I've put ~500km on those and I can tell it's time to retire them as my shins are starting to hurt a little when I use them on the treadmill. So breaking in their replacements.
  • AlexR117
    AlexR117 Posts: 10 Member
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    I got them the first time I went for a run about 2 weeks ago. They're just dying off now and it's been bugging me so much. But I also hate exercising alone. Wish I had a gym buddy in Bristol!
  • toxikon
    toxikon Posts: 2,384 Member
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    It helps to start slow. The Couch to 5k program is excellent at gradually building up your running speed and distance.

    Second vote for good shoes and stretching too.
  • scribblemoma
    scribblemoma Posts: 115 Member
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    Be sure to rest and give them time to heal! I was stubborn about it and kept running on them despite the pain (ironically the only time they DIDN’T hurt was during running)...and developed hairline fractures along my tibia as a result =/ Those were quite painful and I had to take a major break from running! I’ve started back with the C25K program and 7 weeks in I’m still holding up with no issues. Get good shoes, don’t neglect your before/after stretching, and use a roller! Best of luck to you!
  • annieu613
    annieu613 Posts: 143 Member
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    Whenever I get shin splints I know it's time for new running shoes. Are you running in old or poor quality shoes?