Runners - Shin ache - any ideas??

Dragonfly1996

Hi just wondered if any ideas on my shin ache? I say ache as it's not really painful just niggling & feels tender when I press on it - like a bruise.

I have been exercising regularly for about 18 months with a cross of cycling, spinning, gym & running so it's not because I am doing too much too soon. I do also give myself 1 or 2 rest days a week.

Am training for my 2nd HM end Nov & am up to 9 miles last weekend. I have increased my running because of this to twice a week. Have had a little calf ache (though nothing really painful) from over use so had a massage Tuesday night. All felt looser & less tense after. Went on dreadmill last night for 3 miles & got an ache in my left shin straightaway although it did wear off (would have stopped otherwise). This has only just come on. Have briefly suffered shin splints a few years ago due to ill fitting trainers but that's not the case now.

Could it just be another part of my body reacting to the increase in running? Or I guess I could of knocked my shin without realising?!

Meant to be doing 10 miles this weekend but am thinking perhaps I should do less just to give my body a rest?

Not running again til the weekend now.

Any thoughts would be appreciated. Many thanx. :flowerforyou:

BerryH

It's called shin splints and generally comes on when you start running or increase your mileage, as you're doing. It covers a number of conditions felt in the front of the lower leg, but generally caused by inflammation of the muscles and tendons.

Google the term for more information, but the Wiki here is pretty thorough:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shin_splints

I find the best cure is ice and ibuprofen gel, and my favourite stretch is to kneel on the floor with your feet under you, the tops flat on the floor, and lean back. You can also stretch it out by drawing the alphabet with your toes while seated!

Also check your running technique. I got it something rotten when heel landing was all the rage and I trained myself to heel-land. The continual exaggerated toe-lift brought it on. Now I use a mid-foot landing which is far more natural for me and don't get it any more.

As with all running niggles, check your shoes are right for you and not too worn. Lack of cushioning can cause jarring along the shin.

Good luck with your training and your half DF! :flowerforyou:

calmmomw3minimeez

I don't do a fraction of the running that you do although I have had the shin splints before and they suck! I read on a thread before that you can rub ice on the shin bones which does help. I also saw another tip in which you can sit down and write the alphabet(imaginary) with both of your feet at the same time and I do this whenever I make an attempt to jog and end up with the aches. Hope that helps and way to go on your running, you're doing an awesome job lady!!!

Dragonfly1996

Hey thanx ladies - the alphabet toe idea sounds good - never heard of that before. Will definately give that a go along with the kneeling down stretch.

Am not sure how I run - always thought I was a heel strike but think I am more flat footed!! I have low arches so that's always a problem!! So hard to concentrate running forefoot & breathe at the same time!!! Lol!!

Fingers crossed the above techniques will help!! :happy: