shin splints? Help!

hammersshells

I think I may be getting shin splints. About 6 weeks ago, the only exercise I ever got was walking. Now I am taking a jazz dance class, training for a 5K, and doing some hard core circuit training. I am pushing myself quite a bit--isn't that what we're supposed to do? So, lately I have had terrible pain on the lower insides j(not the front of my shins, but the inner parts of my shins) of both my legs during/ after running and dancing.

Is this shin splints? or fractures? And should I see a doctor?

Do I continue to work through the pain? or switch to lower impact activities until my legs heal?

How long will it take for them to heal?

I appreciate any help and advice you may have for me. Thanks!

kdanderson05

I'm not really sure what it is, but I always thought shin splints was the pain you felt in them while performing the activity. Maybe trying icing that area a couple times of day, and keeping it at a minimal. You could also look for remedies on google or something. Sorry I couldn't really be of any help!

femmerides

i had a similar pain. well kinda. i was working out a lot and my foot started hurting REALLY bad (kinda like when i fractured it last year). So instead of running for an hour, i'd alternate running and walking and just pretty much pushed through the pain. It lasted about 10 days and i've never had a problem with it since. my doctor said that my muscles were freaking out about the excess exercise and needed some time to adapt. once they did, it was like i never had pain.

m2kjenn

Maybe you should take a look at your shoes, if they are over worn they could be causing excess stress on certain parts of your leg, causing the pain. We have a running store here which will evalutate your running stride and style and recommend shoes based on that pattern. I've had shin splints before too, on the front part of my shin, generally caused by too much too soon from what I understand, take it easy for a few days and they should get better.

ilike2moveit

My shin splints have always been in the front. I get them alot and it's from not stretching and how you land on your foot. I'm not sure about the back part of the leg? Hopefully you'll get some answers that will help you.

slcobb001

Going from a light activity level to a stressed level will cause pain. The best way to tell is to figure out where the pain is coming from. If you think it is a bone.. Then press on that bone and see if it hurts. Stress it by a few mild jumps on it. Shin Splints are very small breaks in the bone and as such will hurt W/O a lot of effort.

If you have pain after you are done running and it isn't on the bone you probably don't have stress fractures, i.e. shin splints. However; you need to rest both for awhile and reduce you activity level. Your body is trying to tell you something... Best to listen to it.

Give it some rest and when you start again... plan and go slower, give your body time to adjust to the new activity level.

Also; shin splints need to be seen by your Dr. to insure that they don't get worse and completely side line you.

Hope this helps.