Shin splits?

Sara__Beth

So, I've recently been trying to get into running but since I'm about 50+ pounds over weight right now it's more walking and light jogging only when I feel my body is up to it. The problem is I've been having pain in my right leg, just above my ankle and slightly upward. I'm not sure if I would call it shin splits since I'm not sure it's actually my shin. I wear Danskin running shoes that I bought for about $20 (not the greatest but since I'm currently not working full time I can't afford a $40+ pair of running shoes) and I typically walk on a paved sidewalk with little to no elevation 3+ times a week with at least two rest days on Wednesday and Sunday.

My question is, has anyone else every experienced this? I've looked up shin splits and everything I find seemed to be more related to the top of the calves, closer to the knee. Could it just be that I'm out of shape and my muscles need time to adjust? (I've been walking about 3-4 weeks now) Any idea how to prevent this such as Yoga, Pilates, etc. on rest days?

JUDDDing

A shin splint, at least for me is right in the middle between your ankle and your knee.

There's a lot of mythology and folk remedies for these.

What I've done in the past is:

- On treadmill, increase my incline a bit
- Strengthen the muscle on the front of my calf
- Walk around on my heels a bit when I'm standing in line, etc
- Do calf raises when I'm standing in line, etc
- Ice them when they are sore
- Look for hills to walk up
- Stretch them immediately after a workout

Flatter shoes are also something people do. And some people try to adjust their gait (way of walking) so that they land mid-foot or toe first instead of heel first (although toe-first can hurt your calf instead).

These are usually a temporary or at least intermittent problem though.