Runners/Dancers/Exercisers-Shin Spints?

emfnp

Hey MFP peeps!
I'm an active, active individual, but am recently starting to develop shin splints. I had these years ago when I was in high school, but I don't remember them hurting this much! What do you guys do to dull the pain!!!
Thanks!
xEP

ParkerHerrin

Hey emfnp,

Although it could be a number of things and depending on when the soreness/injuries occur, it could be the actual way in which you run. If you typically perform a heel-striking run, meaning when your forward foot strikes first with your heel, this can be a cause of shin splints as well as several other runner-related injuries.

That is why the "barefoot running" movement has become so popular as of late. No you dont have to run barefoot, but you run in a way that mimics that notion. Instead of heel-striking, you more or less land on the middle of the bottom of your foot or the balls of your feet instead of your heel. Running in this fashion places the shock absorption of running into your achilles tendon and you calf muscles and basically only those muscles.

I, like yourself, received shin splints as well as a knee injury in March of last year and discovered the barefoot/minimalist way of running and its amazing the difference it makes. I've had zero injuries, I can run farther, my pace has increased, everything.

Take a moment to watch some videos on barefoot or minimalist running on sites like YouTube and even check out a book called "Born to Run." I will tell you now, I used to run for the exercise of it and hated it. Now, I look at running as an enjoyable activity and cannot wait to hit the streets or trails when I feel like running.