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Shin splints question...

Kimblesnbits
Kimblesnbits Posts: 321 Member
edited October 2024 in Fitness and Exercise
Sooo...I ran 6.2 miles on saturday outside, (im usually a treadmill runner) and have had to take off sunday until now because of shin splints. I tried running yesterday but my Achilles tendon, and calves were cramping up so badly that I had to stop after 1.75 miles! I thought that was a bit odd since i had shin splints. Are the 2 related or am i just getting injured all over now?

Replies

  • MissFit0101
    MissFit0101 Posts: 2,382
    This happened to me over the summer, and I kept running which made it worst. Both legs from the knees down to my achilles tendon were severely inflamed to the point I could barely walk, and I was out of running for quite a while. I don't know the cause, because I was supposed to go see a specialist but haven't been able to do so yet, but the doctor gave me some anti inflammatory meds and I've been taking them now when I run and it's been so far so good. I am also stretching much better now than I used to. I don't really have advice but I guess the point of me sharing my story is that I don't want you to go through what I went through so if you can go see the doctor, but def don't proceed in running and making it worst.

    ETA: ALways remember R I C E (rest, ice, compression, elevation)
  • sarahkatara
    sarahkatara Posts: 826 Member
    Sorry, i'm just going to bump this because i get (and always have) HORRIBLE shin splints when walking fast or running. I did a c25k workout the other day and had to come back from the gym and load up on some potassium...
  • starracer23
    starracer23 Posts: 1,011 Member
    As far as the shin splints go, that is because of your heel strike. Have you been fitted for good running shoes? Also you can tape your shins to help with the pain...google "taping your shins"
  • rrrbecca11
    rrrbecca11 Posts: 477
    Something very similar happened to my son earlier this year, and his running buddies advised him to just "run through it"...which being as tough as nails, he tried to do. But it only got worse and worse. Finally he gave in and went to a specialist and he had a stress fracture!! Had to wear that stupid boot for almost 2 months. So be careful.

    Oh, and he HAD good shoes. The best. Fitted especially to his feet.
  • Kimblesnbits
    Kimblesnbits Posts: 321 Member
    As far as the shin splints go, that is because of your heel strike. Have you been fitted for good running shoes? Also you can tape your shins to help with the pain...google "taping your shins"

    Yes i've been fitted for running shoes at the running store, and I don't heel strike when I run. I think mid foot strike.
  • Banks01
    Banks01 Posts: 945 Member
    I use to get them too. Good shoes and extra calve stretching and some icing fixed that.
  • starracer23
    starracer23 Posts: 1,011 Member
    I meant your foot strike...I have a bad heel strike...So I suffered from them as well. My new shoes must offer the right support as my shins have gotten much better. So check out taping them...but if they do get too painful then you slow down and see a doc. You don't want a stress fracture
  • tameko2
    tameko2 Posts: 31,634 Member
    As far as the shin splints go, that is because of your heel strike. Have you been fitted for good running shoes? Also you can tape your shins to help with the pain...google "taping your shins"

    I don't heel strike (Barefoot runner) but I got shin splints for the first few weeks I ran. Do NOT run until they are healed, you make it worse.

    when I got them it was just because I wasn't used to the amount of impact delivered by the ground - I had to stick to soft ground like grass for a few weeks.

    Now its been a couple months and it doens't happen to me anymore. I agree heel striking might make it worse but if you just started running on hard ground instead of soft squishy treadmills (treadmills are REALLY soft) then I would say this is normal.


    Also - calf cramps for me are more related to hills - if I'm running a lot of inclines I really feel it in my calves. Even very mild inclines.
  • _Tristan_
    _Tristan_ Posts: 221 Member
    Just your muscle growing fast and pulling away from your shins. Good news: you are gaining muscle. Bad news: too fast for your body to heal. Yeah hurts but you actually can run through it if needed. What MissFit0101 said, Ice and inflammatory. RICE (Rest, Ice, Compression and Elevation)
    I would suggest checking into getting better shoes (they help lots) and maybe improving your running form. Running is very stressful on your body so keep the stress and avoid injury by doing it correctly.
    http://www.runnersworld.com/article/0,7120,s6-238-267-268-8210-0,00.html
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