shin splints

justjenn1977

so I recently tried jogging. Got to where I could jog almost 1/2 a lap on the track. I had tremendous shin splints and tried to just push through them but it got to where I actually had bruises on my shins, and the pain felt like I was breaking my legs. I tried the dr scholls inserts in my shoes (I have some new balance but I am not sure what number) I also tried running bare foot on the grass (which I was told that would help) but that didn't. I tried stretching intensely before during and after a jog. I also stretch throughout the day ANYWAYS.

I know that I over pronate and that I land heavy on the front of my foot. I basically just STOPPED all together because the pain got to where I was not able to walk properly for days after trying to jog.

if it matters I am about 270# (down from 340). I want to jog again. I see the people jogging and they just look so happy. I am worried to try though because the pain was so intense!

I was told that I should take potassium but I am not deficient (borderline high and there is a history of cardiac problems in my family so I don't want to take it). Was also trying a b-complex in high doses (in case it was a nerve issue and not a muscle issue) which didn't help. I know that I am prone to lactic acid build up, but usually when I drink a lot of water and stretch well it doesn't bother me.

I am fine walking and hiking and mountain climbing, I don't know what it is about jogging though that causes me such pain. If you have any advice I would gladly appreciate it!!

thanks
Jenn

taryn_09

ive just recently gotten shin splints from running, i use to do 6 miles a day & then deciding i wanted quicker times and intervals was basically sprinting 3 miles daily. tore my legs to shreds knees bruised i noticed i had a lump on my ankle (form of shin splints) never really bothered me, i notice the knee pain more now. so the past two weeks ive supplemented cycle classes for running allowing myself a 2 mile jog mondays && 1.5 mile jog fridays its helped a lot.

being a trainer, heres one thing to keep in mind running puts tremendous pressure on your joints. when you are heavier it only adds more to it. id recommend one checking to make sure you have really good shoes (actually go get fitted for some that cater to your foot type / size) but also do more cycle / elliptical cardio until you have lost more weight because then your shins/ knees wont have as much weight to bare on them. or jog slowly for one day a week, i wouldnt recommend going for speed though because that is also another way to have a harder impact.

3dogsrunning

I feel your pain, literally, i did
Ditto the getting fitted for shoes.

Here is a great post on shin splints as well
http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/322021-help-with-your-shin-splints

justjenn1977

after reading that post... seems like I might be having hamstring issues... I haven't been doing my yoga as frequently as I had been,,, I think I will restart that routine (I do a LOT of lower leg stretching) and seriously work on my hamstrings and font of lower leg and then in a couple weeks try jogging again...

I am thinking that the kids are going to get me new tennies for mother's day

TheDoctor90

As above.
I've been getting them over the last two/three weeks, week 2 was really sore but decided to push through. I've found ice and ibuprofen immediately after the run decreases the recovery time significantly.

kjerstenkipp

Ice (i like to use frozen peas) your shins right after running, take some motrin (or another anti-inflammatory), and go to a running store to get fitted for shoes. I mean a real running store, not a Foot Locker....they have folks that run and understand the biomechanics behind running.

justjenn1977

I got new shoes...

been stretching the hamstrings...

ran twice (well jogged) and no pain...

I like my new shoes ;')