Shin splints = end of running for me? :(

Demmuscles
Demmuscles Posts: 228 Member
in Fitness and Exercise
Hi guys, in the last few months I have discovered a real love for running, even coming 3rd out of the females and 9th overall in a 7k run a few weeks back....BUT the last 3 or 4 runs I have had a pain in my leg shin/calf that has made me have to stop and walk. I think it could be shin splints? Maybe just cramp? I dunno but I warm up well so I don't know how to avoid it. Is there something I can do to help, or is this likely to happen all the time now?

Ta

Replies

  • makeitbetter
    makeitbetter Posts: 40
    It sounds like shin splints. I had a recurrnig problem with them and thought I'd have to give up running. It doesn't have to be the end. Let it completely heal before you run again. Ice helps. Ibuprofen helped me. Stretching before and after definitely helps me too. If you haven't already done this, try getting fitted at your local running shoe store. The right shoes make a big difference. I also shortened my stride and use a mid-foot strike instead of a heel strike. I run slower but I'm slowly building speed with the new stride. If you're still worried, see your doctor to make sure it isn't a hair line fracture.
  • scottb81
    scottb81 Posts: 2,538 Member
    Shin splints heal and nearly every runner has had them at some point. Try stretching your shins by tracing the alphabet with your foot several times a day.
  • torylinnangel
    torylinnangel Posts: 253
    I used to be an avid track and field athlete. shin splints were nothing unusual. they do hurt a bit, but you can tape up your legs for while you run. make sure you stretch before hand, and afterward. Ice your shins as well.
  • LadyVivica
    LadyVivica Posts: 84 Member
    QUESTION: Is it shin splints when its not exactly in your shin but on the top of the foot and ankle going up to the lower shin? Or is that something else? I can't run or walk fast now cuz it hurts, not too bad but bad enough to prevent me from doing anything cardio.
  • Dawna954
    Dawna954 Posts: 183 Member
    TAKE CARE OF IT!!!!
    I didn't and ended up with a stress fracture that took 18weeks to heal.
    Many shin splints are caused by either pronation or supination of the foot. Have you checked to see if you may benefit from orthodics? It solved my problem.
  • liog
    liog Posts: 347 Member
    I was having a problem a few weeks back with shin splints. I didn't push it so mine weren't too bad, but still painful. I'd give them a little time to heal. Ice your shins and maybe see how you feel in a week or two and ease back into running. Good stretching before and after a run really help. I also bought compression sleeves and I have worn them on every run and for a while after each run since the shin splints.
  • em9371
    em9371 Posts: 1,047 Member
    It's not the end of running.
    Shin splints are usually caused by overtraining or not having the correct shoes.

    If you have the right running shoes, cut back the amount of running you do until it improves.

    If you don't have proper running shoes, go to a specialised running store where they will watch you run and recommend a shoe based on your foot shape and running style.
  • wbgolden
    wbgolden Posts: 2,066 Member
    this dude knows what he's talking about:

    http://www.myfitnesspal.com/topics/show/322021-help-with-your-shin-splints
  • pmkelly409
    pmkelly409 Posts: 1,646 Member
    I went to a specialty shoe store and invested in orthotics/ arch support inserts and they changed my life. No more foot pain or shin splints. I also stretch my calves and ankles a lot more before I run now too.
  • amylynn96
    amylynn96 Posts: 114 Member
    QUESTION: Is it shin splints when its not exactly in your shin but on the top of the foot and ankle going up to the lower shin? Or is that something else? I can't run or walk fast now cuz it hurts, not too bad but bad enough to prevent me from doing anything cardio.

    Same here I have massive ankle pain going up and around my shins. Its not shin splints because its in my ankles its extremely frusterating because I literally can not run or anything high impact and I don't have a reason why. Ive heard it all..new sneakers..stretching...seen doctors..easing into it..nothing helps and no answers :grumble:
  • meerkat70
    meerkat70 Posts: 4,605 Member
    get your shoes checked. my shin issues are almost completely gone, withthe right shoes. i also wear a calf brace which helped a lot.
  • Demmuscles
    Demmuscles Posts: 228 Member
    Thanks heaps everyone :-D
  • SPNLuver83
    SPNLuver83 Posts: 2,050 Member
    get new shoes! i've heard many ppl say once they got fitted for motion control or stability shoes their shin splits went away.
  • toomanycurves
    toomanycurves Posts: 110 Member
    Nah. Don't give up running! Back when I ran regularly, and eagerly--except during bitter winter months-- I got shin splints during my annual first two weeks of running. A seasoned runner told me to take Arnica Montana sublingually and it helped a lot with the pain. I subsequently found it in a gel form at a homeopathic pharmacy and along with the little pellets, I started each running season nearly free of pain.

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