shin splints? Or something else

cyndispot

Okay, so I'm getting back to fitness and I really want to be able to run a 5k, here's my question - I started out using the treadmill and found that my shins got REALLY sore so I stopped the treadmill and went to the elliptical and bike and arc trainer for cardio for about three weeks. I was worried about a stress fracture.

So last week I started back on couch to 5k and a little running - but I noticed tonight that I'm starting to feel it in my shins again. I really do want to run, but I don't want to hurt myself to the point that I can't do anything so my question is is there some way I can "ease" into this running thing? This past week I did the treadmill every other day thinking that would work to make it so I could work my way into the treadmill - got any advice?

Colbyandsage

Do u have good running shoes? If not, go to the nearest one to get fitted. Trust me, I have spent tons of money on different shoes and nothing worked until I found a running store and the guy spend about an hr with me trying on different pairs.

If may also just because u r getting into running? Try ice and Motrin to ease the pain then give yourself a day or two to rest before trying again.

Good luck!

SmashleeWpg

STRETCHING!

nickyfm

Oh god be careful! I suffered from shin splints for AGES! So badly that there was swelling all along the bone. The treadmill is the worst piece of equipment for your shins because of the direct slamming impact, so use it sparingly!!!

Definitely switch to the elliptical or the bike. If you wanna run, do it on the grass. Also, check your technique because you might be coming too far forward and putting your weight on your toes instead of back in the heels. That puts added pressure on your shins.

Pilates, Tai Chi and Yoga are great for strengthening leg muscles to prevent shin splints. Calf stretches also help, as they keep your calves from putting added pressure on your shins.

Good luck!!

Bettsy_A

And if you feel those pains, don't work through the pain. Stop and ice those legs down! I get shin splints so bad, the only way I can do exercise is to ice down afterwards every time.
And cycling is great to take the impact off, gives a great workout without straining your shins.

Also, good shoes worth the money!

GeneveSparkles

The only thing that has ever helped my shin splints was doing calf raises. Do them with toes forward, pointed outwards and pointed inwards (pigeon toed). By doing them all three ways you hit all areas of your calf muscle. Strengthening your lower leg muscles will help prevent shin splints. Hope this helps

cyndispot

Thank you everyone. I will take all of the advice. I will ice for sure - and I have avoided the treadmill the last two days becuase I'm traveling and don't have any.

On shoes - When I started trying to lose weight and get fit - I did go and get new shoes I got two different pairs - Brooks Ghost 4 and Saucony Kinvara 2. There are goods and bads in those shoes - the kinvaras have a great arch system, but the soles are more flexible and I think not as "padded". The Brooks - the arches aren't as high, but they have a firmer sole. I tend to wear the Brooks on the treadmill. I know this is not good, but right now, I'm kind of stuck with those shoes becuase they were pricey and I can't afford any others right now - BUT - next time I buy, I'm going to get some advice on how to make sure that I'm fitted properly.

When I got the shoes the lady asked me if I had an issues and I told her no. And at the time it was true - what kind of issues can I have sitting on my rump. So I just found this shin splint issue and I also have an issue with my foot going numb on the outside edge and into my toes when I run, ellpitical or bike. If I kick the machine a few times it gets better at little. It starts about 20 minutes into the workouts and lasts until the end and gets steadly worse as I go on. So not knowing my issues at the time didn't help in the picking out shoes.

I will stop when I feel it in the shins, use ice and I will work the calf raises in each time I hit stairs. Thanks for the advice, I'm sure I'll look for more on other topics.