Shins KILLING me while running!

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WendyDemers
WendyDemers Posts: 17 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
I would love some advice from runners or anyone who might have an idea what's happening. I started the C25K program last Spring. While running my shins felt like I had knives being stabbed into them over and over. As soon as the little voice on my iPod told me to walk my shins felt fine. I don't think they were shin splints because I was only hurting while running.

I tried some exercises to strengthen the muscle, changing the way I ran, new shoes, running slower/faster, massaging/stretching, but nothing seemed to help. I REALLY want to run but there is no way I can keep up with it when in so much pain. Any ideas? My regular doctor wasn't much help when I saw her.

Thanks:)

Replies

  • pam_355
    pam_355 Posts: 13
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    I am having the same problem when I walk, the other night i was in so much pain I could not finish my walk. Very fusterating when you are trying to do better for your body, so i would love some suggestiions to. The one I was told to do was stand againt the wall and left your toes up and down.
  • twooliver
    twooliver Posts: 450 Member
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    Google shin splints and I suspect you'll find the problem....
  • lynne_p
    lynne_p Posts: 173 Member
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    What type of surface are you running on? Grass? Pavement? Concrete sidewalks are the absolute worst! Have you been evaluated for a proper running shoe at a running store? These could all be factors.
  • melkneec
    melkneec Posts: 309 Member
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    I did the same thing when I started the C25K. I also didn't get very much help from my doc. So I slowed it down. I went down to power walks and worked my way back up to running when the ipod says run. Took me a few weeks longer but it really helped me. Hope that helps. I still don't know what it was. lol
  • kjensen15
    kjensen15 Posts: 398 Member
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    Sounds like shin splints to me! What helped my husband is taking an aleve every day and icing them. Coming from my sister, who is a PA for a orthopedist, freeze dixie cups of water and then rub one on each shin until it melts. Now this is not fun and it makes a mess but i swear it helped my husband. You might also look at getting sole inserts in your shoes so your arch is properly supported. Also, continue to stretch and if you can try running in the grass.
  • LoriLou67
    LoriLou67 Posts: 173 Member
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    I would suggest seeing a physical therapist, or get a referral to see a sports medicine physician. I am not a doctor, so I will not even say "it sounds like you have...." but I would get it checked out. You also said you tried new shoes - were you fitted at a running shoe store? - they may be of some help as well.
  • reese66
    reese66 Posts: 2,920 Member
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    Wish I knew, but try checking the forums or maybe web md? Hope you find your answer!
  • LBATL
    LBATL Posts: 76 Member
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    From my understanding, shin splints can selectively hurt. I do not feel shin splints when I run (usually) but I dp feel them when I'm walking on an incline. On a rare occassion I feel them when walking on level ground but the incline seems to cause the most pain. Running is perfectly fine for me.

    Have you been to a running store to get fitted for shoes? Its possible that you are wearing the wrong type of shoes for how you run. A running shoe store will fit you based on the shape of your foot, your arch and how you pronate. If that doesn't help maybe you need to go see a specialist to get to the bottom of the problem.
  • NicoleRuth
    NicoleRuth Posts: 25 Member
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    Being an athletic trainer I deal with these type of problems alllll the time with my athletes. Its entirely possible that your shoes (no matter how new) could not be properly supporting your arches. the less support for your arches the greater the pain in your lower leg. everything is connected, its called the kinetic chain. i would recommend trying insoles with an arch support and see if that changes anything. Best of luck in your running!
  • jeffrodgers1
    jeffrodgers1 Posts: 991 Member
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    Sounds kinda like shin splints except that Shin Splints will fade out while you are running and bother the hell out of you when you stop.

    Where in your shins do they hurt? inside, outside, on the bone itself? Any swelling or lumpiness?

    How much running are you doing and how often?

    Most injuries affecting the shin are from overuse.

    I'd see an actual SPORTS PHYSICIAN. Regular GP's don't always have a strong knowledge of sports related injuries and how to treat them. As an athlete, you definately don't want to stop nor do you want the injury to fester.
  • fifikppl
    fifikppl Posts: 1
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    This sounds like shin splints. They don't hurt when you are walking. I had them last Spring and my doctor recommended icing them each night for 30 minutes. You are not suppose to run at all until they are healed. Also, to prevent them from coming back you must do a regiment of stretching before you run. It was also recommended that I buy two pairs of running shoes and alternate between them every other day. I started doing yoga to learn new stretching techniques. So far they have not returned. Good luck!
  • AlisonMacKay
    AlisonMacKay Posts: 112
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    wow wendy I was going to put the same thing in the posts today. my right shin has been killing me when I walk up hill in my morning walks. I'm thinking I am going to try some inserts or new shoes. Let me know how it goes.
  • WendyDemers
    WendyDemers Posts: 17 Member
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    Wow:) Thanks so much to everyone. These are some great suggestions!! First thing I'm going to do is head to a running store and get fitted for shoes. I didn't even know that was an option.

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