Shin splints

Christina2003

Every time I start to make progress my legs start to hurt. I'm started to get discouraged. I don't know what I can do to avoid them.

klewis81

I had them when I first started running, they are so painful! What I did was I went to a specialty running store and got fitted for shoes. Turns out I have a sever overpronation and I needed stability shoes. They weren't too expensive, around $90. That helped a massive amount. Then, I looked online and found some stretched to do to loosen my calf muscles bc tight calf muscles can cause shin splints. Once my calf muscles loosened up, I noticed the shin splints have all but vanished. Best of luck!

klewis81

I had them when I first started running, they are so painful! What I did was I went to a specialty running store and got fitted for shoes. Turns out I have a severe overpronation and I needed stability shoes. They weren't too expensive, around $90. That helped a massive amount. Then, I looked online and found some stretched to do to loosen my calf muscles bc tight calf muscles can cause shin splints. Once my calf muscles loosened up, I noticed the shin splints have all but vanished. Best of luck!

sm423

I had them when I started running also. I read an article "that said too much too soon". And it was like a light bulb went off in my head. I slowed my pace down (if it's even possible to go slower then what I was doing) and took walking breaks before I felt the pain coming. I then decided to do interval running. I've been building up endurance which has helped my legs out when I push to go longer the next time I run. So far, no more shin splints. Stretching before and after is definitely a must. I also read about filling dixie cups up with water, freeezing them and then rolling them on your shins after a run. It hurts at first, but your shins will feel better afterwards. I haven't tried it, but I have iced my shins after a run and it does help out.

sm423

I had them when I started running also. I read an article "that said too much too soon". And it was like a light bulb went off in my head. I slowed my pace down (if it's even possible to go slower then what I was doing) and took walking breaks before I felt the pain coming. I then decided to do interval running. I've been building up endurance which has helped my legs out when I push to go longer the next time I run. So far, no more shin splints. Stretching before and after is definitely a must. I also read about filling dixie cups up with water, freeezing them and then rolling them on your shins after a run. It hurts at first, but your shins will feel better afterwards. I haven't tried it, but I have iced my shins after a run and it does help out.

perezke

Good shoes was the best investment I made because I overpronate as well and have tendinitis in my right Achilles. I love my Asics kayanos. Maybe a good pair of shoes will help.

lexgem

I got them for the first time today... I have the right shoes fitted and I know for a fact that I haven't been overworking, I'm literally taking it slow.
I think it's because I have been mainly running on sidewalks for the past 3 runs for a change of scenery instead of the park.

JennedyJLD

I second everyone's comments. I'm also an overpronater and had convinced myself I *could not* run. It took about 90 seconds/less than 1/8 mile for my legs and feet to hurt and for me to want to collapse even when I was in decent shape. I purchased some $100 Brooks motion control shoes and am now running 3-3.5 miles at a time. For the first time, my legs can do the work! The right shoes are worth their weight in gold; they make an incredible difference that you'll notice pretty quickly.

JennedyJLD

Should also have added that in addition to shoes, the best thing you can do is make sure you're getting 2,500-3,500mg of potassium a day and cutting back on sodium. Do that and leg/muscle cramps are a thing of the past!