Running - Heat or Ice?

TheDoctor90

I'm currently doing the C25K and have stepped up my running.
Sometimes after a run my knees or shins or calves are sore. Sometimes (albeit rarely) they feel a little swollen - which I am guessing is due to running on pavement from never running before.

So, when I get in, which is best to apply to improve recovery, heat or ice?

js370

For inflamation, ice.

CarsonRuns

Ice and Vitamin I (Ibuprofen).

Spence_

Do you have a decent pair of running shoes? If not, get some designed for road running with proper cushioning

P.S - I find an ice bath helps.

stingrayinfl

Make sure you have the proper shoes as Spence stated. Ice, ibuprofen, a complex vitamin B and either Glucosmine or a combo of Glucosmine and Chondoritin. Do strengtehing exercises and stretches for that area

CarsonRuns

Make sure you get those shoes from a specialty running store. They will make sure you are in the proper type of shoe for the way you run based on their observations. If you put yourself in the wrong type of shoe, you could end up in even more pain. The right shoe is critical for success.

Spence_

Make sure you have the proper shoes as Spence stated. Ice, ibuprofen, a complex vitamin B and either Glucosmine or a combo of Glucosmine and Chondoritin. Do strengtehing exercises and stretches for that area

Don't want to disagree but I was looking into Glucosmine too and noticed how pricey it was... I ended up asking my mum's boss who's a foot surgeon about it and he said it was a waste of time/money for a 23 year old. So I guess it depends on age and whether you have the spare cash :P Of course, the jury's out on Glucosmine in general, though.

Just thought I'd share!

TheDoctor90

Thanks for the advice. I'll invest in some ice packs.
I'd better do my research on running shoes. I have a pair of Nike Lunar Lite. Not sure if they're any good but hey ho.