How to start running again after shin splints?

llllnn

During every season I've run -- whether in high school track or on my own -- I've gotten shin splints. I've tried getting fitted for new shoes, I've tried icing, stretching, and doing "leg drains," and yet I've not been able to prevent shin pain.

A few months ago, when I started running again, I jumped right into it 6 days a week. The first few week I did 3-5 miles a day, and the next week I did 5-8 miles a day. After an 8 mile run one cold night, my knees seemed to lock up and hurt very much. Shortly after, I got that awful tingle in my shins. I tried running again, but it amounted to a pitiful jog. I felt so frustrated that I'd finally gotten back to running, only to get punished for it.

I thought I was listening to my body and my progress; I didn't feel as if I were constantly taxing my legs or straining my heart as I ran more. Did I do "too much, too soon"? Am I doomed to run infrequently and sparingly? Or is it possible for me to return to running and eventually get to a point where I can run 6 days a week?

Has anybody any advice for me regarding returning to running successfully after recovering from shin splints? Because it breaks my heart that I'd tried so hard to run consistently and had it thrown back in my face.

If it's of any import, I'm 17 years old.

Thank you in advance.

scottb81

Developing good running form will go a long way in preventing shin splints and knee pain.

Google "good form running" and see:
http://www.goodformrunning.com/

Look at this for detailed descriptions and video of foot strike while running:
http://barefootrunning.fas.harvard.edu/

JacquiC72

I've only recently started running on a treadmill in the gym and I got pains in each part of my leg in turn each week. I got fitted for new running shoes (one of those places where they put you on a treadmill and film how you run) which helped. I've also found a great stretch which I do prior to running which is standing on a step with just my toes on the step, go up on the toes for about 30 seconds and then drop down so I'm hanging off the step for another 30. I also started using the leg press machine in the gym which I found helped to strengthen my legs. I also stretch out my legs and point toes away and towards me when just sitting. Apart from that, the only other recommendation is to rest for a while and give the shins chance to heal.