shin splints, I think...

somanyrhoades

Ok, so I started doing Couch to 5k, and now I am ridiculously sore in the shins and muscles in my anterior calves. They hurt so bad and feel like they are on fire. Last time I jogged was tuesday, and I wanted to resume my workout wednesday afternoon, but my shins are in so much pain I cannot fathom even taking a fast paced walk. I can barely walk at a regular pace. I tried ibuprofen, it was no help. I also took and epsoms salt bath which helped a litte, but only temporarily. Anything I can do to help ease the pain? Also wondering if I should resume the C25K workout I had planned for tomorrow even if the pain is still there or if I should give it another few days to heal up. They really, really hurt, and I'm not being a baby, I have a high pain tolerance but this outrageous and really discouraging.

meerkat70

Rest for at least a week.
Stretch your calves.
Make sure your stretch well after every run.

Ice your shins 2-3 times a day.

meeper123

How old are your shoes? Might be time for some new ones. Also if running on a tredmill dont run at 0% its an unnatural position try at least a 2% incline it helps also yoga is fantastic for runners oh def rest til your better!

somanyrhoades

How old are your shoes? Might be time for some new ones. Also if running on a tredmill dont run at 0% its an unnatural position try at least a 2% incline it helps also yoga is fantastic for runners oh def rest til your better!

I stretch for like 15 minutes before and after running, shoes are only a couple of months old, I run outside on pavement and I do yoga 2-3 times a week (which I LOVE). I'm afraid if I rest too long I will lose my motivation... but I guess it's more important to let myself heal. Anyone know how long this will take to clear up?

Justkeepswimmin

How old are your shoes? Might be time for some new ones. Also if running on a tredmill dont run at 0% its an unnatural position try at least a 2% incline it helps also yoga is fantastic for runners oh def rest til your better!

I stretch for like 15 minutes before and after running, shoes are only a couple of months old, I run outside on pavement and I do yoga 2-3 times a week (which I LOVE). I'm afraid if I rest too long I will lose my motivation... but I guess it's more important to let myself heal. Anyone know how long this will take to clear up?

Okayyyy now that that's settled, rest. It really depends. When training for my 1/2 last fall I got splints and really took almost 2 weeks where I did just strength training that wouldn't stress my lower legs at all. I would do light walks, but I rather would get rid of it long term then have it repeatedly return. Maybe take a week off and try the elliptical and if that works transition back to running. Also google for youtube video's on stride. I changed my stride a lot and it didn't come back. I stopped running on the cement sidewalk and only run on the high school track or treadmill or trail running (yes it's boring to go around a track 40-50 times).